5 Items To Bring To The Hospital For Labor & Delivery

You have made it to the home stretch of your pregnancy and you are almost ready to meet your baby.  Got the car seat?  Check.  Washed the baby’s new clothes?  Check.  Here is a list that I have put together of some great items that should make the trip with you to Labor and Delivery.  You won’t want to be without some of these.

1.  Lip Balm – All the huffing and puffing of labor can leave your lips feeling dry and chapped.  Be sure to pack yourself a good lip balm.  I personally love Kiehl’s Lip Balm No. 1 and I have also started using Mambino Organics Kissable Lips Lip Balm recently since I ordered some for Madre Gear.  I hate when lip balm feels waxy or makes your lips addicted or dependent but neither Kiehl’s nor Mambino have this effect, and instead leave you lips feeling hydrated and smooth.  Mambino Organics also takes it a step further by making all of its products, including this lip balm totally vegan and eco-friendly, even their packaging is environmentally friendly.  Mambino Lip Balm also has a great, light orange scent.  You’ll love it!

2.  Nursing Bra and Nursing Supplies- If you are going to nurse your baby then you will definitely need a nursing bra for easy access.  I think that in the early days you want a comfortable, non-restrictive nursing bra.  You might be leaking as your milk comes in and it is best to have a bra that will allow for a little expansion!  Don’t forget the nursing pads either.  I really love the Lansinoh nursing pads as they are comfortable and don’t leave huge “rings and circles” design through your shirt, indicating to everyone around that you have something in there.  A great choice is the Melinda G Soft Cup Nursing Bra, as it is comfortable and also has a little room to stretch.  The Melinda G Soft Cup Nursing Bra  retails for $36.00.You will also want to pack a soothing nipple balm to get you through those first few days of sore nipples.  I love Lansinoh Nursing Balm and Earth Mama Angel Baby and you might also want to try our Mambino Organics Calendula Nursing Balm.   All three of these nursing balms also go the distance for remedying scrapes and chapped skin later on.   See more nursing bras and accessories in the nursing section at Madre Gear.

3.  Maternity and Nursing Pajamas – While I don’t suggest wearing your own pajamas until after delivery, these are nice to have when visitors come to see you and the new baby.  Sometimes a girl just wants to feel a little pulled together, right?  These pajamas do double duty carrying you through maternity and then breastfeeding.  Madre Gear carries several style and even offers robes if you feel you need an additional cover up for yourself.  Check out Majamas  MJ Maternity and Nursing Pajamas, the Majamas Lace Sleep Set, and Belabumbum Lotus Maternity and Nursing Chemise.

4.  Outfit for Baby – You will also need an outfit for the baby to come home in.  Consider this cute baby onesie by Georgie Tee to bring baby home in.  It reads “Freshly Baked” and is perfect for that new little freshly baked bundle!

5. Outfit for the New Mom – Don’t forget to bring an outfit for you to come home in as well.  Remember, that you will not be back in your pre-pregnancy jeans just yet, so it is best to bring clothes that were suitable for you when you were about six months pregnant.  I know, I know… but, unless you are Heidi Klum, forget it and bring the pregnancy pants with you!   Anyway, some great choices for your postpartum needs include the Belly Bandit, an abdominal compression garment that binds your postpartum belly and helps shrink and flatten your tummy back down to pre-pregnancy size.  If you are nursing, a good choice is the 1 in the Oven Just Baked Nursing Clothes Kit for new moms.  This kit includes soft supima modal cotton pants that are perfect for postpartum, a perfect nursing top, and 2 burp clothes.  It comes packaged in a wicker bassinet and makes a great gift, so put it on your wish list so that someone can surprise you with this one!

Of course, we have just touched on only a few things that you will need for Labor and Delivery.  Some other really important items to bring to the hospital are:

• - Insurance Cards and ID
• - Your Birth Plan
• - A journal to document labor and delivery / Baby’s Book
• - Lip Balm
• - Socks for Labor
• - Massage Oil
• - Items for labor, focal items
• - Music and MP3 player
• - Books and magazines
• - Hair bands to keep hair out of your way
• - Slippers
• - Cameras
• - Sanitary Pads
• - Toiletries including toothbrush and toothpaste
• - Make Up
• - Nursing Bras
• - Nursing Pads
• - Nursing Pillow
• - Clothes for going home (for Mom)
• - Clothes for going home (for Baby)
• - Car Seat
• - Diaper Bag
• - Blanket
• - Hat for Baby
• For Your Husband or Partner:
• - Change of clothes
• - Reading Material
• - Toothbrush
• - Snacks and drinks