Mother’s List of Items for Labor:
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Lip balm
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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Gown and robe (if she prefers them to hospital clothes)
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Shower cap
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Plastic Container that can be frozen with ice or cold soft-drink can – for pressure and cold on lower back
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Warm socks and slippers
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Hair ties or “scrunchies”
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Tapes or CDs of favorite relaxing music, and tape or CD player
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Personal focal point (pictures of anything, flowers) to focus on during contractions
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Favorite juice, Popsicles, electrolyte-balanced beverage (such as Gatorade), or Rite-Aid Pediatric Electrolyte pops (this brand does NOT have aspartame, like Pedialyte Pops) in a cooler
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Fan (small, hand-held, battery operated is best)
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Pillows from home (use brightly colored cases to distinguish from your birth place’s linens)
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Cornstarch or unscented oil for massage
Birth partner’s list (if using one):
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Copy of the Birth Plan
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Watch with second hand
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Grooming supplies (toothbrush, breath freshener, deodorant, shaver)
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Food for snacks, such as sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers, beverages (consider beforehand what they will do to your breath)
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Sweater
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Change of clothes
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Swimsuit so you can accompany the mother in the shower
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Paper and pencil
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Reading materials, or handwork for slow times when the mother does not need your help
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Phone numbers of people to call during or after labor
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Change or credit card for pay phone
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Camera with film and batteries (still or video)
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Extra film or videotape
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Baby book for getting the footprints done by the nurse when she does the paperwork
For the mother’s use during the postpartum period:(note: this should be packed separately and brought into the hospital on the day of discharge – this does not belong in the labor room)
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Gowns that open in front for breastfeeding, (unless she prefers hospital gowns)
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Robe and slippers
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Cosmetics, toilet articles
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Witch Hazel for perineal care
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Tasty snack foods, such as fruit, nuts, cheese and crackers – her favorite treats
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Nursing bras
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Reading and writing materials, address book, birth announcements
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Money for incidentals
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Going-home clothing (you will still be about 5-6 months pregnant-looking)
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Waterproof pads for the car ride
For the baby: (note: this should be packed separately and brought into the hospital on the day of discharge – this does not belong in the labor room)
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Car seat (this should be correctly installed in the car prior to the due date)
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Receiving blanket for baby
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Outside blanket, bunting, booties and cap for baby
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Going home outfit (nightgown or stretch suit)
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Undershirt
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Diapers