Preparing for the Hospital

 
Babies are like dinner guests; most are either early or late but rarely arrive exactly on time. All jokes aside, since babies do not always arrive on the exact date predicted, it is important that the mother is ready ahead of time so she will not have to worry about being caught unprepared. It's probably a good idea to have her plans and items in place three weeks before her due date.

Pre-registration is important if the mother is planning to give birth in a hospital. If the paperwork and insurance matters are sorted out beforehand, the mother can go straight to her room on the day of labor.

While some hospitals provide rented infant car seats for new parents, the mother should check on this ahead of time and purchase one if necessary. Car seats are required by law.

In the weeks leading up to the birth, plan the mother's route of accessing the hospital and have the mother's companion practice it to make sure the route is familiar. The mother should never drive during labor; she should arrange beforehand to have a spouse, partner, family member or friend who is available day or night to drive the mother. Make sure there is enough gas in the tank and know where the appropriate entrances are at the hospital.

Packing a suitcase ahead of time is one of the most essential practices of preparing for labor. If you feel like labor has started, don't rush - the mother may even have time to take a quick shower and put on some makeup. The following is a checklist of things the mother may wish to pack in a suitcase to take to the hospital:

· 2 or 3 maternity bras
· Front opening cotton nightdresses
· Breast pads to absorb milk under your bra
· Bathrobe and slippers
· Warm socks
· Super-absorbent sanitary napkins
· Lip balm (for lips that may get dry during breathing exercises)
· Hard candy
· Toiletries for Mom and Dad
· Many pairs of cotton underwear
· Shampoo and Hairbrush
· Towels and washcloths
· Tapes or CDs and an appropriate player
· A book to read
· Snacks for your companion
· A watch for timing contractions
· Notepad and pen
· A camera with new film and batteries
· Glasses, instead of contact lenses

For your baby:

· Nightshirt or stretchy outfit
· Hat
· Baby blanket
· Car seat
· Diapers (if not provided by the hospital).

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