What To Pack In Your Hospital BagIdentification, National Health Insurance CardPre-admittance Form (provided by your doctor) and Hospital Registration Card Birthing plan, if you’ve written one Resource books Camera and film, or video recorder to capture the moment Water bottle and juice or other favorite beverage for during labor Most menus are Chinese so if you want anything else, bring it. Fresh fruit and juice for your room are always a good idea. Comfy clothes, socks or slippers, housecoat, pajamas. If breastfeeding, remember to make sure they are breast-feeding friendly. Nursing bra Underwear and maternity pads for lochia (disposable undies recommended; most hospitals will provide these but bring some extras just in case) Going-home clothes for baby: undershirt or onesie, infant gown, mittens (babies have very sharp nails), booties, hat, receiving blanket (for swaddling the newborn) or bunting (winter). Going-home clothes for you: remember that you’ll still have a tummy so think "roomy". Hairbrush, deodorant, toiletries and makeup Heavy socks for chilly feet Towel and washcloth Infant Carseat Address book for phone numbers to announce the news Phone card or mobile phone for calling friends and family Other items that might make your labor/hospital stay a bit more comfortable: Reading material, crossword puzzles, etc."Focal point" for labor Ponytail holder—to keep hair out of your face Relaxing music and walkman/cassette player Tennis balls for applying pressure to sore spots, or other massage tool Massage oil or lotion Extra pillows Extra blanket Obviously, some items must be packed in your bag ahead of time, and some items, such as the carseat and take-me-home-clothes, can be brought to the hospital later by your spouse. I went into labor about one month before my estimated due date, and packed my bag that same day, but it helped to have this checklist on file (sometimes it pays to be a packrat) from the previous pregnancy. Have a suggestion for something to add to the checklist or information to share? Join us at the Family Forum today! We want you! Have a birth story, blog, family journal, poetry, short story, or a photo you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us at
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