Overnight Bag (think 3night stay): o Your own face masks (hospital will provide if you do not bring one) o Toiletries for each parent (toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant, lotion, shampoo, etc.) o Electronic chargers (phone, iPad, camera, etc.) o Your own pillow, pajamas and clothes (you’ll still look about 6mo, so bring loose fitting and/or maternity) o Partner pillow, pajamas, clothing, and a sweatshirt o Nursing Bra and/or nursing tank tops o White noise machine to encourage better rest o Copy of insurance information and your ID Baby items: o 2-3 Baby outfits o Blanket to wrap baby in o Infant car seat – Bring with you into the hospital when you arrive in labor, or for your scheduled induction or cesarean o Pediatrician or Family Practice doctor and doctor’s office information o Your own brand of diapers* (This is optional; most Minneapolis/St.Paul hospitals have pampers for you to use during your stay) o Your own brand of wipes* (This is optional; most Minneapolis/St.Paul hospitals have dry wipes for you to wet down with warm water from the bathroom for you to use during your stay) o Your own brand of an infant formula* (This is optional; all Minneapolis/St.Paul hospitals have donor breastmilk and formula to use if supplementing is recommended. Also, if supplementing is recommended and your goal is to 100% breastfeed your baby your breastmilk, please contact a lactation professional.) For Labor: o Gallon ZipLoc Bags, to make ice packs o Rebozo o Lacrosse Balls (for massage bottom and hips, plus great for counterpressure on lower back) o Other massage tools8 (optional) o Massage oil (coconut or almond oil are great, and if looking for odorless try cornstarch) o Lip Balm o Essential oils or other favorite scents (i.e. lavender, lemongrass, clary sage, peppermint, citrus, etc.) o Phone or iPod/iPad with your labor music lists ranging from energetic to soothing o Blue tooth speaker o Small Tripod to set up smartphone or tablet to talk with your virtual doula or take photos o A comfy wardrobe (i.e. knee-length skirt/dress, robe, slippers, soft bra easily removed, & warm socks) o Swim top/Bralette to stay covered, if desired, while in tub for hydrotherapy o Partner bring your swimsuit too if joining birther in the tub for better hands-on support. o Electric tea light candles or simple string of lights to bring dim lighting o Camera/video camera o Copies of birth plan/birth wish list/preferences o Copies of your labor/birth mantras and affirmations o Copies of your labor/birth visual encouragements or inspiring photos Food for your Labor and Stay (partner may not be able to leave to grab food, so plan to bring some extra meals that the hospital will not be providing. Nurses can help bring items to the microwave to heat up when needed. Most Postpartum Recovery rooms have refrigerators, but not all labor&delivery rooms.): o Dates – Eating 6 dates/day in the last 4weeks of your pregnancy, evidence supports it can significantly shorten your labor and be more efficient. o Plain Water & Beverages with electrolytes (i.e. coconut water, gatorade, emergen-C, etc) – use a bottle with a straw (a water bottle for partner too) o Light snacks for birthing mom (i.e. Applesauce, Oatmeal, Pancakes/Waffles, Homemade energy bites, Broth, Raw Honey Sticks (broth and honey sticks are great to sip on if you have an epidural)) o Bigger snacks/meals for birthing partner and postpartum recovery birther (i.e. Sandwiches, Salads/Stirfrys/Grain Bowls, Soups, Trail mix, Granola bars, Nuts, Crackers & Cheese, Fresh fruit/Veggies, Other snacky items) o Breath Mints to be close to birther This list may seem big, but many of these items are quite small. And you never regret bringing extra snacks anywhere in life! Happy packing! |
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Alexia the DoulaBirth Doula, Childbirth Educator & Postpartum Doula serving Minneapolis, St Paul and the greater Twin Cities area. History
May 2022
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