It’s almost that time! Congratulations! Ok, so before you panic about what you’ll need for your oh so luxurious hospital stay, we’ve got you covered! I asked hundreds of local moms what their Hospital Bag Must Have’s were and this is what they had to say!

MUST-HAVES:

• ID, insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one)
• Head Band/elastics (you will want nothing touching your face!)
• Water Bottle (with Straw)
• Warm- non skid socks, that you don’t mind ruining ( you will want them to walk the halls during & after labour)
• Lip Chap (hospitals are so dry!)
• Camera (extra memory card, battery/charger)
• Gum
• 2 Maternity Bras (no underwire)-  Whether or not you choose to breastfeed , your breasts are likely to be tender and swollen when your milk comes in, which can happen anytime during the first several days after delivery. A good bra can provide some comfort, and breast pads can be added to help absorb leaks.
• Basic toiletries- hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, face wash ( wipes are best) , makeup (as if), shampoo ( DRY SHAMPOO), conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution. ( Travel size is best!)
• Snacks &/or change for vending machine ( incase the cafeteria is closed)
• Note pad and pen (for tracking baby’s feedings, pees and poops)
• Flipflops ( that you don’t mind throwing out after)
• Eyeglasses, if you wear them. Even if you usually wear contact lenses, you may not want to deal with them while you’re in the hospital.
• Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)
• Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth.
• Dark, high waisted (stretchy) PJs. (that you don’t mind ruining)
• A going-home outfit. Bring something roomy and easy to get into and a pair of flat, comfortable shoes.
• A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner

TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT:

• Huge Pads &/or Adult diapers ( you’re laughing, but just wait)
• Disposable undies ( you can find these in the medical section at Shoppers Drug-mart)
• Nipple Cream
• Nursing Pillow
• Music
• Portable DVD Player and Movies
• Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)
• A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)
• Bath towel (the hospital ones are small and thin)
• Very light reading material (think mindless gossip magazines)
• Breast pump, if you plan to use one
• Ear plugs

FOR BABY:

• Diapers, wipes & diaper rash cream
• 2 or 3 one piece pjs
• 2 or 3 receiving blankets
• Going home outfit (onesie, pants, hat and socks)
• Scratch mitts
• Jacket suitable to the weather
• Infant car seat
• Warm blanket ( for the ride home)