Birth Bag Tips and Checklist Washington DC

Whether you're giving birth at a hospital or birthing center, it doesn't so much matter the where as the 'what' to bring with you. Remember, only bring what makes sense to you and leave your valuables at home -- it will be one less thing to worry about. This is a comprehensive list that you can use as a guide to pick and choose the items that seem right for you.

Things you can do before you go into labor

Pack items into the car:

• Keep your bag(s) in the car you use, especially when going to see the midwife.
• Install the car seat properly.
• Keep the gas tanks full.
• Include two pillows with garbage bags over the pillow like a pillowcase, possibly with pillowcases over the garbage bags. These are useful because you can sit on them even if your water breaks.
• Bring along a barf bag or two, since people in labor may throw up
• Bring a few towels

Miscellaneous things to prepare for:

• Keep pets' food and water bowls full and the litter box clean (pregnant ladies, not you -- get your partner to do it). If you need to make special arrangements for your favorite canine or feathered friend, now is the time to do it.
• Ask a friend to run errands if you need anything at the last minute.

Items that are helpful for labor:

Clothing Items:

• Don't wear your own socks during delivery! They are most likely going to get trashed after the delivery! Or if you really want to you can bring a really, old pair of socks for delivery. Slippers for after everything is done is nice too.
• Labor and delivery shirt. Make sure it's comfortable and long enough if you wish to cover up your lower portions. If you're going to be outside at all, say at a birthing pool, you'll want to have a change of clothes for each stage (more likely you won't want any).
• Sarong
• Loose underwear

Toiletries:

Unless your place of birth has all of these items, you'll want the comforts of home to clean up after birthing: