Halter/jog bra, swim top for going in and out of shower or tub, swim bottoms or shorts that can get wet.
Nursing bras and pads
Underwear (several pairs)
Adult diapers or Heavy-duty menstrual pads (usually provided by hospitals — ask first)
Reading and writing materials
Money for vending machines or visitor parking
Health insurance card, photo ID, debit card
Going-home clothing
Old, soft towels, wash cloths for warm/cold compresses
small hand /stroller fan
HypnoBirthing book, spiral, recordings on your device
Affirmation posts and tape
We're a HypnoBirthing Family door sign
Rebozo or birthing shawl
Cleaning wipes for birthing ball, etc...
For the Birth Companion:
Extra copies of the Birth Preferences for the hospital staff
Birth Companion’s Prompt pages (from spiral) and Rainbow Relaxation script
HypnoBirthing spiral for deepening scripts, or take photos of the deepening scripts so you have them.
Personal supplies (toothbrush, breath freshener, deodorant, shaver)
Food for snacks, such as sandwiches, fruit, crackers, beverages (consider beforehand what they will do to your breath)
Sweater/sweatshirt
Change of clothes
Music of your own for re-charging your energy
Swimsuit so you can accompany the mother in the shower
Writing materials, journal, pens
Other reading materials, or handwork, for slow times when the mother does not need your help
Phone numbers of people to call during or after labor
Cell phone with battery recharger
Camera (still or video), film or videotape, batteries
Your HypnoBirthing affirmations and notebook for Mom and Partner
Movies, audiobooks, games in case of induction or rest for Mom
"We are a HypnoBirthing Family" door tag
For the Baby:
Undershirt or onesie
Outer clothing (hat, warm clothing)
Receiving blanket
Car seat
For the Trip to the Hospital or Birth Center:
A full tank of gas
A blanket and pillow in the car
Extra towels for mom to sit on
A shower curtain or garbage bags for the car seat
More suggestions for preparing for birth:
Pack your birth bag at week 34 (you can get everything out and stage it, but the birth companion should pack it so they know where everything is). Keep it in your car if temperature allows.
Arrange for baby-sitting & household help, if needed now, and for when you come home. A housekeeper even once or twice a week is an amazing gift to ask for in your registry.
Choose a pediatrician or family practice physician for your child. Interview several.
You will get a Group B Strep test at week 35-37. As a prevention measure, consider taking a daily, high dose, enteric-coated probiotic. Also keep in mind that semen kills Group B Strep. Group B Strep is an opportunistic bacteria that comes from the rectum, so remember to wipe from front to back, and cut out the foods that would feed it (white sugar, white flour, white rice, processed foods) and eat the foods that discourage its growth (plenty of vegetables and whole foods).
Take a breastfeeding class, infant CPR and a care of the newborn class.
Arrange for diaper service or stock up on diapers. YouTube videos are great for learning how to diaper.
Prepare food in advance and freeze it in individual serving containers(chicken soup is great!). You can also request frozen meals at your baby shower, and a phone tree of friends who bring meals to you is great. It doesn’t have to be dinner: they can bring you food any time of day in exchange for seeing you and the baby.
GET A LOT OF SLEEP. DO NOT burn the candle at both ends right before birth. Your birth will go much better if you are well-rested ahead of time. If you don’t sleep well at night, take naps during the day. Be a sleep magnet.
Stay in touch with your doula. Do not "wait until you need her," and call her if you think you do.
