Packing My Hospital Bag

Since we are rounding the corner to delivering our little bundle of joy, our latest doctor's visit also consisted of showing us the delivery room ( which I got to give it a practice run in the laboring chair), and the nurse ran through a list of "must-haves" when I come to the birth center to deliver.

I am sure most of you are familiar with what U.S. woman usually bring to the hospital. It tends to be pretty much just an overnight bag for Mom, and an outfit for your baby to come home in. Pretty standard and simple.

Good thing we have a list of what to bring to our birth center because it feels like we will be moving in for a week!

Here is the list of what Justin and I will have to bring to the birth center when we go to deliver. Good thing we have a large vehicle!

• First things first. It was BOLDED and UNDERLINED that we should NOT bring in any chocolate or cake. The nurse was very persistent on this as she demonstrated through body language that it must be bad for breast feeding...at least that is what I got out of it.

• The next thing is pretty standard anywhere. Our Insurance card and my blue pregnancy book which houses all my details of my pregnancy and tests that they have given throughout my pregnancy.

• I am to pack 3 bath towels and 3-4 face towels. I guess these are not provided. I hope they have laundry, because I think we only have 3 bath towels total in our apartment.

• Shampoo and soap...again another pretty standard item to the States

• Fork and Chopsticks. I get served food but with no utensils I guess. They didn't say anything about a cup or a glass so that must be provided.

• Since Justin is able to stay in my room with me throughout my week stay. He will need to bring a blanket, towel, and pillow for himself.

• Slippers for both Justin and I

• Clothes for myself...but not just any clothes...in particular button down pajamas.

• "Mommy Underwear". I had to have my translator, Tomoko, explain what this meant. I have never seen such a pair of underwear. We were told that they sell them at a store called "Birthday", which I thought was a party store. These underwear actually open up with buttons or velcro (demonstrated below)

• 1 box of Kleenex tissues

• All in one bag that I drop off with the nurses upon my arrival will be:

1. 1 weeks worth of baby clothes for our boy
2. face towels
3. "Gauze" mini towels- we weren't really sure what this was either so the nurse came and showed us what they look like. They are soft little towels for the baby. We will be in search of these soon.

That is hopefully all that we will need when we check in to the birth center. I better start packing and finding my items sooner than later! :)