Preparing for the Hospital: Birth Plan & Packing Tips for Mom-to-Be by Ann Marie G. Halstead

Moms-to-be have a lot to consider when preparing for their little one’s arrival! From setting up the nursery to choosing their baby’s name, from writing a birth plan to packing for the hospital, there's a lot to think about.

Elisa Schmitz met with Dr. Shayna Mancuso to listen to her advice about birth plans and packing for the hospital. Read on to learn more, mom-to-be. 

Q. What is a birth plan?

"A birth plan is very important," says Dr. Mancuso. "It is a written plan which helps to open up the lines of communication between mom-to-be and the doctor or midwife. It’s a list of mom’s preferences for the labor and delivery experience. It’s important to remember that it it’s about preferences and not necessarily hard and fast rules by which your delivery might go. Your birth plan may include information about: your partner, labor augmentation, fetal monitoring, positioning during delivery, music, lighting, pain relief, who will cut the umbilical cord, when you’d like to hold your baby for the first time, when/how often baby will stay in your room, circumcision, post-delivery visitors, and so on."[img]

Q. Part of your birth plan is knowing what to pack for the hospital. What do you think are the essentials for a mom-to-be to put into their bag?

• "Towel (you’ll appreciate having your own).
• Change of clothes.
• Loose fitting nightgown or other type of pajamas.
• Warm, cozy socks.
• A soothing focal point (a photo, small piece of art, etc.).
• Books and magazines.
• Essential toiletries.
• Massage lotion or oil (so birth partner can give mom a massage!).
• Sweater or sweatshirt for birth partner (hospitals are notoriously chilly).
• Hard candy and lollipops (for a touch of sugar and to help keep mom’s mouth moistened).
• Snacks for birth partner.
• Phone for communication, photos and videos.
• Music playlist with mom’s selected songs.
• Baby’s going home outfit.
• Car seat (the hospital will not release you with your baby without a car seat!)."

"Practice installing the car seat a couple of times in advance. It can be a little tricky!" adds Elisa.

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