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Preparing for Labor
The sooner you prepare for labor the better. It's already going to be stressful enough when the time comes or when you start having contractions. It will be very difficult to near impossible to attempt to rush around or have someone else rush around for you to gather the items that you will need to bring to the hospital, let alone remembering what you need.
How to Prepare
- look into what hospital you wish to deliver at
- fill out pre-admittance forms for the hospital you decide on. Otherwise you will have to do this before they admit you and while you are having contractions. Why make yourself more uncomfortable that you have to be?
- if you have a condition which will prevent you from having a normal delivery, contact the appropriate specialists
- decide ahead of time on whether you wish to have pain killers, and if so, what kind
- pack a bag full of items that you will need for you and the baby during your stay in the hospital
- talk to your employer about the possibility of getting maternity leave compensation and the dates that you will need off
- make a plan for the care of any children or pets you have
- have a plan for how you will get to the hospital (e.g., designate someone to be the driver and have a backup just in case)
- have a list of contact numbers with you at all times, which includes your doctor, the hospital, your spouse's job, the driver, friends or family who wish to be present, and the individual who has agreed to keep an eye on your kids and/or pets
Hospital Stay Items Checklist
For You |
For the Baby |
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camera or video camera special outfit to take pictures in pajamas and under clothing slippers soap shampoo and conditioner toothbrush and toothpaste nursing bra clothes to go home in |
pajamas outfit to take pictures in baby book for footprints hat and mittens blanket burp pad pacifier carseat powder clothes to go home in |
Copyright © 2007, 2009 Christina Bell