As the exciting date becomes nearer, you'll need to pack your suitcase for your hospital stay.
Your bag should include things for you and your baby. Although you will be given a hospital gown to wear while you are in labor and delivery, you will probably want to change into your own pajamas once you are settled into your room after the baby is born. If you are going to have a caesarian section delivery, you will be in the hospital for a couple of days longer than a normal vaginal delivery. This means you will need to pack a couple of extra changes of clothes.
You will need to bring clothes to wear home. Many women do not want to put on one of their maternity outfits, but keep in mind that these may be the most comfortable clothes for you to wear. Don't expect to bounce back into your pre-pregnancy clothes while you are still in the hospital. You will want to put on something that is comfortable. Stretchy clothes will be your best bet.
You can pack slippers to wear in the hospital, along with socks, underwear, bras, and a robe. You may also want to pack inexpensive rubber flip-flops to wear in the shower. Don't forget to pack any toiletries and cosmetics that you normally use. Even though you will be in bed for a day or so, you will probably have several visitors. Although you may not have a lot of spare time, it is a good idea to bring magazines and maybe a novel or two. Your hospital will let you know whether they allow cell phones in the room or not.
Some hospitals allow husbands to share a hospital room with their wives. If your hospital allows this, your husband will want to pack his own bag.
You will also want to pack some things for your baby either in your bag or in a separate bag. You will want to include an outfit for your baby to wear home, an extra outfit, a one piece t-shirt, socks, hat, blanket, and warmer clothes if it is winter. Don't forget to bring the car seat. Most hospitals will not release babies without a car seat that is properly installed in a vehicle.
Finally, you may want to bring some snacks for both you and your husband. Although the hospital will provide you with three meals every day, you may want to bring some fruit, crackers, candy, etc, unless you are on a special diet. Your hospital stay will probably not be for very long, but you want to be as comfortable as possible.
