What to Pack in Your Delivery Day Hospital Bag: Newborn Photographer in Atlanta, GA
As a newborn photographer in Atlanta, GA, I get the opportunity to talk to many mamas about their baby’s journey into the world. I hear all of the amazing stories, but I also hear a lot of horror stories about all of the things they forgot to pack in their delivery day bag! I thought it was time we talked about it, cleared the air and made sure you were properly prepped! So, from hair brushes to baby clothes, what do you really need in your baby delivery hospital bag?
The “You 100% Without Question NEED These”
Okay…not to start out on a boring note here mamas but let’s talk about the documents. You can’t prep all of these in advance necessarily, but I want you to keep them in mind!
· Your ID/driver’s license
· Your medical insurance cards (or at least a photocopy of them)
· A list of any medications or materials you are allergic to (such as latex or certain pain killers)
· Your birth plan
Okay, now the slightly less boring needs!
· Newborn baby clothes and swaddles. Sometimes the hospitals will provide these, but it’s nice to have!
· Post-partum products such as heavy-duty pads and nipple cream if you’re breast feeding
· Bottles if you plan to bottle/formula feed (just in case the hospital doesn’t have any on hand)
· A comfortable outfit to wear home – something loose, don’t worry about fashion here ladies
· Electronic chargers (cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc.)
The “You’ll Be Thankful You Brought Them”
There are several items I’ve had come up in conversation as a newborn photographer in Atlanta, GA that aren’t necessarily needs but…you’ll be thankful they’re in the bag!
· Toiletries. Bring a toothbrush/toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a face wash or wipes, even dry shampoo. Sometimes labor lasts longer than expected and you just want to feel clean and refreshed!
· Hair ties and headbands. Believe me, there is nothing more irritating than being in labor and having your hair just flopping all over the place!
· Nursing bras for breastfeeding. They’ll make your life so much easier.
· Cozy socks or slippers for your feet. They may get cold, and you’ll want (or have) to walk around at some point!
· Diversions. There may come a time when you need a distraction and hospital cable TV just isn’t going to do the trick. Bring a juicy book, some cross words, or prepare your favorite TV show episodes on a tablet.
· Snacks. What you’ll be able to eat pre-delivery will be limited and up to your practitioner. However, post-delivery, you’re going to be hungry! While your partner goes out and grabs whatever it is you’ve been craving, it may be helpful to have some of your favorite snacks on hand to hold you over.
· Extra pairs of underwear (you might be there awhile!)
The “If You Can Squeeze Them In…Do It”
Lastly, I want to include a few items that you may want in your baby delivery bag if you can fit them in!
· An extra bag for all the free goodies you’ll likely get from the hospital
· A soft bath robe for walking around in during labor and after delivery
· An extra-long phone charger
· Your favorite pillow or blanket
· Massage oils or lotions
· A journal for tracking all of their first little moments!
Final Thoughts on What to Pack in Your Delivery Day Hospital Bag
No matter what you do, there will likely be things you forget and will have to send your spouse back for. It happens to all of us! However, I hope this list helped off set that a little bit for you so that you can focus on delivering your little one on their birthday!
I look forward to talking all about your baby’s special day during your session with me as your newborn photographer in Atlanta, GA! Make sure you book your session in advance so that you don’t have to worry about it after they arrive!