The basics: you've probably already thought of these, but...
- Admission forms/papers
- Baby name book
- Camera and/or video camera
- Film and tapes
- Cash
- Phone/phone card
- Charger for your phone (don't forget this one)
- Gift for a sibling
- Health insurance card
- Pregnancy/birth reference book
- Birth plan (if you have one)
Additional items to consider for labor:
- Birth ball
- Facecloth from home (maybe with a distinct color or pattern, so it doesn't wind up in the hospital laundry)
- Hot water bottle
- Lollipops and hard candy (for dry mouth)
- Lotion and/or powder (for massage)
- Massage/aromatherapy oils
- Tennis balls (for back massage)
- Watch or stopwatch (with a second hand for timing contractions)
Additional items to consider for the comforts of home:
- Books/magazines
- Small cooler with drinks and snacks
- CD/audio player
- CDs
- Extra pillow (maybe with a colored pillowcase, so it doesn't get into hospital laundry)
Additional items to consider for your partner:
- Change of clothes
- Snacks
- Reading material
Additional items to consider for after the baby arrives:
- Address book
- Baby book
- Thank you cards/notes
- Large bag to bring home gifts and hospital supplies
- Phone number list
Additional items to consider for clothing:
- Bathrobe
- Loose, comfortable outfits
- Nightgown
- Nursing bras
- Nursing pads
- Slippers
- Thick socks
- Underwear
Additional items to consider for personal care:
- Barrettes/hairbands (ponytail holder)
- Body soap
- Brush/comb
- Contact lens case/lens supplies
- Dental floss
- Deodorant
- Earplugs
- Eyeshade
- Facial soap
- Glasses
- Lip balm/ChapStick
- Lotion
- Makeup/cosmetics
- Maxi-pads
- Mouthwash/breath mints
- Prescription medications you're taking
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
Additional items to consider for the baby:
- Approved car seat
- Diapers for the trip home
- Going-home outfit
- Hat/cap
- Receiving blankets
