This is it, it’s the real deal. You just realized you are in labor and it is time to head to the hospital! Thoughts are racing in your brain; your heart is pumping. Have peace of mind that you’re prepared by reading this post on how to have an organized hospital stay!
Please note, I only recommend products I have personally used. I also receive commissions on qualifying purchases as an Amazon affiliate when readers purchase products by clicking on the links provided in blue!
Create a Hospital Bag Inventory
I packed my hospital bag three months before my due date just in case of a premature delivery. Packing so early caused me to wonder, “Did I remember to pack extra socks?” Unpack. “Did I pack something warm?” Ugh! Unpack again and check. Finally, I put an end to the late-night wondering thoughts and created an inventory! Here’s how:
Creating an Inventory in a Word document or Google Docs is best because it’s easy to add or remove items.
If your hospital bag has compartments, create a category for each. For example, my duffel bag had one main and two side pockets, so my categories were “left pocket, main compartment, right pocket.”
It is important to add every single item to your list. Don’t just write outfit, write pants, shirt, socks, etc. This will help you not to forget an item.
Realize you’re missing something while packing? Type it in your list and then highlight, bold and make extra-large. This will be a visual reminder you still that item.
Your list should look something like this:
Once you have your list completed, print out two copies: one for your bag and a 2nd for your partner’s overnight bag. Place the list in a main compartment on top/in front for easy access.
The inventory comes in handy while at the hospital too! After Berry was born, I was holding her, tied up to an IV and exhausted. I asked my husband for cleansing wipes. All he had to do was look at the list and know exactly where to go. It made things super easy.
When packing, compartmentalize your items for easy access using packing cubes like these. These organizers will free up space allowing more to be packed.
Medication/ Supplement List
I had two false alarm visits to the hospital during my pregnancy. Both visits I was asked by several different nurses and doctors about my medication: name, dosage and what was it used for.
I was only taking four supplements, but I became annoyed having to repeat it so much. I decided after my false alarm to type and print out my medication information. I made it the size of an index card and included my full name, date of birth, medication name, dosage and the purpose. I laminated it and had it packed in a front compartment of my bag for easy access.
When I was finally at the hospital in actual labor, I whipped out my list (thank God, because I could barely talk during the contractions). The nurses LOVED it and made photocopies for other medical staff members who would need it during my stay. “I can’t believe how organized you are!” exclaimed one of the nurses.
I do not know if all hospitals follow the same questioning protocol, but a few minutes preparing your list can make things easier for you and your medical team come delivery time. I would recommend this to anyone who takes medication or vitamin supplements. Give an extra copy to your hospital delivery partner.
Print Hospital Instructions
With Coronavirus many hospital tours and classes are cancelled leaving expecting moms to rely on finding out what to do the day of on their own. I was one of those moms!
Check ahead of time on where to physically go in the hospital when in labor, parking and visitor information.
Type out all the instructions and keep a copy in your vehicle and hospital bag. While on the way to the hospital, I pulled out my instructions to review. “Ok, go to lobby and take the silver elevators to the 2nd floor and turn right,” I told my husband. “Leave the keys at the desk for valet parking after 5 p.m.”
Having the information to review helps to calm you and help you out if your mind goes blank!
Research Nearby Eateries
Is there such a thing as good hospital food? After giving birth, I wanted decent food and decent portions. My husband and I decided to ditch the unpleasant hospital tray and order food from somewhere near the hospital.
I wish I would have researched places to eat ahead of time and printed the menus with the restaurant’s contact information. We wasted time searching on our phones, zooming in on a restaurant’s downloaded menu trying to read it, not finding anything and starting the process over again. Do they deliver? How far are they? Meanwhile, medical staff were in and out of the room to take vitals or speak to us. It was over an hour from us beginning to look for food by the time we found a place and ordered.
Especially if you have certain dietary needs, I recommend finding one or two places to order food from ahead of time if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Save Pediatrician’s Information in Phone
By the third trimester you should have a pediatrician picked out. Go ahead and save the practice name, phone number and doctor’s name in your phone. You are usually asked for this information at the hospital and some require you to call while there to schedule your newborn’s first visit. You’ll need this number for future appointments anyways.
Wishing you a happy, safe delivery!
