Leader of the Pack

LEADER OF THE PACK
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP TO THE HOSPITAL WITH THESE EXPERT BAG-PACKING TIPS

You've endured nine-plus months of nausea, backaches, restless sleep and something reminiscent of
Evander Holyfield's prize-winning jabs in your ribs—now comes the fun part. Before you head out to the
hospital to deliver, make sure you’ve packed enough to insure you’ll be as comfortable as possible during
your stay, but resist the urge to schlep your entire bedroom's contents. Unsure of what should go—and
stay? We enlisted the help of Randy Fink, M.D., an OB/GYN in Miami, and his wife, Stephanie, who just
finished unpacking her hospital bag. Here are their top tips for a bag well-packed.

Girl or boy? Either way, you’ll want to share your news as soon as possible, insist the Finks. Make sure you bring along a list of important phone numbers and email addresses.

Music can create any kind of mood you’d like, so pack a CD player or an iPod with speakers. “If you have the time, try and make a CD or playlist with your favorite songs just for this occasion,” advises Dr. Fink.

Take some sound advice via this iPod nano.
($214.99, www.bestbuy.com)

You never know when you might want to relive this experience, so bring along a camera and/or video recorder—and don’t forget to bring plenty of film/batteries/tapes. “If you’d like to film the actual birth, check with your OB first—for legal reasons, many hospitals don't allow this anymore,” says Dr. Fink.

It may not be a hotel, but you’ll be staying at least two nights. Bring toiletries including a toothbrush, toothpaste and your own shampoo and soap.Get Set—GO! with this postpartum skincare kit complete with chemical-free beauty products for mom and this handsome skincare set for dad.

($185, New Mom Gift Set, www.vedabayb.com; $75, The Refinery Gift Set, www.the-refinery.com)

In case Junior takes his or her sweet time coming out, bring along some diversions for while you’re in labor. Stephanie recommends playing cards, magazines, travel games.

If you are choosing to breastfeed, bring along a Boppy or other breastfeeding support pillow.

Breastfeeding is made easier with this versatile pillow by Bumpil. (www.bumpil.com)

There will be a lot of time spent in bed, so pack a comfy robe (don't forget you'll have visitors so make sure it's not your rattiest one!), slippers, warm socks and a nightgown that’s easy-on, easy-off. Dr. Fink advises also packing a nursing bra, even if you don't plan on breastfeeding. “Hey, you never know!” he says.

You never know how long labor will take, but you can pretty much be certain that the snacks in the cafeteria aren’t very tasty. Bring some of your labor partner’s favorite snacks and some of yours for postpartum time. “Stephanie had her friends bring her Gatorade and Diet Coke to her room after she delivered,” says Dr. Fink.

Cookies make for a great treat—hey, you deserve it!—for you and your visitors. These freshly baked gourmet ones from www.carolinacookie.com are delicious and delivered right to your door.

“Most hospitals won't let you have anything but ice chips once you're in that bed, so your lips will be super parched,” says Dr. Fink. To help keep your lips moisturized, bring your favorite lip balm. “You may want to ask your OB if you're allowed hard candies or popsicles; these can help too,” he says.

Unfortunately, your belly won’t be flat immediately after delivery (or months afterwards, but that’s another story…..). Bring along something comfortable to wear home (read: roomy and with an elastic waistband), especially if you have a c-section.

There's room for improvement in these perfect postpartum pants that will transition with you beyond the bump.
($75, Saint Grace Marlo Pants, www.lisakline.com)

Post-delivery, there’s gonna be a lot of ooze (sorry, there’s no prettier way to say it), so pack several pair of underwear you won’t mind throwing out. Stephanie also recommends bringing pads in a super size, as the hospital-grade pads that will probably be offered are pretty scratchy and bulky. “Better yet, get some Depends!” she recommends. “Many women swear they are not only more comfortable postpartum, but work better than anything else.”

Most importantly, make sure you have properly installed your infant car seat—you can't get the little one home with out it. If you have questions, get it inspected by your hospital or local police or fire station, many of which offer this service for free.

Baby will be an easy rider in these infant car seats.
($99, Graco Snugride with EPS and $199 Britax Unity Infant Car Seat)

Don't forget, your hospital is not in isolation nor is it 100 miles from your house. If you forget something, don't panic; someone will be able to bring you whatever you want whether he or she goes to your home to get it or goes to a local convenience store. Your short stay in the hospital should be happy, calm and worry-free—you'll have enough to worry about once you're rolled through those doors.

—Hallie Goodfriend

Hallie Goodfriend, a writer in Princeton Junction, NJ, is due with her first baby in July 2007.