Sound Family Medicine delivered 629 babies in 2015! In fact, some of these sweet babes were born to the proud parents of our staff and providers. As many of our parents-to-be neared their delivery date, we started compiling the ultimate hospital packing list by sharing favorites among the team. We hope that our list of favorites will help fill your hospital bag with everything you will need (and want!) to welcome your sweet bundle into the world.
What to Pack for Mommy
Some mommies can find themselves in labor for a couple of hours or a couple of days so make sure you pack items that will help you feel comfortable. You’ll find that a range of must-haves to luxurious splurges can help you feel your best while recovering too.
- Insurance information, hospital forms and birth plan (if you created one) – Lori, quality improvement assistant
- Nonskid socks for walking around the hospital and flip flops for the shower
- Pajamas and soft robe (extra sleepwear depending on how long you stay in the hospital) – Taura, patient services
- Comfortable and loose-fitting clothes to wear home
- Maternity bras (no underwire), nursing tank top, nursing pads and breast pump if you plan to use one
- Lip balm and lotion to stay moisturized as hospitals can be very dry – Chris, marketing director
- Toiletries will be provided in most hospitals although you may prefer to bring your own if you have a favorite toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner or lotion
- Eye glasses and/or contact case and contact lens solution
- Any medications that you take – Brandy, pharmacy technician
- Headband, scrunchie, or ponytail band
- Sugar-free hard candy (candy with sugar will make you thirsty) or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor
- A few thank you notes. You will be forever grateful for the nurses and medical assistants that assist you in taking care of you and your new baby, but you likely won’t see them again after you leave the hospital and it’s always nice to let them know they are appreciated – Darlene, phone operator
- Belly band (I loved mine!) – Kirsti, referral coordinator
- Donut pillow to sit on for the car ride home – Rita, medical assistant
- Breast feeding pillow (your shoulder and back will love you for this) – Gerie, medical assistant
- Lansinoh cream for breastfeeding mommies – Myriah, medical assistant
- For my wife, one of the most memorable aspects of childbirth was the first meal after labor because everything tastes so good after that effort, even the cafeteria tuna sandwich – Dr. Aversa, Medical Director
- If you’ve got yourself, a kicking baby, a supportive partner, and a car seat you’re blessed and ready and that’s all you need – Dr. Meyer
- CHOCOLATE – Gerie, medical assistant
What to Pack for Baby
Most hospitals will make sure you have everything you need before leaving the hospital – diapers, baby wipes, formula samples, and even bulb syringe. Consider packing baby’s new diaper bag with the following items to make sure baby has a comfortable homecoming (and that you have something to carry some goodies home with too!).
- A first outfit. Whether it is the outfit the baby goes home in, or some newborn photos. I had photos taken at the hospital the day after my daughter was born. – Brittanie, medical assistant.
- A soft and cozy blanket, especially if it’s cold outside.
- Extra mittens, it’s amazing how much and how bad babies scratch their faces! – Keiva, medical assistant
- Baby fingernail clippers or a mini emery board
- Diary to write your first thoughts – Tracie Jefferson, PA
- A binkie or pacifier
What to Pack for Daddy
Birth partners have a big job too! Help dad prepare for baby’s birth day by packing these items to keep him prepared and comfortable too.
- Ensure the car is gassed and ready – Kevin, Human Resources Director
- Comfortable clothes to sleep in – Dr. Wells
- Selfie stick – Tracie Jefferson, PA
- A thank you card from mommy congratulating him on becoming a daddy and how much you care about him – Dorian, medical records
- Cards and games like crossword puzzles – Lori, quality improvement assistant
- A BIG coffee cup. The hospital has coffee and tea for Daddy’s and visitors but the cups are so small – Keiva, medical assistant
- Cash for comfort food (daddies don’t usually get food served to them while at the hospital) – Myriah, medical assistant
- A frame to place daddy’s first picture with baby for keepsake – Dorian, medical records
- Chargers for phone, tablet and camera devices – Krystal, patient services
- A reminder to be patient. This can be a difficult time, especially for a new Mom who is scared and anxious about bringing a little one into this world. Mommies need as little stress and worry as they can get. Be patient and work through her emotions with her. – Lisa, medical assistant
We love delivering babies. For more than 30 years, the healthcare team at Sound Family Medicine has helped deliver sweet newborns in Pierce County. Learn more about our OB/GYN and maternity services for answers to the most asked questions. Whether you’re expecting or have already welcomed your bundle of joy, we want to congratulate you on your growing family!
