The Big Day Checklist

The best way to meet the d-day is to be prepared. Remember, its a beautiful and life-changing experience. You should enjoy the moment. So here is a list that should help you to get prepared.

Hospital Bag Checklist

• Office related stuff
  1. Admission forms/papers [Most hospitals circulate admission forms/papers well ahead. Make sure you have them all filled-up and turned it in. You don't want to be sitting in pain and filling it up]
  2. Health Insurance card
• For Labor Room
  1. Music System & your fav music in CD or mp3 player [this is very soothing!]
  2. Pair of socks - Your feet can get really cold [Most hospitals provide it]
  3. Hard candy or lollipop for dry mouth. Hopsitals give you ice chips. Lipbalm is a good idea post-delivery
  4. Hair band or pins to keep the hair off your face
  5. Phone. Remember the charger
  6. Camera/Video Cam - Most hospitals permit them. Check with yours
  7. Carry some cash but not too much
  8. These were the things I pretty much needed however when you browse through the American checklists you will also find
     1. Focal Point - A photograph of your loved one
     2. Massage oil - Remember Lamaze!!!
• Partner's bag - Pl don't underestimate the importance. Your partner has to remain fresh to be able to give you the support you need at that hour
  1. Change clothes
  2. His/her favorite snacks. You don't want them to go out and shop snacks when you are in labor
  3. Magazines/Books
  4. Toiletry
• Other things that should go in
  1. Loose comfortable outfits
  2. Night Gowns
  3. Pair of slippers
  4. Nursing Bras
  5. Nursing Pad
  6. Underwear [cotton ones are good]
  7. Toothbrush
  8. Toothpaste
  9. Soap
  10. Deo/Fragrance
  11. Face wash, Moisturizer etc
  12. Everyday cosmetics
  13. Maxipads - Few should do [Hospital provides. But just to be safe]
  14. Prescription medication you take regularly. However consult your doc before you take any medicine
  15. Shampoo/Conditioner
  16. Room freshner
  17. A comfortable dress that you can wear back home
• Baby's bag
  1. Going home outfit [Jumpsuits, snowsuit or sweater, depending on the season ]
  2. Swaddle Me or Receiving blankets
  3. Mittens and socks
  4. Pacifier
  5. Car Seat - Remember to have the Car Seat Base installed and most of the times its not as easy as it seems. There are stations that help you with the installation and they also inspect child seat safety for already installed cars. To locate the closest station http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm Website Recommendation: http://www.edmunds.com/advice/womenfamilies/articles/104581/article.html
• Carry another bag to bring home gifts and hospital supplies