Is There a Charge for Baggage?

Unlike the airlines, hospitals are not currently charging for the amount of things that you bring to the hospital. I have had several questions regarding what is really needed at the hospital and what is provided. Well, here it is in a large nutshell.

The hospital will provide:

• pillows. Unfortunately, they are in limited supply so if you want extras I suggest that you bring them. Please remember that the hospital uses white pillowcases and we want to prevent loss or confusion so put your pillows in colored cases.
• gowns. They are the standard hospital gown. We can double them up to make sure that you have full coverage or you can bring a robe. You can also use your own gowns after delivery. Labor and delivery can be a messy event so you might prefer to use ours during that time. Sometimes during natural labors/births women prefer to wear a sports bra and skirt.
• baby shirts. You can certainly bring the baby some outfits from home but keep in mind that a blue dye is applied to the baby's umbilical cord. If that dye gets wet it stains everything that it comes into contact with, including your baby's cute clothes. I would certainly suggest bringing an outfit or two for pictures but recommend that the baby wear one of our shirts most of the time.
• baby blankets for swaddling. If the baby will need one for the ride home you will need to provide it.

Things you will need to bring:

• CAR SEAT. Please have it ready to go home.
• toiletries for you and your support person. A hairdryer may also be needed.
• clothes to wear home and for you stay if you desire. Bring extra underwear.
• a bra... well fitted nursing bra or a sports bra if you are not breastfeeding.
• cameras and extra batteries.
• cellphone and charger.
• lip balm. Hospitals tend to have drier air to prevent bacterial growth.
• snacks for the support person during labor and for everyone after delivery.

Suggested but not necessary:

• a Boppy or my Brest Friend to use if breastfeeding.
• rice pack for use during labor.
• mp3 player or CD player.
• massage oils or lotions.
• back roller massager.

The following can be provided by the hospital but usually at a charge or you can bring:

• sanitary pads
• tucks pads (witch hazel)
• dermaplast (numbing spray, brands may vary)
• hemorrhoid cream
• ibuprofen
• docusate sodium (colace)
• diapers
• wipes

I hope this has been helpful. I may have to edit this from time to time so please check back.