Pack Yo' Bags, Mama: A Birthing Center Checklist
Congratulations, Pretty Mama! You're in the final stretch! Bet you just can't wait until that glorious moment when you finally meet that little one that's been busy growing, wiggling and hiccuping in your belly for nearly the past year!
Your mind and bod may be totally weary by now from all the work that has been done to grow this beautiful being, but before you kick up your heels and bide the time before Baby makes his big entrance, make sure you're ready for that moment - for some, it comes on very slowly, and there's time to prepare the house, pack bags, etc. For other mamas, labor comes on quickly, and there's no time to do anything but birth... the kicker is, there's only one person in the whole world who knows which kind of labor you'll experience, and he's not talking!
If you've chosen a birthing center as your place to deliver, you'll find your list to be a bit different. For instance, you are able to eat and drink as you like, so be sure to remember some of your favorite, supersnacks to get you through the most intense marathon you'll ever endure!
For You:
√ Your Birth Plan - 5 copies (link)
√ Snacks
√ List of desired meals (many birthing centers will make meals as requested!)
√ Your photo ID/driver's license
√ Insurance card
√ Any completed paperwork required by the hospital
√ The baby book!
√ Glasses/contacts, if you wear 'em
√ Cell phone
√ Call list (some savvy mamas pre-program a text message with recipients so that they can announce Baby's arrival with just a click or two)
√ Notepad + pen
√ Laptop + plug
√ Camera + film/memory
√ Batteries!
√ Toiletries:
- Toothbrush + paste
- Deodorant
- Comb + brush
- Makeup
- Shampoo + conditioner
- Fave soap or body wash
- Lotion
- Nipple cream
- Nursing pads
- Hair product
- Hair band, barrettes, etc (if you have long hair, chances are, you'll be ready to shave it off at some point in labor... best bring something to tie it back, instead)
√ Bathrobe
√ Cute nightgown (request to wear your own clothes, if it makes you feel better!)
√ Bras - nursing bra, too!
√ Big 'ol undies (though the hospital will provide some uber-comfy disposable ones, as well)
√ Bikini top, if you'll be in the water at any point during labor
√ Slippers/flip-flops
√ Music of choice + something to play it on, like your iPod
√ Visualization image to hang in your field of vision during labor
√ Breath mints/gum
√ Your own water vessel, if you have a favorite
√ Big brother/sister gift for other siblings
√ Homecoming outfit (comfort is key, Mamas!)
For Your Birthing Partner:
√ ID
√ Change of clothes
√ Toiletries
- Toothbrush + paste
- Deodorant
√ Swim trunks, if your partner plans to be in the water with you
√ Cell phone
For Baby:
√ A properly installed car seat
√ Receiving blankies
√ Swaddling
√ Nail clippers or emory board
√ Homecoming outfit | 
