What will I need?
What will I need for the baby?
What should my partner bring?
What is provided to you by the Birth Center?

What will I need? 

If you can, find out in advance what items the hospital provides for you during and after labor and what you will need to bring. You might want to talk with a member of the hospital staff or other women who have delivered at that hospital. 

Consider packing the following items, unless you know the hospital provides them for you: 

• your blue U of M hospital registration card, any prenatal reports, insurance information, and papers related to your stay at the hospital that your doctor or midwife does not already have in your records
• two nightgowns (or pajama tops and bottoms) with openings in front (front openings are helpful if you plan to breast-feed and for exams) 
• comfortable bathrobe and slippers 
• several changes of underwear, socks and bras (nursing bras if you plan to breast-feed)   
• an extra pillow
• toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and lipbalm or vaseline
• comb, brush, and barrettes or ties for long hair & cosmetics (as desired)
• shampoo and conditioner , blow dryer, curling iron
• glasses (contact lenses will be removed during any surgery) 
• pad and pencil (good for writing down questions to ask your health care providers) 
• books or magazines
• camera
• change for vending machines 
• loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes to wear home (you won't have your pre-pregnancy figure back yet); for example, a sweatsuit with a drawstring waist 
• favorite snacks and juices for nourishment during labor
• music tapes or CDs and a portable stereo for music during labor
• telephone calling card number and phone numbers of friends and family to call after the delivery 
• cell phones may not be used while in the Birth Center (they interfere with some of the equipment in the hospital)

Do not bring large sums of money or valuables with you to the hospital. 

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What will I need for the baby? 

• name, address and phone number of the health care provider you plan to see for your baby's care (family practice doctor, pediatrician, or nurse practiioner)
• an outfit for baby's picture (insert here link to photo information which I don't at present have) and for the baby to go home in
• mittens or an extra pair of socks to cover the hands if the baby's nails are long (so they won't scratch the face)
• receiving blanket(s) for the baby to go home in (all hospital linen must remain in the hospital) 
• heavy blanket, sweater, and hat if weather is cold. 
• a properly prepared and installed infant car seat (in most states including Michigan, it is against the law to hold the newborn baby in your lap while you are riding in a car). 

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What should my partner bring? 

Your partner might also want to pack a small bag ahead of time with comfortable clothing, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, and other necessities. Your partner may also bring copies of any prenatal reports, insurance information, papers related to your stay at the hospital, and a telphone calling card.

If you choose to have your children with you anytime during your hospital stay, you must have another adult with them to watch and help them.  We suggest this is a different person than your primary support person.

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