If you’re planning to have your baby in a birthing center, your midwife will tell you what to bring and what to expect once you arrive. Do as much as you can a few weeks before your due date so that you don’t have to rush around getting everything organized at the last minute, and you are at least partly prepared if your baby comes early.

WHAT TO TAKE

Whether you’re having your baby in a freestanding birthing center or in a hospital that offers birthing rooms called LDR-labor/delivery/recovery or LDRPs-labor/delivery/recovery/ postpartum - you will need to bring the same things: clothing for yourself and the baby - including newborn diapers - your labor comfort aids, and your personal effects.

For you You will need a couple maternity bras, underpants, a nightgown that opens in the front or a pair of comfortable pajamas, breast pads, super-absorbent sanitary pads, a pair of warm socks, toiletries, (including soap, your toothbrush and toothpaste, your comb and brush, makeup and tissues); and, if you like, bring a towel, a washcloth, a pair of slippers, and a bathrobe. If you wear glasses or contact lenses be sure to bring them. You may also want to bring a camera, a CD player and some soothing music, your cell phone, and a list of important phone numbers. Double check to be sure you’ve brought your health insurance card, any registration forms that may be needed, and your ID.

For your baby A few newborn diapers and an infant car seat - for the ride home with your new baby - should be at the top of your list of things to bring to the birthing center or hospital, but you’ll also need to bring some essential baby clothes, such as a couple pairs of footed pajamas, a soft hat, a couple baby nighties, and one or two receiving blankets.