Things To Pack In The Hospital Bag

Giving birth in a hospital requires at least a one night stay. Items needed are: gown (if you prefer to wear your own), underwear, pads, nursing bra and pads, slippers, socks, outfit to wear home (keeping in mind that you´ll still have a lot of that pregnancy weight on), baby´s going home outfit, at least 2 receiving blankets, diapers, wipes, toiletries, camera and film, clothes for the coach, snacks for you and coach, change for vending machines, money for coach to eat with, lollipops for laboring, lotion for massaging away labor pains, pillow (hospial pillows are uncomfortable) and any item you feel you cannot live without during labor and birth. Most hospitals do provide enough diapers, wipes and gowns for you and baby, pads and pants for you after birth and some toiletry items. Check with your hospital to find out what they provide and pack accordingly.

Are you a candidate for home birth?

Home birth is something you should consider if:

*You truly believe that you should birth at home.
*You have no known complications that make your delivery high risk.
*You feel prepared to handle the work of labor through natural means, and your history supports this.
*You live no more than 10-15 minutes from a hospital.

Midwife and Doctor

If you are planning a home birth - it is a good idea to have a midwife - be it certified or direct-entry. It´s also a good idea to have a doctor that you have seen for emergencies. This is part of your emergency back up plan.

Home Vs. Hospital Birth

Whether you choose to give birth at home or in a hospital depends upon a few things. If your pregnancy has progressed normally, if the baby is doing good and if you have quick access to a hospital in an emergency are good canidates for homebirth. If you desire pain relief during labor and delivery, the hospital may be a better choice. Utlimately it depends upon your preferences. Most doctors will not delivery a home birth - however midwives will. And in some states, having a home birth is against the law.

Birthing Center

If you are wanting a home birth but also want the security of a hospital birth perhaps a birthing center is a good choice for you. Birthing centers offer the best of both worlds and are excellent places to give birth if you are having a normal uncomplicated pregnancy.