What to Bring to the Hospital When Having a Baby

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Having a smooth childbirth experience is all about preparation. One way to be prepared is to pack a suitcase ahead of time so you are ready when it’s time to go to the hospital.

It’s a good idea to have your bag packed by the time your pregnancy is at 37 weeks, just in case you go into labor before your due date. Keep your “go-bag” near the door — or even in the car.

What to Bring for Your Hospital Stay

Here’s a list of items you will need or want while you’re in the hospital:

  • Health insurance card(s) and photo ID
  • Any papers your doctor has given you, such as lab orders, medication list and your medical history
  • Birth plan (Download one here)
  • Lists of phone numbers to call
  • Cellphone and phone charger or long-distance calling card
  • Camera and battery
  • Credit card or small amount of cash for vending machine or cafeteria
  • Reading material
  • Laptop or tablet
  • Headphones or Bluetooth speaker for music
  • Snacks for your partner
  • Overnight bag with clothes and toiletries

Items for Mom

  • Nightgown or pajamas that button down the front
  • Socks and slippers
  • Flip-flops
  • Nursing bra and underwear
  • Lip balm
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
  • Glasses and/or contacts
  • Sanitary pads
  • Loose-fitting clothes to wear home

Items for Baby

  • Receiving blanket
  • Clothes for baby to wear home
  • Infant car seat

Items NOT to Bring

  • Jewelry, including watches and rings
  • Large amount of cash
  • Gift cards
  • Checkbooks

What the Hospital Provides

  • Mesh panties
  • Ice packs
  • Postpartum pads
  • Peri bottle
  • Tucks pads
  • Sitz bath
  • Breast pads and breast pump kits
  • Infant diapers and wipes for use at the hospital
  • Formula
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Sleeping couch for designated support person
  • Smiling faces, help and education!

What to Expect from Norton Women’s Care

More mothers in Louisville and Southern Indiana choose to deliver their babies at Norton Hospital or Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital than with any other hospital system in the area.

We deliver more than 8,000 babies a year. We’re close to you with more than 90 providers at more than 25 locations around Louisville and Southern Indiana. Choosing Norton Women’s Care gives you many options for how delivery day could go — all with the confidence of knowing that our obstetrics and pediatric specialists are there to help. With Norton Women’s Care you’ll find:

  • The birth experience you want. You can choose natural childbirth, a midwife, labor tub, nitrous oxide and other birthing options. We’ll recommend a C-section (cesarean section) or induced labor only if it’s medically necessary.
  • Preparation. Our specialists offer the support you need, including free Lamaze and other childbirth classesnew parent classesbreastfeeding supportchild safety classes and more.
  • Confidence and quality in care. Norton Women’s Care has been recognized as High Performing — the highest rating available — for maternity care with fewer complications and C-sections, plus breastfeeding support and other benefits.
  • The highest level (Level IV) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Louisville and Southern Indiana at Norton Children’s Hospital, and a sophisticated Level III NICU at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
  • Around-the-clock OB/GYN care at Norton Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital emergency departments.
  • Board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialists who can help guide you through a high-risk pregnancy, from preexisting diabetes to a fetal echocardiogram to diagnose a congenital heart defect before a baby is born.
  • Convenient access to your medical record. Communicate with your health care provider, get lab results, renew prescriptions and more through your free MyNortonChart account.

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