A comfort object from home to help during labor (a stuffed animal, picture of your children, sonogram picture of baby, whatever makes you feel good).

Address Book-For calling family and friends to share the good news.

Lollipops or hard candy to suck on during delivery.

Money (just enough for vending machines or cafeteria food).  This comes in handy in case your labor coach wants something to eat or drink.  Usually labor coaches/husbands are offered only juice or coffee and their on their own for food.

Food and drink-An even better idea to keep your partner from being in the cafeteria at the wrong time.  Pack lots of snacks, pb&j's, juice, water, etc.  You may be surprised how hungry and thirsty your birthing coach can get helping you during labor.

If you have a favorite food you can pack it too and eat it after delivery!  (Women in labor are usually only offered ice chips to help prevent nausea).

Bottle of sparkling grape juice or wine-Celebrate the birth of your child with your beverage of choice.  Some couples pack plastic champagne glasses in their suitcases to add to the specialness of the occasion.

Video tapes (movies) or cassette tapes/cd's of your favorite soothing music to pass the time during labor.  Most hospitals have this kind of equipment available.

Video cameras and snap shot cameras for taking those first special pictures of baby.  Make sure you come prepared with plenty of film, check to make sure the batteries are changed and test them ahead of time to make sure they work properly.

Baby Name book-  If you haven't yet decided on the perfect name for your little one. You may also want to bring books on baby care.

Baby Book-Bring your child's baby book to obtain fingerprints after birth and to record first moments with your baby.

What to Pack for Baby:

It's both exciting and difficult to pack for a baby you've never even seen.  Many new moms underestimate just how tiny their new little one will be.  Plan to pack several seasonal outfits (size 0-3 for most babies) as each outfit may fit different.  Many babies under 7 pounds can actually wear preemie sizes those first few days!  On average, newborn sizes work well, and baby will fill them out in a few weeks.

2-3 baby outfits-(if your not sure what the weather will be, vary you outfit choices to accommodate any weather condition.)

Hats and booties-These are good in any weather.

burp rags- spitting up is very common in newborns so be prepared with lots of these!

newborn diapers (the hospital will provide you with diapers in the hospital as well as with some to take home, so this is only necessary if you are wanting to use a specific brand).

receiving blankets- to "wrap" or "swaddle" your baby in.

Pacifier (if you choose to use one).  Bottle with your choice of nipple (if desired).  Hospitals will supply bottles and formula for your baby in the hospital if you choose not to nurse.

Leave at home:

Valuables you do not want to lose or misplace such as watches or jewelry.  

Final thoughts:

Remember, if you forget something you can always have someone retrieve the item for you.  Hospitals usually have everything you actually need available.  Packing your suitcase ahead of time will ensure that you can now focus exclusively on the most important part of this whole process:  your baby.

Related topics:

Waiting for baby  Suggestions on what to do while waiting those final weeks of pregnancy.

Preparing for your new baby  A list of the basics you'll need when bringing baby home.

Be prepared for baby