The Ultimate Surrogate Hospital Bag Checklist
Are you a surrogate mother preparing for your delivery day? It’s one of the most exciting parts of the entire process as you are finally able to give the gift of life to the intended parents. Here at Road to Baby Surrogacy and Egg Donation Agency, we made a promise to be there for you throughout every step of your pregnancy, and delivery day is no different!
Being prepared for delivery is crucial for any pregnant woman, and it’s necessary to ensure that the big day doesn’t sneak up on you. In today’s post, we’ll help you prepare for delivery with a surrogate hospital bag checklist that includes everything you need for a successful delivery. Download the entire checklist here, or keep reading below to learn more about the basics.
Legal and Insurance Documents
Hospitals require legal documentation up front. Make sure your bag has your ID, medical cards, insurance documents, and any other legal documents agreed upon with the intended parents.
Birth Plan
Many intended parents, surrogate mothers, and physicians create a birth plan prior to the delivery day to help the process go smoothly. If you have created one, pack your hospital bag with multiple copies so that everyone involved in the process is on the same page.
Comfortable Hospital Clothes
It’s important to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible throughout your time at the hospital, and clothing plays a large role in that. There are many things to keep in mind when packing clothing for your hospital bag, including:
Bathrobe — A soft bathrobe is beneficial for pacing around during labor or spending time in the hospital after delivery.
Slippers & Flip-Flops — A cozy pair of slippers will also help for walking around during labor, and flip-flops can be worn in the shower.
Nightgown — Make sure you have something comfortable to sleep in during your stay at the hospital.
Bras & Underwear — Pack several pairs of comfortable underwear and bras to last you your entire visit.
Maternity Clothes — Maternity clothes that fit well between the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy will likely be comfortable to wear home after delivery.
Toiletries and Hygiene Items
Packing ample toiletries and hygiene supplies is something that might get overlooked when throwing together your hospital bag. While hospitals may provide some items, it’s important to pack your own to be comfortable:
Body Lotion & Oil — Many surrogate mothers find a massage during labor to be relaxing. Packing body lotion or massage oil can provide some stress relief during your visit.
Shower Materials — Include shampoo, conditioner, and soap in your hospital bag so you can shower comfortably.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste — Freshening up during your stay can help you feel more relaxed.
Moisturizer — Your skin is likely to feel much drier than normal during labor, so make sure to make enough moisturizer and lip balm to stay comfortable.
Heavy-Duty Maternity Pads — While the hospital may provide some maternity pads, those that you bring from home will likely be softer and more absorbent than those from the hospital.
Entertainment
When packing your hospital bag, make sure to include forms of entertainment to keep you relaxed throughout your visit. Books, tablets, music, magazines, and phones are all common forms of entertainment to pack, and make sure you pack your charger for all electronics as well.
Snacks
By this time you know what you crave, so make sure to pack along your favorite snacks and drinks to help satiate you during labor. Hospitals will provide meals, but having those additional snacks you crave between meals will make you happier during labor.
Delivery day is such an exciting time for surrogate mothers and intended parents alike, and we are committed to helping you have the best experience possible. Here at Road to Baby Surrogacy and Egg Donation Agency, our team members are always here to answer questions and provide support throughout your pregnancy. Download our full surrogate hospital bag checklist, or reach out to us with any questions you may have!