WHAT TO PACK FOR THE HOSPITAL

WHAT TO BRING

Prepare a bag to take with you while you labor so that you don’t have to go through the house at the last minute packing.

• Change of clothes, including underwear
• Sports bra and ace bandage to bind your breasts to prevent milk from coming in
• Toiletries
• Music, if you wish
• Camera

PHOTOGRAPHER

You and your birth coach will be very busy during the birth of your baby. Some women choose to bring in a photographer to catch all the special moments on camera. Talk with the Adoptive Family about your wishes, they may want to hire a photographer for you. Many photographers specialize in birth photography and will stay in the background to capture candid, intimate moments. You might also consider newborn pictures of the baby, pictures with you, and pictures with the Adoptive Family.

ADOPTIVE FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Start thinking about what level of involvement you want the Adoptive Family to have.

• Do you want them there during the birth?
• Do you want them to cut the cord?
• Do you want them to have a hospital ID band for access to the nursery?
• Do you want them to come only after the baby is born?

It is important to remember that you have a voice, you get to choose, and you are in charge.

DOWNLOAD the full “Pregnancy & Adoption Planning Guide” here