Twin Pregnancy: What to Pack for the Hospital Stay

Author: Kelliann Bateman

What to Pack

Pregnancy can be unnerving. A pregnancy with multiples can be twice as unnerving AND unpredictable. There is a good chance that you will enter labor early, be prepared. Have all your personal items (and babies') packed well in advance. Labor has a way of fogging clear thinking, and trust me, once labor hits, you will not feel like packing!

Clothes

• Nightgowns or pajamas--make sure they button down the front if you plan to breastfeed. During labor you will be provided with a hospital gown, but after delivery, you will feel better if you can put on your own personal clothes.
• Nursing Bras (if breastfeeding) or supportive sports bras.
• Panties (you will not like the big net panties provided by the hospital)
• Robe and slippers (a must if you are visiting babies in the NICU)
• An outfit to wear home (you won't fit into your skinny jeans after having twins)

Toiletries

• Comb/hair brush
• Hair dryer/curling iron or other styling products you would normally use.
• Make-up
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Soap
• Bath towel (the hospital will provide this of course, but you will be happy to have your own)
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Maxi Pads (the pads provided by the hospital feel more like a mattress and do not stay in place)

Miscellaneous

• Bottled Mineral Water
• Camera and extra film
• Saltines
• Suckers/Lollipops
• "To Call" Telephone List
• Birthing Plan
• Hospital Papers
• Insurance Documentation
• A novel or magazine

For Partner

• Snacks
• Reading material
• Copy of Birthing Plan
• Telephone List

For Babies (depending on how early your babies' arrival--they may have a prolonged stay)

• Baby Book
• Clothes for the Trip Home
• Diapers/wipes
• Formula if you do not plan to breastfeed (although most hospitals will provide this for you)

New Mom Tip:

If NICU is inevitable or even likely, and you plan to breastfeed, you may want to be prepared with a breastfeeding pump. Skip the frustration that coincides with the use of a manual pump and plan on a good electric pump. You can purchase one for around $400 or you can rent one for around $50 a month, which is a good deal when you consider the cost of formula. Although the hospital should provide one for you during your stay, I found myself in the unfortunate situation of the hospital not having one available. When a pump did become available, the tubing was not. I had to scramble to find a rental on short notice and found myself leaving the hospital to travel across town while my boys were in NICU. I would have saved myself an inordinate amount of frustration and anxiety had I been prepared in advance.

For more facts about twin pregnancy and pregnancy with multiples, visit www.twinpregnancyinfo.com. The Mother's Resource for a Healthy and Informed Pregnancy.

About the Author:

Kelliann has writing expertise in the areas of health, fitness, and nutrition. Kelliann also has intimate knowledge of high-risk pregnancy, twin and multiple birth, and maternal health. She is founder and editor of both TwinPregnancy.info and FitWithTwins.com, where expectant and new mothers find the latest information on pregnancy with multiples and post-pregnancy fitness. For further information please contact Kelliann at ThePen@kelliannbateman.com

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