If you are on home bedrest, here are some things to do to get ready for your hospital stay:

• Work on a birth plan. For ideas, see the Resources section of this article or do an internet search for “birth plans”.
• Have someone else pack the following for your hospital stay. You will need these items whenever you deliver:
  • Birth plan and any supplies.
  • Camera and/or video camera as well as film, batteries, camera charger.
  • Address book and phone numbers of anyone you would like to have with you at the hospital, including the name and phone number of a representative from your faith if there is a religious or cultural ceremony you would like performed at the birth.
  • Baby clothing, blankets, and other items you already have for your baby.
  • Laptop computer, charger, and dial-up number of your internet service provider in case the hospital does not have wi-fi.
  • Toiletries such as, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, hairbrush, hairclips or ties, lip balm, lotion, makeup.
  • Family photos.
  • Notebook and pen for writing down instructions or notes, and keeping a log of medications, health care team names, and visitors.
  • Cell phone and charger (if permitted by your hospital).
  • Change of clothes, bra, underwear.
• If you know you will be staying in the hospital for an extended time on bedrest, the following is a list of items that may make your stay more pleasant:
  • Nightgown, robe, slippers, socks
  • Calendar
  • Clock
  • Books, magazines, craft projects
  • Your own pillow and/or favorite blanket
  • Earplugs and eyeshades
  • Journal
  • Scented soap
  • Hard candy (especially if you’ll be taking magnesium sulfate)
  • Lined paper to make a sign-in sheet to hang on your door if you are not up to seeing visitors
  • Your own towels
  • Air freshener
  • Books on prematurity
  • Back scratcher and/or reacher

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This information was compiled by the members of the PROM list. Nothing on this page should be taken as medical advice. A doctor should be consulted before undertaking any of the medical treatments or methods recommended by the members of the list.