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.