Keepsake items are important to any new mother but they are very important to birthmothers because they provide her with a tangible way to remember her child and remember the short time they spent together in the hospital.

Keepsake items are going to differ from mother to mother. What I consider a treasured item may not be a treasure to the next mother, so keep what is meaningful and important to you.

These items are YOURS to keep. If you are worried about your child’s adoptive mother receiving any of the keepsake items, talk with the hospital staff. Many times they are more than happy to provide you with two of the items so that you may have one as well as your baby’s adoptive mother.

Some common keepsake items that you may want to hang onto are listed below.

• Crib card that identifies your child’s gender and sometimes name



• The hospital bracelets (yours and the baby’s)



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• The “souvenir” birth certificate that contains your baby’s footprints



• Hospital blanket(s) that your child was wrapped up in



• Bottle used to feed your child



• The little hat that they put on the baby’s head to keep it warm


• Any cards you receive while in the hospital



• Hospital photos



• Print out of the heartbeat or contraction monitors



• Ultrasound photos

If you receive flowers while in the hospital, you could dry and press a few of the flowers.

The hospital experience is an overwhelming and emotional time so it may be wise to ask a trusted friend or family member (or even your labor support person) to help you remember to get these items and get them home for safe keeping. Once home store them in a keepsake box or incorporate them into a life book or scrapbook of your experience.


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Other Posts in this Series:
Hospital Series Introduction
Labor Support Person
Creating a Birth Plan
Prospective Adoptive Parents in the Delivery Room
Visitors in the Hospital
Packing Your Bag
Spending Time with Your Baby