Can I get some input from new mama's?

[newmommy7-08]

I'm putting together a hospital bag for my cousin who is pregnant with her first. She's so nervous about everything that I'm trying to help in any way that I can. So I decided to put a hospital bag together for her with things that she may not think of... or have on hand.

So far I have:
Travel size shampoo, deoderant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, q-tips, face cleanser and moisturizer, a&d ointment, tennis balls for labor, lotions.

I'm planning on picking up snacks, a few magazines, a baby book.

Is there anything else you wish you had had, or that you took with you to the hospital that was just invaluable!

Thanks!

[~Katie~]

All the travel toiletries are good, maybe a brush and hair ties if her hair is long enough would be good. Socks, stuff to drink (like gatoraid), some comfy nursing pajamas in case she doesn't want to wear the hospital gown. Lansinoh ointment and numbers for a LC and LLL leader. Chapstick. That's all I can think of for now.

[Madalyn]

I used vaseline instead of chapstick but I second Katie that it's definitely a must. The oxygen made my lips and nose area sooo dry.

The biggest regret for me was that I didn't have a proper bras and underwear for afterwards. I in no way anticipated how huge my boobs were going to get or the fact I'd end up having a c section. I was so uncomfortable for the first few days until I sent DH out to buy me sports bras while I waited for my nursing bra to be shipped and bigger higher waisted underwear to go over my incision.

Oh and maybe you could pick her up some of those new mini on the go toothbrushes crest (I think it's crest) has. I had some of those in my bag. That way she can feel 'fresh' mouthed even if she can't get out of the bed for any reason.

[CanBoo]

For the chaplips, I just use my lanolin...

We mentioned that a few months ago in the DDC: soft toilet paper.

[newmommy7-08]

Soft TP! That's a great one! I totally forgot how awful the hospital TP felt after having DS!

[ivymae]

Disposable camera. Murphy's Law says that the batteries will die on the nice camera, or that in the rush someone will forget it, or it will get dropped in the tub, or.. or.. or...

It never hurts to have an extra camera around for those moments that you can not miss the first time around.

[AustGirl]

Definitely the soft toilet paper.

My saviour in hospital was the travel size luxury body wash and puff. It was so nice to smell good after a shower and not just like soap or hospital hand gel.

I had my DH go out and get me some oversize cotton undies. The ones I had been wearing were a little too tight, and I found that all I wanted was very loose clothing.

[surprisedmama]

I loved my slippers. If you are walking the halls it is nice to have a little more than socks on. It is also good to have a pair that can be slipped on easy and can be washed after. A pillow. Also a robe for after to cover the back of the nighty. At my hospital I could get into my regular clothes so I have my cozy pregnant wear.