Things to have on hand for labor that tend to get overlooked?

[thefreckledmama]

I'm getting together my HB supplies, and I started thinking about things that weren't specifically mentioned that I would like to have on hand and readily accessible for labor. I figured I'd post this here, rather than Homebirth, since it really applies to packing for the hospital/birth center as well.

The only thing I have thought of so far, is massage lotion.

Anyone else have something they either forgot in the past, or have already thought of having for labor?

[sparkysgirl]

I would have liked to have a huge beach towel for when i got out of the tub to pee (coulnt seem to just do it in the tub, took too much concentration i guess). regugar towels were too small to really keep me warm, a bath robe would have worked nicely too though

[sanguine_speed]

Not sure if it's on the regular lists, but something to keep your hair back--elastic, headband, barettes...

[laughingfox]

I definitely agree on the bathrobe.

Lip balm is good, too.

Oh, and a headband/hanky.

[lifeguard]

I really wished I had something high energy to drink. I couldn't stomach the idea of eating but drinking something other than water would have really helped to keep my energy up.

[basje]

Oh, I've got one!

A peri-bottle! That first pee stung so bad because I had some tearing and it would have been nice to already of had a peri-bottle to squirt some warm water as I went.

[sparkysgirl]

a puke bucket!

[*MamaJen*]

Straws, especially bendy straws. Great for labor, and also good for the first days of breastfeeding.
Also, make sure you have food on hand for right after the birth, something easy for the midwives or your partner to prepare. A lot of mamas have scrambled eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches, that sort of easy comfort food.
I bought a pair of really comfy fleece pajama pants to wear during early labor, and really liked having them. I actually bought three pairs, which was good, since my water broke over two of them.

[belltree]

Originally Posted by lifeguard

I really wished I had something high energy to drink. I couldn't stomach the idea of eating but drinking something other than water would have really helped to keep my energy up.

I had bought some powersnacks for marathoners, my labor was way to fast so I didn't have time to eat. I have heard others mention a "labourade".

Easy to eat foods and snacks for afterwards - breastfeeding will make you so hungry and you will need to replenish yourself after labor.

[jecombs]

I've never used them, but I've heard honey sticks are great to have on-hand for a quick energy boost. I'm going to get some for my hospy birth, coming up in May.

[loveneverfails]

Birthday cake. My plan is to go out in labor and get a birthday cake. Labor is boring. Need to do something, and cake is AWESOME.