Packing a bag

[Lady Lilya]

I'm planning a homebirth, but want to be prepared in case.  I have no idea what they give you in the hospital and what you need to supply for yourself.  What do I need to pack?

[jcregan]

You don't have to but bringing your own pillow is nice if you have one you really like it.  If you don't want to wear a gown the whole time you could bring PJs or something, but I just wore the gown, mine had a nursing version.  Not pretty or anything but I didn't really care.  I guess I will likely bring my normal sort of overnight stuff of toothbrush/shampoo etc... I prefer my own but they might provide those as well.  Clothes to wear to go home (comfy/stretchy).  Clothes for going home and blanket for baby or whatever would be weather appropriate.  I would recommend some snacks or drink or two.  Could be for you or DH or whoever else will be with you.  Even if you were not eating during labor/transfer you don't want your support person starving or wanting to step out to eat when you need them there.  

If DH or whoever would be there with you overnight then at least 1 change of clothes and toiletry items for that person... maybe something comfy for them to sleep in if they sleep in the room with you.

If you want socks or slippers or something some people bring that kind of thing.  

That is about it I guess, you really don't need much based on my first birth.  It might be different if I was there longer for a C/S recovery though so I don't know about that.

[Marissamom]

at my hospital birth they provided: hospital gown, the comfy slipper socks, the mesh undies, pads, peri bottle, witch hazel tucks pads, food for me (but not for DF, so make sure you have vending machine cash and wallet for the cafeteria), disposable diapers and wipes for DD, a long-sleeved t-shirt for DD, receiving blankets for DD. 

things you would for sure want are your own toiletries, clothes for going home and for baby to go home in, lansinoh or other nipple cream. and if you are particular about your pillow at all, I would grab your own. the ones they have are usually exactly like hotel pillows. 

[Aliy]

socks!!! nusring pads maybe extra sanitary pads, over night stuff. I don't think you need much... I'll have diapers for my baby packed in mine

[Lyss]

I was glad I had brought my boppy.  I used it to comfortably nurse the baby.  I took all the free breast pads, etc., they had at the hospital and asked for more.

I also needed my cell phone charger!

[milosmomma]

Originally Posted by Lyss 

I also needed my cell phone charger!

Good point.  You obviously can't pack it now, but make sure your phone/charger/camera/etc are handy for you or DP to grab on your way out.
 

[kaPOW!]

this is weird, but we brought a small crockpot that we could use to keep hot water available during the labor. when i was pushing, my husband used it to wet washchoths and apply to my perineum to help keep from tearing. i didn't get any tears, so i plan to do that again. at home, perferably.

[Squrrl]

I only packed a change of clothes for me, a couple changes for baby, and a few cloth diapers.  I figure if I transfer, with a midwife this experienced, it'll be because of some pretty substantial emergency that largely precludes the use of "labor aids", and after the first few hours, it's easy enough to send someone home for whatever seems to be lacking.  Having never had a hospital birth, I can't really imagine what I'd want anyway.

Oh, and yeah--our midwife's checklist for birth preparations include the crockpot full of washcloths that is currently sitting on my bedroom floor.  Though I had the kid in the tub last time and they didn't use any of them to my knowledge, seeing as the only one who had any kind of access to my girly bits was my husband (on the whole, though, that's how I like it ).

[Caterina]

Glad to read this thread. I was so much more prepared the first time around with this stuff... We're also planning a homebirth, but having a bag packed and ready is something to do this week I think, just in case. And getting all my homebirth supplies together this week too, including the ever important bendy straws!  Our midwives won't do a homebirth before 37 weeks so this is my week to get prepared.

[Aliy]

Originally Posted by Caterina 

Glad to read this thread. I was so much more prepared the first time around with this stuff... We're also planning a homebirth, but having a bag packed and ready is something to do this week I think, just in case. And getting all my homebirth supplies together this week too, including the ever important bendy straws!  Our midwives won't do a homebirth before 37 weeks so this is my week to get prepared.

you sound pretty much where i am? I noticed in your side info that you are Vancouver. Me too! well the greater Vancouver metro area.... just