What to take with you to the birth centre/hospital

[mum5]

Ok, so this is my 2nd child, so you would think that I would remember what was useful last time, and what was crud, but I need some help on this one!
What do I take to the Birth Centre with me?

Apart from:
something to labour in,
pj's to wear afterwards,
nursing bra and pads,
oh yes the lansinoh cream ( a must have )
some soothing music for labour and crazy music for delivery,
camera,
camcorder,
stuff for hubby,
a baby book to get the foot prints in ,
baby's clothes and gentle baby wash.
what else?

The food there is awesome, so no issues with that, and I will be there for 2 nights, hope to get an early discharge, but we'll see how that goes.
DD was in intensive care last time, which put a spanner in the works, but to tell the truth, I really enjoyed my stay. Wish I could go back there right now actually!!

Thanks Jasmine

[kater07]

Here's my list... I have no intention of using it.

Makeup (I refuse to look like hell again this time)
Gowns for baby
Cloth Diapers
Olive Oil for massage during labor
Nursing pads/bras
PJs
Cellphone/address book
Baby Book
Laptop
Digital Camera and cords
Toiletries - toothbrush, good toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
Clothes to wear home

[threeforme2005]

I pack light for the hospital.

Toiletries
Hair brush
Cameras
Baby clothes
Cellphone with #'s
$$$ for hubby to get some food
Clothes
Nursing bras
Slipper socks
and the best thing ever... My BODY PILLOW!

[Boobs]

My list is pretty much the same for my "just in case" bag, but just wanted to remind you guys not to forget to put the carseat IN the car before you leave home. There's nothing worse than sitting in the hospital after you've been discharged waiting on your carseat to arrive. I speak from experience. :

[~Megan~]

I really like having makeup and hair products. So many pics were taken its nice that I look less haggard in a few.

Deoderant, you didn't list that.

And clothes/diapers for the baby too.

[shannon0218]

Well, I'll be in 3 nights since it's a c-section and my list so far is as follows

Nursing PJ's
Housecoat that doesnt' tie up in middle
Slippers
My laptop so I can come here to let you all know how much she weighed and how we did.
My Lact-Aid supplemental nurser
Pads
Granny panties
Socks
Clothes for the munchkin
Going home clothes for me (what are the chances I'll fit into my jeans from before??)
My good camera and some black and white film
Digital camera and USB cords to download pics to my laptop (again so I can send them here!)
Toothpaste and toothbrush, hairbrush, my soap, towel, etc
My feather pillow
Snacks for dh and me
Phone #'s & long distance phone card

[mum5]

Thanks ladies, just made a big long list so I am feeling better and nervous all at once!!!
So many things rushing around in my head right now it's hard to keep everything straight!

[HelloKitty]

Let's see....

Tennis ball for labor
Birthing ball for labor
Nursing gowns
My comfy bathrobe
Slippers
CHAP STICK!
Moisturizer / face wash / deoderant - that kind of stuff
Sleep sacks for baby
Blankie for baby
Going home outfit for baby
Going home outfit for me
Digital camera
Lanisoh
Cloth dipes
Gift for new Big Brothers!!

[JoyofBirth]

I also would recommend finding out what they will give you. My hospital provided a beauty care kit with shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, a tothbrush and deodorant. Also, they gave me pads and mesh panties and diapers. Dd and I did wear our own clothes though. I just found that I packed way too much stuff and it just made it cumbersome when we left with so much extra stuff. I prefer to use mama cloth and cloth diapers and all natural beaty products but it was nice to not have to worry about any of that those first couple of days I was getting used to everything. Just my $.02

[Periwinkle]

Here are my lists.... copied/pasted...

Things to Pack in Labor/Hospital Bag
* Must keep in car at all times after 35 weeks *

To pack in laundry basket (easy to access and carry in/out of hospital). Everything marked with (*) may leave hospital after I deliver and am moved to recovery room:

Toiletries bag
Unscented natural soap, low-fragrance shampoo & conditioner, razor w/ extra blade, toothbrush (plus extra one for dh), toothpaste, unscented natural deodorant, unscented natural lotion, lip balm, hairbrush, hairbands, nail clippers, tweezers, Q-Tips
(*)Beach towel and large trash bag to protect my car seat from amniotic fluid en route
(*)Smaller trash bag to use if vomiting en route to hospital
(*)Small CD-playing alarm clock/radio
(*)1-2 CDs to play during labor (ocean sounds, bagpipes, etc.)
(*)Unopened bottle of Vitamin E oil or Olive Oil for perineal support
A pillow from home
Extra pillowcase
(*)Cotton anklet socks to wear during labor (2)
Empty digital camera, 2 batteries, battery charger
Laptop and cords
(*)6-pack Gatorade Ice (clear) to drink during labor
(*)Preggy Pops (for energy boost and to prevent nausea)
(*)TUMS
(*)2 organic dairy-free dark chocolate bars (for energy /mood)
Paper print-out of important contact numbers
Copy of my living will


Things to Pack in Postpartum Bag
* keep in separate bag in the car and bring in to hospital after delivery *
***infant carseat must also be installed rear-facing prior to leaving hospital***

To pack in duffle bag or similar:

Nursing gown (2)
Bathrobe
Slipper socks
Going-home outfit for me (non-binding maternity pants & top good for nursing)
Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers
Traditional Medicinals’ Organic Mother’s Milk tea (1 box)
100% cotton “sleep / crossover” style nursing bras (2)
Lansinoh First Days Ultra Soft disposable nursing pads
Lansinoh cream
Separate diaper bag for baby:
Pampers Newborn Swaddlers, unscented wipes, Desitin, baby nail clippers, bulb suctioner, California Baby Super Sensitive baby wash, burp cloths (4), receiving blankets (2), long-sleeve cotton wrap kimonos (3), cotton socks (2), going-home outfit (warm, nothing on belly button), the handmade crocheted hat and booties set

[HelloKitty]

Ooooh I'm glad we are doing this - I forgot to pack a hair scrunchie!!! Thank you Peri for the reminder. Totally required.

I also packed two mamma-made crochetted newborn hats - one pink and one blue since we don't know what we are having! I figure I'll leave the "extra" for another new mommy.

Kitty

[Periwinkle]

See.... that beautiful crocheted set you gave me is on the list! Baby's wearing it to come home in.

[HelloKitty]

Originally Posted by Periwinkle

See.... that beautiful crocheted set you gave me is on the list! Baby's wearing it to come home in.

Awwwwwwwwwwww, I did see that - I was hoping that was the set I gave you but didn't want to be all conceited and *assume* hehehehe. I hope it looks great on him or her!!!!

[lisabc311]

A lot of the stuff that you all listed plus YUMMY SNACKS! My hospital just has 3 main meals....I'm a snacker.

[mum5]

You know, I just thought of a great idea that someone had told me about. If you have any children, then it is apparently a good idea to take their pics with you, so that they can keep you focused/ spur you on.
I hope I remember to pack mine!!

[lisabc311]

ella- Super idea!

You are all inspiring me to pack my bag. I haven't given it a second thought until I saw this thread. Oops.