What's in Your Bag?

[VikingKvinna]

Hi Mamas and Mamas-to-be:

I'm trying to get my bag(s) packed, but find myself just spinning my wheels. So far I have about seventeen pairs of panties and a couple of books, and that's about it.

I'm reading all the lists online that suggest lip balm and snacks and hard candies and change, but wondered what some real-life pregnant women are taking with them! Anyone mind sharing? Thanks!

~nick

[Hollin]

I feel like I have a lot of stuff in mine, but it's just one duffel bag. Here's what I've got so far:

Copies of the birth plan
Toiletries for me and DH (including lip balm, makeup, and hair ties)
Hard candy
Granola bars for DH (and me if I feel like sneaking some food)
Bathrobe
CD's
Camera
Change of clothes and pajamas for DH
swimsuit for DH (in case he wants to join me in the jacuzzi or shower)
Baby book(for getting footprints)
Pajamas that button up the front
Nursing bra and pads
Witch hazel to put on my postpartum pads
Granny panties
Outfits for baby and me to wear home

This is my first baby so I have no idea what I'll actually be using. Good luck with your packing!

[Nature]

My bags are packed, and they've been sitting in the trunk of the car for over a week now. : Oh you asked whats in them huh? Hmmm...


To go home in:
Stretchy big pants for me
Shirt to match
nursing bra
undies
socks

For labor:

My own bathrobe
nightgown that I can birth in
sports bra for the birthing tub
tank top in case I hate the sports bra
relaxing lotion that I like to smell
my own toiletries (toothbrush, paste, hairbrush, hair ties, some makeup (for after birth pictures of course!)
pads
extra undies (but umm... not as many as you have. )
my slippers
a book in case I end up with an epi and I'm bored

change of clothes for dh (we live 45 min away from the hospital )
shorts for the birth tub

For baby:

carseat
some sleepers
undershirts
going home outfit
bunting
hats/mittins/booties
binky

and the digital camera is inside because of the cold, but its going too.

I also have 2 bags for each of my children with clothes and toys in it while they'll be at my SIL's.

[kathik]

My list is pretty much the same as the others' but wanted to share a tip from my doula....she says honey sticks are the bomb for when you're hungry/exhausted and under the watch of nurses. You can get them at health-food stores, they're like pixie stix but w/honey inside. I'm also taking some packs of Emergen-C, the vitamin powder you add to water...that always gives me a burst of energy, too.
The no-food thing is such a bummer. With my dd, I was induced & we were about to give up for the night after 17 hours or so. I was thrilled because that meant I could sleep and EAT! I had NO energy. Just then...splash goes the water! So I went many more hours without food or zzzs, but will spare you the rest....

Sending happy labor vibes!

[VikingKvinna]

Originally Posted by WitchyMama2

For baby:

The baby! Can you believe it, I totally forgot about packing stuff for the baby. Of course, we've still yet to go through all the baby clothes, so that might be one of the reasons.

Kathik, I had heard that about honey sticks and want to get some. Will add that to my list so we don't forget about them. Also, I love Emergen-C but had never thought about using it for labor. Good idea, thanks!

~Nick