What to take to the hospital/birth center?

[Selesai]

I think we may have had a thread like this...
What should I make sure to pack for my trip to the medical center? I don't plan on going there while in labor until it's absolutely necessary.
This is what I'm thinking so far. Input please!

1. I have heard I will want a gown/clothing instead of hospital clothes-- I assume a skirt/dress is the best bet for easy access? Do I need more than one?
2. Comfortable shoes/slippers which I suppose may get messed upon.
3. Water bottle
4. Snacks (I'm ignoring the no eating policy)
5. camera (for DH)
6. My Thinking Woman's Guide to Birth Book, and should I bring other reading material for when I'm "bored" ? ha ha ha!
7. clothes to wear home-- things I could wear at about 5-6 mos, right?
8. going home outfit for baby

?

[MyLittleWonders]

With my boys I took:
1. robe (didn't mind the hospital gown, but wanted something light-weight to put over it when up and about)
2. my pillow (I travel everywhere with it - it's been to Canada, Europe, Ohio, my honeymoon! )
3. VERY SOFT washcloths ... with ds#1 I would rub it wet and cold on my face at the end; with ds#2 they were on the back of my neck ice cold
4. going home clothes for both of us - for me, I took maternity capris and tee - simple and comfy
5. cloth diapers
6. mama pads (can't stand the ones from the hospital)

I think that's about it. I'm hb'ing this time so I haven't thought about a hospital bag for about 2 1/2 years.

[SoCalGirl]

Other things I am planning to bring with me that aren't on your list:

-Swim trunks for DH (for birth pool)
-SANDWICHES (for after the birth...I don't want to be stuck starving at 2 am when nothing is open and I'm dying for some food--and I keep hearing how famished people are after giving birth)
-Chapstick
-Prepaid phone card / list of phone numbers

[AugustineM]

== A nice hairbrush: A friend told me it was heavenly for DH to brush her hair while she was in labor, and it was relatively easy for him to do...
-- Hard candy (like jolly ranchers, suckers, etc.) if you like that kind of thing.
-- Mints, or gum, in case someone attending your birth has bad breath. Last thing you want is stinky breath in your face...
-- Music if you want it.
-- Lavendar oil! Rub it on your temples. Might also want a nice smelling shower gel if you plan to use the shower/bath and have someone wash your back with it.
-- Nice lotion or massage oil for massages. Peppermint lotion for your feet...
-- Fuzzy socks. (that's just me.)
-- Linens for your partner if you need them. At our hosptial we have to bring them.
-- Lots of water/special drinks.

[Mama2 '05'06]

I brought :
my pillows
a heating pad
usual toiletries
I wore the hospital gowns but brought my own robes
socks
slippers
hand lotion
chapstick.
This time I will add cold pads and remember some hard candy and breathmints. Also some thing to snack on but I may wiat until I know what I'm hungry for and send dh after it.

[mountainsun]

definately music
ditto on the lavendar eo - if that is pleasing to you
toothbrush
maybe your own quilt, blanket (for comfort)
def food/ snacks

your own menstrual products!

hth!

[lisap]

nursing pajamas/robe
nursing bras
going home outfit for me and baby
hat/ socks/t-shirts for baby
hard candy
music
lotions and some make-up/shampoo and soap
scarf for my hair
water
socks for me
surprise for DD when she comes to visit
snacks
picture of DD and DH
I think that's it!

[Caroline248]

Originally Posted by Selesai

7. clothes to wear home-- things I could wear at about 5-6 mos, right?

?

I would bring something bigger. I didn't really lose any size for about a week, and I am small frame. I never liked anything tight around my waist right after either, so a little loose was good...

~C~

[KnittingKara]

something I totally didn't think about the first time around was to pack an extra t-shirt and some comfy pants for dh

I'm also sticking a gift for Boo from the new baby in our bag (hopefully that will help things go easier since we're now back on the "we're only keeping him if he's cute" mode )

I also bought myself some special lotion, shower gel, shampoo, and hand creme - stuff I wouldn't normally spend the money on, but I wanted to do something nice for myself for after the birth.

As far as clothes, I'm also in the club where I was still pretty much in maternity right after the birth last time and hated anything tight around my waist. I'm packing a few of my biggest nursing tops and tanks and a pair of draw-string maternity pants and a pair of yoga pants (I've pretty much been living in yoga pants and sports bras, letting this big ole itchy belly hang out anyway )

[Selesai]

Thanks to all of you, your suggestions are helpful.