Packing List

[KendallY]

I'm starting to put together my packing list for the birth center. What are you all bringing with you? The lists I see online seem like too much stuff, but I'd also rather be overprepared rather than underprepared. Also, what food (if any) are you bringing with you? What sounded good to you while you were in labor?

[Twinklefae]

I'd really like to know this too. All I've got packed so far is stuf for the baby.:

[danotoyou2]

As someone who didn't pack a bag last time, because of a planned homebirth, and ended up in the hospital... The things I missed the most:

My robe
Toothbrush
Music
Hair brush
Energy drinks (hospital wouldn't let me drink anything, ack)

Um... that's all I can think of. I'll add to this if I think of more.

[SeekingJoy]

nursing bra
hair tie
granola bars for DH
calling card/cell phone
lotion
lip gloss
Tums

When in labor with DS, I ate chicken noodle soup and fruit in early labor, but didn't want a thing by active labor/after I had left home.

[Emma's_Mommy]

yeah i really need to get cracking on the whole hospital bag packing since i will be induced next week!

[dctexan]

We will have 3 bags...

DH's bag (his stuff plus food & drink) + wallet
- his toiletries
- 2 bathing suits (so he can get in tub with me)
- change of clothes
- snacks
- drinks (I requested gatorade)
- music (I don't think i'll want music, but I am making two mix CDs just in case. Hospital already has a CD player)
- camera
- book
- list of people for DH to call/contact after the birth (with contact info listed)
- his computer (DH goes nowhere w/o his computer)
- large sippy cup for ice water
- sound machine (in case I want white noise or nature sounds)

My bag
- toiletries (esp. toothbrush. I am miserable if I can't brush my teeth)
- sports bra
- rice socks (one that comes from freezer and one that will be microwaved)
- massage oil/lotion
- comfy mid-length skirt (to wear while laboring on dry land)
- lip balm
- pony tail holder
- 2 yoga blocks
- yoga mat
- birth plan
- flash light (or other low light kinda thing - in case the lights can't be dimmed and I want it dark)
- 2 regular sized pillows (hospital pillows SUCK) & extra pillow cases
- Paper that has all doctor info listed (midwife, my PCP, the ped) as well as allergies and special requests (i.e. breastfeeding, baby will be rooming in, no eye goop, no formula, baby not to leave room without at least one parent, etc.) This is so DH can answer any questions nurses may have during labor.
- fish tank fish net (shocks me that the hospital doesn't have something to catch poop from the labor tub, but apparently they don't

Postpartum bag
- going home outfit for me
- 2 onsies, 1 sleeper for baby
- 2 swaddling blankets (one which will go home before the baby so that the dogs can get used to the smell)
- Breast feeding pillow
- book

I am sure there is other stuff...I will add as I think of it.

[Alohamelly]

I hadn't really thought about my hospital bag yet. I'll probably throw some toiletries in a bag, an extra change of clothing and something for the baby to wear home. I'm gonna use the hospitals gowns so I don't ruin my own.

Oh and I'm planning to take tons of water and Recharge.

[mama2walden&luna]

I'm going to the birthing center and won't be staying longer than a couple of hours after the birth. But my list still seems long.

receiving blankets
sleeper for baby to wear home
disposable diapers (I don't like to ruin a cloth dipe with that first myconium poopy)
oral vit. K
trunks for dh to wear in pool
bra tank for me to wear in pool
clothes for dh and I to go home in
birth kit
laundry basket with required supplies (per midwife)
snacks : protein drinks, juice, cheese and crackers, fruit, pasta salad, pregnancy tea with honey, smart water
birthing pool
hose and sink attachment
towels
camera
massage oil and massage tool
book: mother massage

[mom22girls]

I'm just going to add my two cents:

I love to go out and buy the expensive (origins, aveda, l'occitaine) travel sizes (lotion/shampoo/conditioner) for the hospital. The scents aren't obnoxious, and I feel a little extra pampered too!

I also splurge on new slippers (last time the "splurge" was $7 at Target). This time, since there are no private bathrooms/showers at the hospital, I'm getting nursing pajamas with a robe.

[momuveight2B]

Peri Bottle
Betadine
A few dozen cloth prefolds to use as postpartum pads and a wetbag
Old Undies
Pajama tops that button down the front or tank style tee shirts to labor in.
Tucks or prep H pads for peri care
OTC meds and prescription meds that I take daily
Stool softener and glycerin suppositories
Large cup with lid to keep ice water in at bedside
Small gifts for siblings to have from baby when they first meet
Lansinoh

[pookel]

What I have packed:

back scratcher
travel size bottles of basic toiletries, plus toothbrush, razor etc.
1 extra pair of slipper socks
pair of pants, bra, socks to wear home
nursing pads
Medela breast shells for my flat nipples
Lansinoh
copy of "So That's What They're For!"
going-home outfits for the baby (couple size options)
cell phone
camera

That's all I have so far, although since I saw it on someone else's list I'm going to make sure I dig out my Boppy and bring that too. And I plan to bring my laptop (I think they may have wireless internet at the hospital now!).

[zofranland]

i am taking a list of numbers of ppl who dh will call to tell them i have delivered and that i will be in touch with them in a week or so!!! i dont want to be disturbed after the baby is born

[momuveight2B]

Be sure to bring maternity clothes to wear home. My first time I took my favorite size five jeans to the hospital expecting I would be wearing them home

[SeekingJoy]

Originally Posted by momuveight2B

Be sure to bring maternity clothes to wear home. My first time I took my favorite size five jeans to the hospital expecting I would be wearing them home

I had been told (and so packed accordingly) that I wouldn't be the same pre-preggers size, but I don't think I was prepared to have my boobs get even bigger! I would have sworn it was impossible. With DS I wore home a pair of pants from early pregnancy but my largest, stretchiest top.

[mommysusie]

Originally Posted by dctexan

- 2 regular sized pillows (hospital pillows SUCK) & extra pillow cases
.

Yes, this is definately something that I have thought about bringing. I am taking 1 extra pillow plus my Boppy.

[vrclay]

thanks mamas. as a 1st timer I have not even considered many of these things.

[MahBearRI]

Originally Posted by dctexan

My bag

- fish tank fish net (shocks me that the hospital doesn't have something to catch poop from the labor tub, but apparently they don't

Geez - This is my first pg/birth...and I keep thinking all the pushing will make me poo...Is this something I really should invest in? And who do I elect to do the scooping?
Agh...I don't want to be self conscious about this....please tell me I won't be worrying in the moment.

[saganaga]

Originally Posted by dctexan

Postpartum bag

- Breast feeding pillow

Oh, yes, I can't forget my breastfeeding pillow --- it's the best especially when baby is under 3 months, it's called My Breast Friend. Oh, and that reminds me, too that I should bring my nursing foot stool, too...

[saganaga]

Originally Posted by momuveight2B

Small gifts for siblings to have from baby when they first meet

I gotta make sure I leave time to buy those yet & not to forget to take them to the hospital...

[saganaga]

Originally Posted by momuveight2B

Old Undies

I look forward to wearing my old clothes again & saying goodbye to maternity clothes!