Getting ready for the "BIG" day.....I have some questions

[Song of Joy]

I have about 6 weeks left so I am trying to compile my things. Unfortunately, I get to give birth in a hospital (did with dd, also) so I have to really be up on the comfort measures. I don't do well in hospitals. They have bothered me since I almost lost my father in one 4 years ago.

Anyway, Here is what I have planned for this time around (background-- I did a natural birth with dd, 18 hours active labor, lots of pain in hips, managed to make it without meds, but left thinking "How will I ever be able to have another baby since I won't use meds and can't do THAT again???"):

Accupressure with the little seeds on tape that our accupuncturist gave us (along with a class that she taught us on 6 labor "speed up" points)

Accupuncture (our accupuncturist agreed to put little needles on tape on some major pain relief spots when I go into labor)

2 doulas......Had one the first time and she is doing it again (free even!), but wants to bring a homebirth doula with her for the experience. How could I pass up 2 FREE doulas???

DH with me the whole time; DD and my mother with me as much as dd wants/can handle it

Staying home for as LOOOOOOONG as I can possibly do so

Using some herbs:
Skullcap
St. Johns Wort
Arnica
Ginger b/c I threw up a lot with dd

And vitamins:
Calcium Lactate
Emergen-C (did I spell that right?)

Taking my own homemade broth in a thermos (last time I only got watered down OJ. I hated it and cold seemed to bother me).

I think that is the basics that I have for now. What I would love to hear is more suggestions/advice on what I have listed above. I really want this birth to be more relaxed and comfortable if I can manage to pull it off.

Thanks in advance!

[Song of Joy]

bump

[kater07]

My MW asked me to please bring 2 quarts of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea to drink. She seems to think that's very important for me to do.

Taking my own pillows, those plastic covered pillows from the hospital make me SWEAT!

You need to take lip balm of some sort, lollipops and something to snack on. You don't have to tell anyone you are eating if it's forbidden, but you may really want some peanutbutter crackers for an energy boost.

Are you taking a CD player and music?

[eminer]

You seem to have wonderful plans! What I would do differently if I were going to the hospital again is to bring a bunch of my own stuff. For some reason, it was after the labor more than during (when I was pretty much in my own world) that my hospital issues most came up. I should have had my own pads, cloth diapers, blankets, put dd and me into our real clothes, etc.