what did you pack in your hospital bag?

[babymakes4]

I think I am nesting, I can't stop cleaning. I know that my due date is weeks away but I feel the need to be ready. I would like to have 2 different bags, one for labor/delivery, and one for postpartum. So tell me, what did you pack in your bag? What do you wish you would have included that you didn't? And what did you take with you that wasn't necessary? TIA! :)

[Wildflower]

I didn't need much because I LOVED the big, comfy hospital gowns (ours were nursing gowns) and I LOVED the mesh undies and I didn't do my hair or wear makeup and I wore the clothes I wore to the hospital home from the hospital. So I didn't need much. Things I did use were:

My laptop (but I was in the hospital 8 days so maybe that's not needed for a quick vag delivery - I was there 4 days before C section and 4 days after)

CAMERA - main thing. And one thing I regret is not taking VIDEOS while in the hospital. I'll admit I very much Loved my hospital experiences, and I regret not having small videos clips of nursing DD there and just little clips of how we spent our first days. Also I took TONS of pics of her but not many with anything for scale. DD was only 4 lbs 13 oz and I wish I had taken pics of her next to a stuffed animal or something to show how tiny she really was.

So really, a camera is one of the only things I can think of that you NEED - everything else, down to the lanolin and toothbrush, can be provided to you. BUT the tooth brushes they have really suck, so maybe bring your own :)

[vulturemom]

A camera, a video camera, clothes for me and baby to wear home, toiletries for me and DH, clothes for DH to wear while he stayed with me, money for Dh to get snacks with, a pillow (not in the bag but, brought with us) a robe, and slippers.
That is every thing that I needed/ wanted
I had a planed c-section so I didn't have a delivery bag.

[Bohemian]

I would take a robe. I'm fine with hospital night gowns but I like to have a robe for walking around or when visitors come.

I too wear the clothes I wore to the hospital home.

I do bring toiletries: travel size shampoo and conditioner (they never have conditioner) brush, deodorant, light make-up for visitors.

Baby book! I always forget that for hand prints and footprints!

A premie baby outfit and a newborn outfit, the newborn ones were both way too big for my 6.6 and 6.8 lb babies. They were swimming in them.

Camera and camcorder, extra batteries or battery charger.

I can't think of anything else, the hospital provides everything else for baby and I'm comfy with hospital blankets and pillows and I use the mesh pantiees and huge pads because they seem to work the best.

[Babyblue]

camera video camera, cloths, toiletrys, my own stuff to sleep in my own undies and my own pads...the hospital ones would not stay up on my scrawny ass. money for dh to eat.

[PiccoloRose]

I really wish I had packed a bag early, because I ended up delivering early. I ended up only taking my folder with my birthplan and all of my medicaid paperwork, and my digital camera I had just bought.

However, the things I really wanted during labor were a rice sock to warm up for my aching muscles, some lightly scented lotion (lavander or something else relaxing) so that DH could have massaged it into my feet, my video camera (I REALLY regret not having mine for the actual arrival), chap stick, and I really wish I had my photo album of her ultrasound pictures to help me through the tough spots.

As soon as she was born and we were settled into a room, I sent out for only three things:
1. Food. Any food that was not the cardboard they served me in the hospital.
2. Clean underwear. I asked my momma to just go to the store and buy me 2 pack of plain, ruinable undies a size too big.
3. My toothbrush and tooth paste. Yeah, I know that is two things, but they kinda go together.

The nursing gown and robe my momma brough me were also very nice, but I wouldn't have much minded without. I was nursing her just fine topless, although it upset the staff.

[Teresa64]

[QUOTE=PiccoloRose;567456]

However, the things I really wanted during labor were a rice sock to warm up for my aching muscles, some lightly scented lotion (lavander or something else relaxing) so that DH could have massaged it into my feet, my video camera (I REALLY regret not having mine for the actual arrival), chap stick, and I really wish I had my photo album of her ultrasound pictures to help me through the tough spots.

[QUOTE]

You don't want your own socks during labor unless you don't plan on moving around at all. I ruined 3 pairs of socks during my labor with ds2. 2 pairs because ds2 decided to come out super fast before they were ready and hadn't gotten the bed down yet...almost didn't catch him either. :)

[Tiffearni]

I took a postbaby outfit, extra socks, makeup, hair stuff, toothbrush etc., a pillow, a comfy pair of jammies that made nursing easier, nursing bras, music for labor, camera, baby and big sister gifts, carseat in tow, uhmmm... hmmm... what else? I felt like I packed for a month. lol Oh well, I didn't feel like I was missing anything cept that DD couldn't spend the night with me when I had DS. :( I wish she could have. We also took baby outfits and blankets. With DD, I took frozen banana cubes.

[The_Market]

I give my clients starter lists. I also suggest one for labor and one for pp. This is what I give

Labor Packing Checklist
Birth plan – multiple copies, typed (some signed by provider)
Any prescriptions you’re on or over-the-counter meds (medical or herbal)
Insurance Card - (have a flex account?)
Any paperwork that you’ve done ahead of time (for hospital)
Dressing gown – for early labor and use during skin to skin time.
Socks – maybe with treads?
Nightdress or a T shirt for labor. (It’ll get messy and you’ll be nursing in it.)
Water-wear to wear in the tub/shower (bathing suit, tank top, etc)
Massage oil or lotion if you would like to be massaged during your labor
Lip balm – not flavored or several flavors
Snacks and drinks for you while you are in labor and/or some glucose tablets
Camera and/or Camcorder –along with film/memory cards and batteries
Pillow – use a colored case to differentiate from hospital’s, might get messy
toiletries – tooth brush and paste, hair brush, hair ties, barrettes, face wash
Water spray, and/or a hand-held fan to keep you cool
Relaxation materials: books, pictures, focal point, ear plugs, affirmations
Music to listen to -- take a battery-operated machine, headphones, and CDs
Baby Book for footprints, if they do them there

Partner Bag
Change of clothes (even socks and shoes)
Bathing suit for use if there is a tub or shower to labor in
Reading material and reading light in case mom wants darkness
Cash (including quarters)
Snacks and drinks and maybe OTC pain killers
Any prescriptions you’re on or over-the-counter meds (medical or herbal)
Affirmations especially if you’ve practiced certain ones
Resource materials from classes or research, including BRAIN card
Note pad and 2 pens to keep track of time line of major events (for birth story)
Phone numbers for use in labor (childcare provider for siblings, doula, LC and/or LLL Leader, mother/sister/friend/coach backup)



Hospital Stay Packing Checklist
2 nursing bras (if nursing)
Nursing pads (whether you intend to nurse or not)
Nursing pillow
Cotton underwear -3-4 pairs of
Maternity outfit to wear home (you'll still be swollen)
Socks –At least 2 pair
Slippers that you can slide on with no hands
Cleansers for face and other special/preferred soaps
Hair brush (blow dryer, curling iron)
Make up –you’ll be taking lots of pictures!
Camera –film & batteries and a backup disposable, just in case
Reading Material –magazine or book and journal (if you plan to keep one)
Champagne (non-alcoholic) or another celebratory drink
Personal address book with phone numbers
Postpartum “Birth Plan” that outlines your wishes for your hospital stay.
Resources (phone numbers to your doctor, LC, LLL, trusted friend, and books about babycare/breastfeeding, handouts from childbirth class, etc)

Partner Bag
Change of clothes (even socks and shoes)
Tooth brush
Hair brush or comb and other toiletries (you probably can’t shower there)
Reading material
Cash (including quarters)
Cell phone or calling card
BRAND card

Baby Bag
Going home outfit that has legs, for the car seat
Sweater or snowsuit (depending on season)
Baby cap
Booties
Diapers (mostly if using cloth or specific brand, hospital has disposables)
Baby wipes if you want to be sure to have some gentle ones



You'll probably want something not-water to drink. Think of what you like to drink when you exercise and when you're sick. You'll likely be doing a lot of physical work and you're likely to feel nauseous at some point, too. Hydration is really important, so bring drinks to stay hydrated for both.

For snacks, you'll want something with protein in it, as well as carbs (complex are best) and you'll want both salty (like soy chips or edamame or beef jerky) and sweet (like Cliff bars or peanutbutter crackers) and bland (like unsalted pretzels or crackers). Most couples can pack snacks that mom and dad might both want, so that you're not carrying in a ton of food. If your DH drinks soda or energy drinks, I suggest packing those. Most of those are too dehydrating for a laboring woman, though a little regular soda would probably be okay.

I've always found it fun to go together to wander through the store and shop for the labor bag. Besdies the grocery store, a Dollar Tree can be a fun place to find interesting things that might be useful in labor (but are cheap enough to become kid toys if they're not useful).

Anything you plan to wear should be able to get messy, of course. Which is why it's not wise to count on wearing home what you wear there (if you're going in labor). What if your water breaks in route to the hospital?! :D

[The_Market]

I usually recommend having unscented massage lotion/oil b/c sometimes a woman decides she hates some smell in the middle of labor. If one is covered in that smell, it's pretty hard to make it go away.

Instead, I suggest using unscented lotions/oils and having other things for aroma therapy, like scented rice socks, (non-fire warmed) scent lamps, room sprays, or just essential oils that can be put on cloths, etc.

It's so easy to make a rice sock that I generally make one for each birth, and can use essential oils to scent them as desired.

[The_Market]

From another handout I use

Aromatherapy In Labor

Like many comfort measures in labor, Aromatherapy is most effective when scents, and their associations, are already made.



Jasmine
 Dulls uterine pain
 Strengthens contractions
 Shortens labor
 Calming yet energizing and uplifting
 Assists breathing
• Use as massage oil alone, or with lavender
• Use on a compress laid on lower abdomen immediately after birth

Rose
 Regulating, toning, and cleansing effect on the uterus
 Aids circulation
 Encourages deep and calm breathing
 Has antidepressant qualities.
• Can be used alone in a massage oil, but suggested in an equal blend with lavender.
• Use as a bath oil during early labor.

Lavender
 Dulling and easing uterine pain
 Soothing aching legs and back
 Increases strength (but not pain) of contractions
 Relaxing and calming for mood swings and nervous tension
 Helps dispel feelings of panic
• Use in warm bath during early labor (good for relieving fear cycle)
• B/c of antiseptic properties, ideal for use in burner, diffuser, or bowl of hot water to cleanse air.

Geranium
 Good for circulation
 Balancing on emotions
• Good for use in scenting room

Neroli
 Reduces fear, apprehension, and anxiety
 Helps with slow, calm breathing
• 1 or 2 drops on a tissue to inhale, or in a room spray or vaporizer


TIPS

Prepare oils in advance.
 Mix and place in bottles
 Label with your name and use of oil
 Keep somewhere cool, in bag to avoid leaks

Rest in early labor
 Use labor bath to relax and help get some rest
~2-3 drops lavender oil, relax and soak for 10 minutes

Later in labor
 Use labor bath for relief, relaxing, resting
~2-3 drops lavender oil, relax and soak for 10 minutes
 Use compress for lower back or abdomen
~ ½ pint of warm water, add 2-3 drops of clary sage, jasmine, or lavender oil. Agitate well. Swish clean cloth in the water, squeeze out, and leave on until it looses warmth. Repeat as necessary.

 Try labor massage!
~Deep firm rhythmic strokes (practice ahead of time)
~Massage oil: 2½ Tbsp almond oil, 6 drops lavender and 6 drops jasmine (can use just lavender)

 Perfuming the delivery room
~Use a bowl of hot water and add 3 drops of oil (or two)
~Suggestion: Mix 2 of the following
Lavender (uplifting and antiseptic)
Bergamot (antidepressant)
Geranium (uplifting)
Lemon (refreshing and invigorating)

Transition
 Shaking
~Use very firm massage on shaking area
Massage oil: 2½ Tbsp almond oil, 6 drops lavender and 6 drops jasmine (can use just lavender)
 Wipe face with cool cloth
~Add 2 drops or either rose, neroli, or lavender to a bowl of cool water, soak washcloth in water and use to wipe face.

Pushing Stage
 Wipe face with cool cloth
~Add 2 drops or either rose, neroli, or lavender to a bowl of cool water, soak washcloth in water and use to wipe face
 Neroli will help with hyperventilation (on cloth or perfume room)


I am totally no expert on aromatherapy. I got this information from a few books on it, a while back.

[Meredith]

One thing that my midwife had us bring was petroleum jelly, or Aquaphor, to spread on the baby's bottom and genitals before putting a diaper on. It keeps the meconium from sticking to his skin, making those first few days of meconium poops easier to clean up. It worked really well for us.

[JustMoi]

Lip gloss or chapstick was absolutely the single most important thing I needed while in labor. I didn't take it with my first delivery and lived to regret it.

I also took my own pads so I didn't have to use those bricks they give out at the hospital.

A book.

Socks!! my feet got so cold

change for the pay phones since cell phones were a no-no

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Clothes to wear home (maternity, still, for comfort)

A focus object

Stuff for baby