Since we're on the topic of L&D...

KoalaBear103

Can you ladies suggest things for my hospital bag? I think it's mostly packed, but I feel like something is missing.

What was one item you were really glad you had with you? Or one item you wished you had brought?

Yes, I know this isn't 3rd tri/0-3, but I am always here with you guys, so help me out

mamainseptember

One thing I made DH go out and get was nursing pj's. I hated the gowns and his stiff they were and since I was nursing DS it was nice to have nursing pj's! Good luck, hope you have a smooth, quick delivery!

ChibiMommy

Granola bars. Those betches at the hospital didn't feed me enough. lol  3 meals a day didn't cut it right at first I needed to eat constantly.

scoutkate

I was really happy to have my kindle, personally.

Also, dry shampoo.

KoalaBear103

scoutkate:

I was really happy to have my kindle, personally.

Also, dry shampoo.

Oh I like this one! I forgot a toothbrush/toothpaste last time. that was the first thing I packed this time!

greengirl0909

Mints made a huge difference for me.  My sister took those single use toothbrushes to freshen up, as once she had her epidural she couldn't get out of bed.

choppinbroccoli22

my yoga mat gave my knees traction during hours of kneeling (I wrapped a pillow in it) and cold bean bag eye mask thing and shoulder thing that felt soooo nice during long early labor when I was cognizant enough to use them.

FrickandFrack

lissa_emily:

Bring your own pillow.  My pillow was the most amazing thing ever during the whole ordeal. 

This.  I also brought my body pillow and was SO comfortable.

suziqnc

Chapstick!  I was so thankful that I had a tube of it in my bag.

RobinSparkles214

Nursing tanks and a cute/warm  buttun-up oversized cardigan. I loved that I had one artical of clothing that I could wear and not look like a hot mess when I had visitors. I had a repeat C, so I was there from Friday until Monday morning, it definitely came in handy.

and now for something completely different

Air mattress and don't forget the tarp.

peakboo5

I don't know if you're doing baby books but I brought DS's and had them do his footprints in it and was glad I did that. Also I brought M&Ms to eat after and they tasted so good.

I wish I would have brought an outfit for DS to wear while we were in the hospital, like one of those little gowns and his own blanket. He has very sensitive skin and I think they bleach the crap out of the hospital ones.

Qmommy

haha... with DD2 - my toothbrush!!!  We were rushed out of the house and didn't  have time to grab the items I was supposed to pack while in labor.  My labor was only 2.5 hours with DD2 and I was at the hospital for only 10 minutes before DD2 was born.

insertclevername

I second the cardigan or in my case, zip up hoodie.  I would also suggest fuzzy socks/slippers.  I hated the ones the hospital provided and was glad to have my own.

Smootchy

dry shampoo is a good suggestion. Chap stick is on my list. Make sure you don't forget your phone charger... Really I don't think there was anything I couldn't live with out.

Slippers were nice.

I felt like I over packed and it was more of a headache hauling this stuff home with a new baby.

PhillyPhan

This isn't exactly for your bag, but we brought a basket of goodies for the nurses to munch on.  They really loved it!

 I wish I had brought a thick blanket with me the first time around though, the epidural made me chilly.

BelleIsa

suziqnc:

Chapstick!  I was so thankful that I had a tube of it in my bag.

This. And my own pillow.  

A couple other things I liked:

-My own nursing PJs

-Slippers (hospital floors are nasty)

-Warm socks

-Really nice sample-sized shampoo, conditioner and body cream.  I splurged and got some really expensive sample sizes and it made my first shower post-birth seem like heaven.

shannond354

Good hand lotion, favourite chap stick/lip gloss and a book! Ditto on the comfortable nursing tank tops if you plan on bfing.

Nephs13

I agree with bringing your own pillow, and I would also recommend bringing your Boppy or other nursing pillow if you're planning on breastfeeding.

PepperStick

This time I will definitely bring more things to snack on (granola/cereal bars, dried fruit, ect). I'm also planning on bringing slippers, thick socks, and my own clothes. Last time I felt so frumpy in that hospital gown when people came to visit me. I didn't even think of grabbing any clothes. I went home in the clothes I came in. 

melody921

My pillow and lip balm were the most critical items.

seahorse102410

chapski:

I felt like I over packed and it was more of a headache hauling this stuff home with a new baby.

This.  I brought so much stuff and really didn't need anything but some cute pajamas and my makeup.  (people took so many pictures!)

historychick79

I second nursing tanks. Also, DH and I had our laptop, and we were able to stream Sirius radio for the L&D. Our dr also had a Sirius account, and went to their website to print off the playlist for the station we had (Coffeehouse), so we have a list of the songs that were playing when C was born.

dangerkitty102

Bath sheet sized towels. The towels in the hospital are way too small to wrap around a pregnant person. they are bulky and a pain to pack, but I really was so glad I had them. 

 

Fulbri05

greengirl0909:

Mints made a huge difference for me.  My sister took those single use toothbrushes to freshen up, as once she had her epidural she couldn't get out of bed.

This is an amazing idea, I'm adding those toothbrushes to the list. 

nosoup4u

My big things both times were comfy clothes and ankle socks/something to keep my feet warm.

angelphish2010

nursing tanks, zip up or cardigan for over top, a nice robe, slippers.

camera

I packed a makeup bag with travel size soap, shampoo, conditioner, brush, toothbrush, deoderant..

I didn't worry about packing food, I just sent DH or one of our parents to get something if we needed it.

rnfromtn

I brought one of those Glade glass air freshener things in my favorite scent.  It made the room smell so good and that helps me relax.  I also brought a sleep sack (now my hospital provides one with their name embroidered on it)  it was super handy and that way people weren't constantly de-swaddling him so they could see his fingers and toes.  I also brought my Boppy. 

delg23

chapstick, pjs, a head band, hair tie, brush, tooth brush, tooth paste, and shampoo, nursing cover.

TiffanyBerry

I was at a freestanding birth center, so I don't know how much it applies to you, but coconut water and vitamin water for labor (I didn't want much solid food but I needed calories for all the work my body was doing!!) and a variety of balanced foods for afterwards.

Oh, and on the advice of my doula, Depends, rather than the ridiculously heavy pads.

Stephanie2167

If your planning to nurse do you have a comfortable nursing bra? OMG, I just had a regular bra and by the time I left my nipples were raw and my regular bra was a nightmare to deal with. I wish I would have had the comfortable nursing bra.

etude de la vie

With both kids all I really needed was a nursing tank, new socks, deodorant,  camera, and the boppy pillow. I brought other stuff and didn't use hardly anything.