What was/is in you labor bag?

[turtledove]

I have packed my hospital bag, but I'm still not 100% sure what to put in my labor bag. We are doing Hypnobirthing, so I know to bring my scripts and CD's (already on my iPod). We have the cameras ready, birthing ball in the car, but what else? What kind of snacks did you pack? What was the one thing you were glad you remembered? Any advice would be great!

TIA!

[wencit]

I'm in the process of packing my hospital bag, too. Here are a few things I've jotted down not to forget:

baby book (for footprints/handprints)
warm socks
slippers
Chapstick
mints
going home outfit for baby

If you're breastfeeding:

Lansinoh
nursing bra
breast pads
breastfeeding pillow

Do a search on the boards for "hospital bag." There have been lots and lots of excellent threads on this topic. Sending you easy labor vibes! :)

[brittone2]

Your own pillow

nightlight (I had a wall one and a battery operated one) which was handy for the middle of the night

Nursing bra or two, breastfeeding book like Womanly Art

Going home outfit for baby, outfits for yourself. Bring some stretchy or maternity type pants since your belly is still really distended afterward.

When walking the halls in labor I used slipper socks and a robe

If you are permitted by your hospital to eat/drink in labor, bring some crackers and some bottled water. I drank Gatorade through a good part of my labor.

LOTS of snacks (I was famished after DS was born and the nurse promised she'd bring me a bagel, which never happened. They also never brought my dinner the first night. DH ran out to get food most of the time but I did eat a lot of snacks. Granola bars, Nutri-grain type bars, snacks for DH, vending machine money...

Contacts, glasses if you wear them

Flip flops for the hospital shower

Baby book if you are using one (for footprints, handprints)

cell phones

Chargers for phones, charger for iPod, charger for cameras (extra batteries too!)

Hair products/cosmetics

Something I'm **really** glad I had was a vinyl shower curtain for the car. My water broke at home (I also had one on my side of the bed under the sheets for a few weeks before my EDD) in bed, so the cover helped there. On the way to the hospital (45 min drive) my water was really pushing out w/ each contraction and my upholstery would have been soaked otherwise. I sat on the shower curtain. They are like $2...definitely worth it to have one or two on hand. I read about that somewhere and I was soooo glad I did it.

Those are a few things that come to mind for me. Everyone has different needs so they might not be things you want/need but those are some things I remember packing.

FWIW we did Hypnobirthing and it worked *amazingly* well for us :) Short, sweet, easy labor and very quick recovery. I had very very little discomfort in labor at all :)

ETA:
Is your carseat already installed?

[brittone2]

Oh yeah, **Definitely** lasinoh, breastpads and breastfeeding pillow. Lasinoh was a lifesaver for me!!!!

[firstbaby]

Your video camera or digital camera if you plan to take any labor or first born pictures. I have no idea how my DH had the presence of mind to do this but we have a picture of the doctor holding our baby up after coming out, DH cutting the cord and DS being weighed. They are so amazing!

Great suggestions on the nursing pillows and comfy slippers.

I had also packed a nice pair of pj's for after delivery but after I realized I would destroy them I wore the hospital garb most of the time :)

[bunnisa]

Here's my list, although I plan to stay at home as long as possible (hopefully I'll be ready to push when I arrive!)

For labor/delivery:

Red Raspberry leaf tea, extra strong to drink at onset of labor
Herbal tincture to aid dilation & contractions
Recharge (like gatorade but better, no high fructose corn syrup)
Emergen-C
Energy bars
Nutritional drinks (generic Ensure)
Back rub thingies (although I didn't need them last time)
Birthing ball
My own pillow!
A cloth with lavender essential oil to tuck into my pillowcase - I don't like the medicinal smell of the rooms
My own clothes - a soft skirt and tank top
Snacks for my husband/son (trail mix, mostly)
Couple new toys for DS
My water broke before labor last time, so this time I bought Poise pads (waterproof absorbant disposable pads) just in case.
"Smooth Transitions" herbal tincture (calming)

Post-partum:

Baby book or paper for footprints
Cell phones & chargers
Any phone numbers not already programmed on our phones
Digital camera & charger (be sure memory card is cleared!)
Boppy
Miracle blanket for swaddling
Flip flops (great for the shower and they rinse clean if necessary!)
Hair dryer (didn't have one last time and sure missed it!)
Healing herbal infusion frozen in a peri bottle
Maxi pads with herbal infusion, frozen (soothing)
Afterease herbal tincture for afterbirth pains
Yoga pants, soft loose skirt, tank tops and a velour hoodie

...So I'M all ready, but baby doesn't appear to be getting the hint! :)

Bethany
mom to one and one on the way!
http://bd.lilypie.com/bS4om6/.png
"And children are always a good thing, devoutly to be wished for and fiercely to be fought for."
-Justin Torres

[KrisM]

I don't have much to add to the lists, except for a notebook and pen. I found writing down my birth story at the hospital was great. I would not have remembered as much even 2 days later. Also, as I had questions for the nurse/doctor, I could write them down for the next visit.

[TraciG]

teddy bear to sleep with in the hospital, comfy !

[annasmom]

Bring your own shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, body lotion and soap. The hospital toiletries are really drying. Lots of loose clothing, socks, slippers, bathrobe. Your own sanitary pads. Also, bring some tylenol for your dh (if he takes it), for afterwards. You will be able to get medication, but he will not. Good luck!

[annasmom]

Double post.