What to pack for the hospital

Ha! The first time around, I actually followed the advice of all the books and websites. I literally had a suitcase packed. It was filled with crap, most of which never got used.

I just got an email from Pampers with suggestions on what to pack. Allow me to comment on it.

# 1 or 2 nursing bras

I took one. And honestly, I don't remember if I even bothered to put it on. I'm not huge up top and I spent most of my time in bed anyway.

# Nightgown

I wore the hospital gown. I don't wear nightgowns anyway. If I wear anything to bed, it's generally because it's cold, and I wear pajama pants and some type of t-shirt.

# Bathrobe

I took a robe with me and didn't wear it since the hospital gown covered more than the robe did. If you're taking (and planning to wear your own gown, this might be worth packing.)

# Enough underwear for your stay, plus a couple of extras

Underwear...this one is a bit tricky. Based on my previous hospital experience, I really didn't wear my own underwear until I was ready to leave. Friday night when I was there, I was in labour and had lost all sense of modesty. I was ready to uncover and spread for anyone who walked in. Saturday I got a catheter before my surgery and kept it all day Saturday until Sunday morning. On Sunday when I was rousted from the bed and made to get up and about I started wearing the oh-so-stylish mesh underwear the hospital provides. Let me just say that you'll be a mess and if you can avoid dirtying up your own things, I'm all for that.

# Toiletries (if your hospital doesn't supply them) for you and your partner; avoid heavy fragrances

I don't remember whether I brought things for Julian or not. I did bring my own toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, lotion, etc.

# A cheap watch to time contractions (leave valuables at home)

Yeah...we never timed contractions. You might need/want this if you're a "by the book" kind of person.

# A clean maternity outfit to go home in (you'll still look about six months pregnant even after you've delivered)

Yes, you will still be huge. Don't pack your size 0 jeans. They won't fit over your hips. And if they do, then I don't want to hear about it.

# Something warm for the baby to wear home

Something warm? How about just something to wear. I guess it depends on the season and where you live.

# A camera and film

Yes! A must. Extra batteries might also be good if you have a digital camera, or a charger for rechargeables.

# Your health card, checkbook, credit card, portable phone or phone card, and address book

Cell phone or phone card and list of people to call - yes. Checkbook and credit card? I guess it depends on the situation. I wouldn't take a whole lot of valuables, and it might be best to have cash, checks, cards, etc. with your coach/partner so they don't get left unattended. Yeah, it's a hospital, security, yadda yadda...but you never know.

# Snacks such as fruit, crackers, and juice

I packed snacks and never ate them. I couldn't eat or drink while I was in labour and then because I had a c-section, my food intake was monitored by the nurses. I had lunch on Friday, laboured all night, had my c-section the next afternoon, and then after all that I got to eat sugar free Jello. Ooh, hold me back. I was starving. I think I ate 4 cups worth.

#Old non-skid slippers (you don't want amniotic fluid drips messing up brand-new ones)

I took slippers but didn't wear them. This time around I got some non-skid socks. Takes up less space in the bag and more comfy to me.

The things they don't mention here:

Take the baby book. Get the footprints and all that good stuff.

Some makeup. If you're like me, when it's all done you'll look like you've gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson. If you're having visitors (or photos) it's nice to put on your game face.

Remember, this isn't a vacation. You're going in to have a baby, and if all goes well, you're only going to be there a couple of days (even if it's a c-section, unless you beg your doctor to let you stay an extra night because you're terrified to take this tiny person home). I took reading material that never got read, snacks that never got eaten, clothes that were never worn.

One last thing: keep in mind that everything you pack to take to the hospital has to be carried back home and unpacked. When you're already exhausted. Think small. Think essentials. If you're not sure you'll need it, leave it.