Hospital Bag

Ok, so I'm going to break the "strictly baby gear" rule already.  A few of my pregnant friends recently asked me what you need to have in your bag for the hospital.  Here are the essentials.  Pack it at least 4 weeks before your due date.  In fact, while you're thinking about it, pack it now.  Make sure your husband/partner/significant other/labor coach knows where it is.  Maybe just park it by your front door (or toss it in your car).

Small bag for Labor and delivery:

• Plastic bag of Essentials (copies of hospital paperwork, insurance card, doula/doctor/pediatrician names and phone numbers)
  
• Clear hard candies in flavors you like (life savers, jolly ranchers, etc.)*
  
• Gatorade (powder mix if you can find it)*
  
• Large bottle of water (~1L)
  
• Bendable straws
  
• Extra hair bands
  
• Camera
  
• Flip flops
  
• Chapstick
  
• Magazines, Book or iPod w/ headphones (you could be there a while and might need a distraction)
  
• 2 Pillows with COLORED pillow cases
• Eye glasses (if you have them)
  
• Exercise ball and pump (if you’re using one)
• Gum and bland snacks (for your Significant Other)
  

* if your OB will let you have them.  Make sure to ask at your next appointment

Small Suitcase for your stay in Maternity:

You:

• Cardigan or zip hoodie
  
• Lightweight cotton bathrobe
  
• Medela Comfort Nursing bra (1-2)
  
• Underwear (3-4)
  
• Nursing nightgown (1-2)
  
• Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hair stuff, a little blush + lip gloss for pictures, extra contacts + saline, deodorant)
  
• Outfit to wear home (not involving pants/tights/leggings)
  
• Balance Bars or some other pre-packaged snacks
  
• Cellphone charger

Significant Other (if they are "rooming in" with you during your stay in Maternity):

• Underwear (1-2)
  
• T-shirt (1-2)
  
• PJ pants
  
• Flip flops
  

Baby:

• Outfit to wear home (sleep suit or similar coverage)
  
• Outerwear (depending on the season - a sweater for spring/summer or a jacket, hat, mittens for fall/winter)
  
• Carseat
  

Have Someone  - i.e your parents or a close friend - Bring You:

• FOOD and SNACKS (hospital food really is terrible)
  
• Bottled water (4-6, 20oz+ size bottles are best)
  

Contractions Anyone?

Ok, so this isn't gear, but this contraction timing tool is fantastic!  Practice a few times before you need it just to see how the tool works.  It will take a little while to get the hang of what a full contraction feels like (beginning, ending), but you’ll catch on pretty quickly.  On the big day, this is best used on a laptop so you can have it at your fingertips.  You can also print out your results to share with your doctor or nurse when you get to the hospital.  So when you say your contractions are now 3 minutes apart, they might believe you a little more quickly...