Ha ha, this brings me back to my labor! We were so prepared. We had everything audralynn listed above, plus a boom box and cds of relaxing music, a water bottle with lavender for additional relaxation, a sock with tennis balls for back pain, some hard candies to suck on for dry mouth, and a few other luxuries. (These I highly recommend, even though as you'll see from my story that I didn't use them.) I had all my toiletries that I didn't want to pack ahead of time marked with little dot stickers so my husband would know which ones to grab in case I was in no condition. Let me just say that I am not the most highly organized person normally, but for this I was PREPARED.

Well. On the advice of the nurse who taught our labor class and my doctor, we did not go to the hospital until my contractions were one minute apart, lasting a minute, for one hour. (I'm sure this formula is familiar to a lot of moms.) Well, we got to this point rather suddenly after sporadic contractions for a couple of hours. So by the time we got to the hospital, I was 8 centimeters dilated already! The baby was born one hour after I was admitted, after 30 minutes of pushing. We did not need ANY of the little luxury items I had packed to make my labor easier at the hospital!

And let me tell you, ladies, this is the way to go. The thing that stuck with me from the childbirth class was the nurse explaining that the stress of being in the hospital alone can sometimes slow labor. That in turn causes the need for pitocin to speed labor, which in turn causes the need for drugs (the faster labor causes more intense pain). This was the simplest, clearest explanation I have ever heard, and it's what made me decide to try natural childbirth. I was prepared to take the drugs if I needed them, but I am convinced that it was because I went through most of my labor at home, in a stress-free environment where I had, literally, all the comforts of home and no hospital interference, that I didn't need them. I didn't miss them, and I didn't have any of the after-affects sometimes caused by the drugs.

Sorry, I got off the topic a bit here. But I love telling this story. Back to what to bring: the toiletries are so you don't have to use hospital soap, etc. Some hospitals do not provide stuff like that to save costs. Bring some snacks too, like cereal bars and fresh fruit. You do want to keep your energy up during labor. Bring water too, because you may be drinking it faster than the nurses can bring it. If you bring pillows from home (not a bad idea if you're picky about pillows), get colored pillow cases to differentiate them from the hospital pillows, so you don't forget them when it's time to go home. Don't be shy about bringing whatever you want. I saw people rolling in huge suitcases full of stuff and sending their husbands back to the car for more. You want to make yourself comfortable. You're doing a lot of work and you've earned it!

Good luck!

Patti
SAHM in SF Bay Area

P.S. When are you due?

Considering I didn't even pack until the day I had my baby - emgergency C-section - you honestly don't need as much as you think. Take socks and slippers and a robe, super comfy clothes/shoes to wear home because it seems like you actually swell more if you can believe that. Hair clips or ponytail holders. Something for the baby to wear home and a small toiletries bag.
I know this sounds crazy but the best thing I took with me was a pair of those Poise underwear. No one tells you how much you will bleed and let me tell you, those pads are uncomfortable and I was scared I was going to leak everywhere, but those Poise Underwear really make a difference. No leaks-nothing. They work good for a few days after too!
Best of Luck and happy mommyhood!
Mommy to beautiful Avery Jane

I agree with the comment you don't need as much as you think. Pack light. I totally agree with the Poise pads. TAKE YOUR OWN PADS. The hospital's are awful. They do not work, you leak all over everything. You will bleed very heavily, they don't prepare you for this little tidbit of information. Lining the seat of the car with an old towel or sheet is helpful for the ride home. While I'm on the subject, stock up on Tucks medicated pads. They are a life saver. Pack a container in your suitcase to take with you in case the hospital doesn't give you some. It may sound stupid, but now that it's the end of summer time you can find the blow up swim rings for toddlers at drug stores. BUY 2 OR 3!!!! Take one with you to the hospital. They work great the first few days when you're so sore it hurts to sit. Another thing that I did was I took my pillow from home. Just the "smell" of home was enough to relax me so that I could get some sleep at night. A baggie of change for vending machines for hubby is a good idea, too. A list of phone numbers or program them into your cell phone. If you are keeping a baby book, take it, too. When they footprint/handprint your baby ask them to do another set for you right in your baby book. The lighter you pack, the better. I overpacked for Baby #1 and it was a pain in the behind!!!!!! Baby #2 I learned my lesson and it went so much smoother!!!! Less stress.

Good luck dreasmama! You're almost there Oh, and since people were talking about the pads and Tucks (I second the need for those), here's one other thing to think about: be sure you bring home the little squeeze bottle they give you at the hospital to use after you pee. And don't be shy to use it. It will help! Mom2leviandmaci: I wish someone had told me to get an extra set of foot/handprints. I didn't think of it and then months later I realized I didn't have any prints of my daughter. Oh well, we certainly have plenty of pictures and other mementos.

Patti
SAHM in SF Bay Area

I agree with the above Moms, you really DON"T need as much as you think, and it depends on how long your hospital/insurance lets you stay. My insurance allowed 48 hours, the countdown starts the minute the baby comes out. I went into labor at 2am, got to the hospital at 7:30am, and my daughter was born at 4:30pm. Majority of the time I was in my hospital gown. For nursing purposes it was easier then anything I brought with me. If breastfeeding, definately bring a good nursing bra and Lansinoh breast cream to sooth your sore nipples. Rubber soled slippers, small toiletries, but hosestly even though I had a birthing suite with my own bathroom and shower, I was in too much pain to stand in the shower and worry about washing and primping my hair. So, definately bring stuff to put your hair up.

Tucks pads are a MUST have. My daughter did minimal damage to my privates even though I had an episiotomy. But she wasn't the only thing I pushed out. I got hemorrhoids really bad and that hurt more then the actual child birth. The hospital will give you LARGE pads that come with a cooling pack in the center. These were a god send for me. The Sitz Bath too and the little squirt bottle they give you to rinse after urinating. Honestly, I say leave some room in your bag so you can pack all these kinds of supplies home with you. Every time they brought me the cooling pads and the mesh underwear I would pack 3, then ask the nurse for more when she came back. I ended up coming home with a weeks supply. They will also supply your babies basinet with diapers, wipes and formula, pack that stuff up too, you won't get too many opportunities for free diapers after you get home. Pack snacks and drinks for your hubby, the hospital will feed you but not him.

Pack an outfit for taking the baby home and a blanket , burp cloths, hat, and socks. Make sure your car seat is properly installed and have the carrier waiting by the door. OH and a camera!! I was in too much pain to care about myself but I wanted to catch every breath, twitch, blink and cry of my daughters on film. Remember your breathing techniques...your going to need them from now until they get married. Congratulations and all the best to you!
Smile, it increases your face value!
Jodi