Packing for the hospital

There are lots of links out there to lists for what to pack for the hospital.
Here are some of my favorites, and, since I just packed my bag this weekend (3 weeks to go!), I'll tell you what I deemed MOST important!


Fit Pregnancy's short but sweet list is here.  You can probably skip the nursing pads, it's not likely that you'll need them until after you're at home: http://www.fitpregnancy.com/yourpregnancy/labor_delivery/40722917.html.


A nice long list from BabyCenter (which is a great informational web site!) is here:
http://www.babycenter.com/packing-for-the-hospital-or-birth-center?showAll=true.
Not too sure about the bathing suit, but we have been told at the hospital that DAD should bring his trunks if you think he's going to get in the shower (or tub if they have one) with you - the nurses are expecting you to be in all your glory during labor, but they don't feel like seeing Dad's naughty bits.



The Bump's list is here, and I like that they give you some "eh, take it or leave it" options:
http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/articles/checklist-packing-a-hospital-bag.aspx

What have I packed, especially since this is #2 and I know what I'll need?

• Cotton Nightgown for afterwards.  Yes, make it a nightgown.  You really don't want to be wearing pajama bottoms, trust me.
• Slippers and/or comfy socks.
• Loose clothes to wear home.
• Headband to keep your hair out of your face while you're in labor.  Or clips, bobby pins, whatever works for you.
• Depends for Women disposable panties.  OK, maybe TMI here, but those crappy mesh panties they give you?  Yuck.  They get gross after about an hour.  And if your hospital is not one of those nice, maternity spa places (mine is most certainly NOT!), you might find yourself having to beg them for the super-sized post-birth pads, only to be told you've had all they can give you, but here's 2 regular size pads you can just stick back to front.  Niiiiiice.  That did not work, folks. (they also "ran out" of ice packs.  sigh.) 
• Or just be sure to bring some of your own extra-absorbency pads and your maternity panties. (I found Kotex Overnight maxis (not the thin ones!)  to be the best afterwards. 
• Your own supply of Tylenol and or Motrin.  Bring both, because whatever they give you, you'll want reinforcements.  Again, at my crappy hospital, I had to BEG for Motrin, and then was kept to a strict, "oh, you just had 600mg 5 hours ago, you have to wait until hour 6 for more".  Really?  The whopping 600mg stuff?   Like I was going to OD on it or something.  This time, I'm bringing my own.
• Tums or other tummy stuff, in case your heartburn doesn't instantly subside.
• Toiletry kit.  Bring your makeup, hair stuff etc, in case you actually use it.  People will be taking pictures after all and you might be self conscious. I managed some eyeliner, I think, but didn't bother doing a darn thing with my hair.
• More with the TMI:  Tucks pads and Dermoplast.  I've heard some hospitals will provide these, but mine sure didn't.  (can you tell I am SO NOT an advocate for West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, IL???)
• Camera.  Even if you think you don't want anyone taking pictures right away... you'll be glad to discover that someone did capture that first moment of you holding your baby.
• Your own towel and washcloth.  Even if you do have a nice hospital... This ain't no hotel, baby.
• Your own pillow(s).  You'll be more comfortable with your usual pillow.
• Baby's first outfit for going home.  While you're in the hospital, they'll just be wearing a diaper and the t-shirt they get there, but you'll want something cute to go home in.

Readers, please add what you brought and what you thought was most necessary!  Thanks!