Hospital Bag-S! Omg bringing too much???

[pameladawn414]

Sooo I'm getting around to packing my hospital bags and well, it's translating out to be ALOT!

I have a small suitcase with pads, underwear, toiletries, sweatpants, robe, shirts, etc.
A bathroom bag which I packed with all my "labor coping" stuff because I"ll be doing a natural birth
Diaper bag with all of babies stuff.
And a bag with a bunch of snacks in it for during labor and afterwards.

Plus my mom (my support partner) is bringing her own small suitcase.

Now I should note that my midwife says the minimum stay at the hospital is at least two nights after baby is born, sometimes three if I'm not quite comfortable with breastfeeding and stuff yet. It's a small town hospital so they have tons of beds and don't rush you out afterwards. Also, the hospital is two hours away from home so I can't just send someone home if I forget something so I suppose it's not too much but it just seems like we're moving in hahaha. Am I crazy or what's your guys opinion? Anyone else packing tons?

[cherylsangel]

Thank you...yeah you mentioned some things i never would have thought of...I really hope I can do this naturally and anything to keep me focused is good!

[pameladawn414]

For labour coping stuff I packed a cd player (make sure you ask your hospital if you'll be allowed to play music), some relaxing cds, in my case classical harp music, and zen windpipe music.
Also packed some aromatherapy oils, and some facecloths to apply the oils to so I can smell that...I was thinking of using a diffuser but if all of a sudden I don't like one smell I don't want it all over my room hahaha.
Packed some momentos of baby to keep me focused, which was a teddybear I got her and an ultrasound picture of her. Also I have a list of various affirmations, and meditation techniques to use during labour. (Feel free to message me if you want what kind of affirmations and such I have written down)
Anndddd I have some tennis balls so I can use them on my back against a wall, and a hairbrush (because it's so relaxing when someone else brushes your hair, might come in handy to put your partner to use!)

Hopefully some of those will strike inspiration for you. I figure I probably won't use it all, or maybe even any of it, but then I have it if I want it! :D

[cherylsangel]

I was wondering what you packed for labour coping stuff because I too want to have a natural childbirth and dont know what I could pack to help me.

[TeddiH]

LOL... Me to!!!
Pamela I would pack another bag of random things you 'might' need to leave in you car as well.
But thats just me, I always over pack! Im wasnt to sure what to pack this time because with my first I packed what all the lists said to... well then I ended up with a c section and I couldnt wear the clothes I packed and was in the hospital for 5 days!
I hope I got it covered this time... I packed a bit of everything, Im also leaving an exrta bag packed at the house so my DH wont bring the wrong things if I need them! hehe

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ready....my bags have been packed for over 2 months lol

[pameladawn414]

Alright perfect, glad to hear it's not too many bags :) It's almost time everyone!!!!! <3<3<3 hahaha

[LosingMyMindInGA]

It doesn't sound like too much.  I'll tell you what I have (and I packed lighter than I did last time)

Carryon size suitcase with:
My own pajamas (sweat pants, tshirt)
sweater
socks, undies, bras
toiletries
2 going home outfits (in case one isn't comfy)
my hair straightener and small blow dryer

Diaper bag with:
babies clothes and a couple diapers/wipes for the ride home

Briefcase with:
my laptop (briefcase is the only thing it fits in)
clipboard with paper
pens/pencils
puzzle books
book to read
1 magazine

My camera bag with:
digital camera and extra batteries
digital camcorder and charger

I didnt' bother packing many snacks becuase I don't usually use them.  I actually prefer being able to take a walk from my room to the waiting room to the snack machines to get something, it gets me out of the room.  I just make sure to pack a roll of quarters

I live like 6 minutes from the hospital.  What we do is leave everything in the car except the bag that has my labor stuff (in this case the briefcase) until after I deliver and go to my overnight room, then DH brings up the other stuff for me.

[jschoch8]

It sounds like you have pretty much what i have packed, but i didnt pack any snacks or anything. I do live 15 minutes from the hospital though :) I wouldnt worry about it since youre 2 hours away, better to have too much stuff then to be missing things you wished you brought.

[Clysta]

Coupled with you being there for a few days, plus living so far away it doesn't sound as though you're packing too much to me. I'm personally only taking a small bag, but I also live 20 minutes from the hospital/birthing center I'm delivering in so sending someone home isn't a problem for me. You could also check in with the hospital and see what they provide. I know mine has all the diapers, blankets and items for the baby. You just need to bring the going home outfit. They also have the underwear and pads and whatnot. (Unless you would be more comfortable in your own items) That way you might be able to lessen your load slightly if you feel you have too much.