[Guest_BBlessed_*]

My number 1 item to pack each and every time I've given birth is a special, scented set of shower gel, deodorant, moisteriser and talc. Each time I've picked out a different scent, and saved the set for after the birth - and it's been such a special moment, showering after giving birth and being able to luxuriate in something simple but special.

It's my #1 suggestion for your hospital bag - something special and nice-smelly to shower and clean with after giving birth. Avon and Le Reve sell some good sets.

[mrs*p]

BBlessed, one of my really good long time friends has bought me some lovely L'occitane Cherry Blossom body wash and skin lotion to take to hospital. It smells gorgeous and I can't wait to use it. Great minds think alike.

[~plimsol~]

i am having twins so that means double on the baby clothes eeekkkk

[Etcetera]

My hospital supplies all the baby clothes so all I need to ring is a going home outfit - check with your hospital.

[mamaishere]

A sports drinking bottle is a great idea I reckon! I took one in with me & it saved me having to reach for glasses of water & I didn't have to worry about spilling it or looking to see if I could even reach it for a drink!! Fill it up from the jug & keep it beside you somewhere handy:) Worked a treat for me.

[nancybee]

Don't forget some large cans of Guiness. No seriously when it's day six and your baby isn't feeding and has jorndice and your milk is still dry and you haven't slept.... have a big glass of guiness and not only will you feel better but it really helps in milk production. It will not harm your bub!!!

[Guest_abidjanaise_*]

I'm stocking up on food! I'm always famished after labour and the meals are too small!

I'm taking biscuits, chunky soup, chilli con carne, muesli, and real-sized mug.

[*Firefly]

A HAIR DRYER One thing I can't live without.

With my first it came in handy for drying "down there" as I had stitches. It was great as I could dry there without touching (ouch!!)

Then with #2 & #3 I actually used it for my hair. I have oily hair and have to wash it every day. It was great as 1. I looked good for my guests (I hated being a stay-in-PJ's mum at hospital!) and 2. I didn't get cold with wet hair in the air-con.

That said, I stayed in private, so I was there 5 days. If you are public...forget this item!

ETA: I bought a small travel size hair dryer. It has done me well. Not too bulky for the bag, and means I didn't have to remember to pack it in the bag when I went into labour (I wasn't going to pack my home one away...I use it every day! )

This post has been edited by *Firefly: 15/03/2008, 04:35 PM

[3munchkins]

this one is more for your car.

keep a big garbage bag and a towel in the glove box or boot, or even on the seat,and if your water breaks in the car on the way to hosp it saves a big clean up after!!!

(obviously you put the plastic bag on the seat 1st then the towel on top)

This post has been edited by 3munchkins: 24/03/2008, 09:29 PM

[JFK]

I always take some framed photos of my other kids - as newborns as well as current ones. It's always interesting for the "Who is she / he like" discussions and I'm sure it makes the other kids feel special when they come in to see me.

I also bring in the other kids' baby books (the medical records books) as it's interesting to make comparisons.

Oh - I also bring in my favourite coffee mug from home. I don't like the teeny cups that the tea lady brings around - it's nice to be able to wander down to the patient's kitchen and make yourself a decent sized cuppa / hot chocolate.

Edited to add - I bring in some treats (snack sized choccies, colouring in stuff etc for my other pre-school aged kids when they visit).

This post has been edited by JFK: 14/04/2008, 12:02 AM