Many packed items are no-brainers (i.e. comfy pants and buttoned shirts to sleep in, slippers or slipper socks, toiletry items, nursing bras, etc.) but there are a few additional items I've added in there that were recommended on a Today Show segment last week:
The Homedics Sound Spa Relaxation Sound Machine
I fall asleep to a relaxation sound machine every night, so I was pretty excited to have already purchased this additional one last month for the baby's room. It can be plugged in or battery operated and isn't too cumbersome (great for traveling!) This will definitely come in handy at the hospital while trying to get some (well, a little) rest!
Bath Robe
Although they suggested to bring a thick terry cloth bath robe, I've decided to leave that one at home because I don't intend on sitting around in my robe (or primping in the bathroom) for too long. I packed my comfy silk robe instead, which fits a lot better into my hospital bag :)
CHARGED Camera
Seems obvious, but this is definitely something I've already put in the bag fully charged. I can't tell you how many times I throw the camera in my purse and turn it on to find out it has very little or no battery. I've also packed our Flip Video Camcorder as well
IPOD and some reading material
At this point we have no idea how long my hospital stay will be, but bringing along the IPOD and a few good books/magazines sounded like a great idea to me. I plan on bringing one pregnancy related book, a couple magazines and whatever book (or two) I'm reading at the time I go into labor.
My Tempur-Pedic Pillow (with an old pillow case!)
I had planned on bringing my own pillow to the hospital, but hadn't thought of covering it with an older pillow case versus our really nice silk ones. Great idea because I wouldn't want a case from one of our nice bedding sets to get ruined. Same thing goes for slippers/socks here... definitely not bringing my nice UGG slippers with me - packed a few comfy pair of slipper socks instead :)
There are several other little things that I've thrown in the bag -- among them are a pack of organic lolli pops, some Clif Bars, water bottle... the munchkin's bag is pretty basic but a few of the items include her coming home outfit, the infant bundle me for the car seat (which we installed in the car a couple of weeks ago!), and a warm blanket and coat. Every now and then you'll hear of people bringing the breast pump with them to the hospital, but that seems quite silly to me. You aren't supposed to start pumping until a couple weeks after you give birth, so unless you need another tutorial from a nurse/lactation consultant on which gadget goes where there is really no need to bring it!
