What's In your Labour Bag??

I know there are plenty of lists going around with what to put in your labour bag ready for hospital, but I have read snippets here and there of people's personal preferences, what they used and what they didn't.

I've done a search and can't find a specific thread on it (might have something to do with not searching on the word "bag" so comes up with all the threads with "labour"!!) so I thought I would start (another) one! Or it could just be that I am tired and really feeling baby-brain today! :cryinglaugh:

What is/was in your labour bag, what did you use, what didn't you use and what would you put in for next time (or would put in if there was a next time)??

TIA! :D

Here is an article for you MT! I packed things like my ipod (didn't use it) I had a pashmina which was great and um can't remember right now but the list on the article is pretty comprehensive! Good luck!

Hey MT
I had massage oil and cd's packed and never used them I didn't have the time due to an impatient baby. I wont bother with them this time BUT I will be packing my own A grade, top of the range, silkiest of silky type of Toilet paper the queen would use oh and Urial (sp?) as it gets quite stingy down there

Nothing yet... that's bad.

But I want to put in a heat pack and some baby oil for massages. Oh! And some apple juice.

Is some shorts for my hubby if he has to take a shower with me!
Apple juice
aeroplane lollies
lavender pillow thats really small
a nighty
underwear
my camera
Rescue rememdy
arnica cream for down there (maybe buying caledula cream too)
slippers
robe
sipper bottle

I went to my antenatal class and some women came in and told us she had her baby naturally at 37 weeks. I am 2 weeks off that - so I am being careful!

If you are having any support people, make sure they have something packed for themself as well. Water, snacks and definitely a change of clothes.

I was talking to DH as second bubs is due in August and we didn't think about him at all during our first birth. Thankfully the hospital organised dinner for him (it was a 6 and a half hour labour so not too long) but I vomited on him and he was so uncomfortable for hours with vomit down his shirt.

One of the best things I bought with me was a 4 pack of lemon gatorade. Water gets a bit too much and the replenishment qualities of the gartorade were just what the body needed.
We watched video the other night of the time just after the birth, just the three of us in the birthing suite waiting for the weighing and stitches to be done. It was priceless. I hardly remember the camera being there so it was nice to see it all again. All in awe of our new family and what we had created....so don't forget your video camera...you never get that time back and you never want to forget it.

GEL heat packs x 2

My hospital won't use hot water bottles or wheat heat packs. Pack 2 so while one is warming up you can still use the other!!!

Birth Plan!!!!
Chicos MMMMMMM Yummy
Gatorade
Change of underwear - who knows how long labour will be
Shirt
DP's shorts for shower
Plastic bags
massage oil is a great idea. I have heard many horror stories of people who loved having their back rubbed but it was rubbed raw, very stingy, so I might go add that now - it helps to minimize friction.

I packed some shorts and old t-shirt for me. They were comfy to wear after I got to the hospital and easy to get on and off. I wore my jeans to the hospital. I did end up in a gown after my shower as they got soaked from my waters. I did get a bit cold so maybe old trackies? It depends what you wear in though.

I also packed the change of clothes for DH. Toiletries (toothbrush and deodorant) are a must for both of you. mouthwash is good if you can't manage to clean your teeth but want to freshen your mouth. Plus you will be getting lots of kisses after the birth

Thanks for the replies. I just wanted people's particular experiences as I know I have seen some great ideas around the traps that don't appear on those lists!

Some of them have even popped up here so keep them coming!