packing for Mommyhood

well, today i checked my email and one of my many online pregnancy calenders has recomended that I be packed now for my labor and delivery....which I'm not. I figure It can be one of those things I do to stave off rushing to the hospital with contractions too early. I believe that's one of my worries, that I'll think I'm ready to go to the hospital but when i get there, the nurses just turn me away and say it's not real labor yet and I'm not dialated at all. So I keep thinking of things I can do to busy myself during early labor and my plan is to wait and then wait some more, I hope to wait so long that I'm barely able to hold this baby in and it just falls out as i'm being admitted to the hospital......Dont worry, the hospital is two exits down the road from me. I've actaully considered maybe making it a walk over there......they say walking helps stop false labor and promotes real labor. I could do a mile and a half couldnt I.....?

"What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
Though you aren't packing for an island cruise or a ski vacation, you'll still need plenty of planning as you prepare your hospital bag for one of life's biggest adventures—labor and delivery! Learn what essentials to pack for your hospital stay and what to leave at home.

Those last few weeks of pregnancy can seemingly take forever, but that baby will come soon and you want to be prepared! By the end of your thirty-sixth week you should have a bag packed and ready to go. Here's a list of the necessities as well as a few "extras" that might make your hospital visit more comfortable. If you know you will have an extended stay in the hospital (with a c-section, for instance), be sure to plan accordingly.

NightgownThe hospital may insist you wear one of their gowns, or you may prefer to keep your nice gown clean for after the baby is born, but eventually you will likely want your own pajamas. If you are planning to nurse, be sure to bring a gown that opens down the front (you don't want to be lifting up a long gown to breastfeed!) It's a good idea to bring at least three gowns or even pjs in case you have a longer stay than anticipated -- you won't want to send hubby home to do laundry

Slippers and Socks Keep your tootsies warm. Bring slippers or socks for walking up and down the halls.

Bathrobe Most moms find themselves walking the halls in a nightgown and robe at some point during their stays, so splurge a little on something nice you won't mind wearing "in public."

Nursing Bra, Nursing Pads and Nursing Tops These are especially wonderful for breastfeeding moms, but the bras are not a bad idea even if you don't plan on nursing. Nursing bras give you extra special protection and support.

Underwear You may feel most comfortable wearing your own underwear, or you may want to wear something provided by the hospital since your underwear could become bloodstained from lochia after delivery if your pad leaks. Either way, it's best to be prepared and bring a few pair of undies with you! The hospital will likely provide napkins for you, but you may want to bring your favorite brand. You'll need highly absorbent napkins with plenty of coverage for your undies.

Toiletries Don't forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and hairbrush. Lip balm is a good thing to add to your bag also; all that heavy breathing during labor and delivery can dry your lips.

Cosmetics This is for you moms who like to look great in ALL your photographs! No matter how bad you may feel during labor, you'll want to make a point to do your makeup and brush your hair before delivery. You're sure to be in plenty of photos with your newborn. At the very least you may like to put on a little makeup the next day when you're expecting visitors.

The Going-Home Outfit Moms-to-be, it's time for a reality check! Put aside those hopes of wearing your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans home from the hospital and opt for something loose fitting and comfortable. You will probably still look pregnant (it takes time for most women's bodies to shrink back to pre-pregnancy size!), and if you have a c-section you will appreciate something loose at your waist. You'll also want flat, comfortable shoes.


Baby Clothes Most moms bring something special for their little ones to wear on their first outings into the world. Be sure to consider the weather when you choose an outfit for your newborn. If it's cold outside, you'll need to bundle baby! And be sure to bring a cap for your baby's head (although they usually give you a cute one at the hospital).

The Diaper Bag Time to start toting the bag! Bring a few diapers and some gentle wipes. The bag will also be handy to carry home all the "extras" you get at the hospital (literature, thermometer, bulb syringe, etc.)

Receiving Blankets Most newborns love to be swaddled. You finally get to use those adorable blankets!

Phone Book and Long Distance Calling Card You'll want to share the joy of having a baby without paying the hospital's long distance rates.

Laptop After delivery, you may want to take a few minutes to send your favorite cyber friends a virtual birth announcement.

Music Player and Favorite Music Both during labor and after your baby is born you'll appreciate the familiarity of your favorite tunes as background music.

Massage Lotion/Aromatherapy Items Splurge on some special pampering lotions and aromas. Massaging you during labor will also give your partner something to do to help you (and keep him busy!)

Video Camera, Regular Camera and Film, and Extra Batteries Check with your doctor before you go into labor about the hospital's policy on taking pictures and videos in the delivery room. Bring plenty of film to capture those precious moments of your newborn's first minutes, hours and days.

Snacks You likely will not be eating or drinking much during labor, but the dad-to-be may want to fuel up without leaving you to find a snack machine! It's also nice to have a healthy snack for after delivery -- you may be starving and very thirsty (hey, having a baby is hard work!), and if it's the middle of the night you'll be grateful to have something to munch on.

Baby Book or Journal You may want to jot down some details in baby's book while everything is still fresh in your mind. And don't forget to see if baby's book has a place for newborn footprints -- you can have these done at the hospital.

Breast feeding book Bring a breastfeeding book or consider scheduling a lactation consultant to visit you after the baby is born. Some hospitals provide this service, but it's a good idea to double check with your provider and insurance company beforehand.

Car Seat This is a must. Your baby won't be allowed to ride home without a car seat!

I have the Carseat and I wouldnt have thought to pack the baby book. so It's a good list, all you other mothers out there, what do you think about this list? is there other stuff I should consider taking? guess I dont need to pack my swimsuit however I have always learned that It's good practise to pack regardless of where you're going. what do you think?
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Ever wonder about why we have the old tale about the stork bringing the baby?
Read Here.......http://www.doctorsecrets.com/your-kids/baby-stork-marks.html