Hospital bag tips

I "packed" our bag a month before my due date, just in case.  And by packed I mean I put the very few things that I don't need every day in there, and then I wrote a list and kept it on top of the bag, so that when it was time to pack I wouldn't have to remember anything.  Just read the list, do what it says, and go.  That means you really should write down everything, even the obvious things, because you don't want to be searching your brain when you're in labor.  So write down phone, phone charger.  Also, write the toiletries out item by item.  And when you pack something, cross it off so you don't go around looking for it and forget it's already in there.

So, basically, the list should have everything you would need for an ordinary weekend trip.  Toothbrush/paste, face wash, deodorant, chapstick (definitely chapstick).  Razor (shaving helped me feel clean again after delivery). Prenatal vitamins (you need to keep taking them as long as you're nursing).  You don't need any advil or anything, they have those there.

In addition to those things, also pack:

Baby clothes for both babies!  I brought 2 sizes, in case one was too big. 

Baby blankets.  If it's hot out, you'll want to take off the blanket outside and put it back on when you're in the AC in the car.  Also, the blanket can go over the car seat to protect them from the sun in the few seconds you're outside.

Super overnight maxi pads with wings.  They give you some crazy hospital pads in the hospital, but those don't stay in place and are ridiculously bulky.

Slippers

Robe, if you're into wearing a robe over your clothes.  But not a nice one.  It could get gross.

Nursing bras (as for sizes, I got a few in my current, pregnant bra size - milk doesn't come in for a few days, and then you go back to that pregnancy size within a few weeks, and one or two in a bigger size for the milk-coming-in time.  I like the nummies brand.).  

Lansinoh nipple cream.  They probly have that at the hospital, but you'll need it eventually anyway, and it's really good to have the first few days.

Bathing suit for O in case you do this thing vaginally and you're in labor for a while and want to get in the shower (which feels really darn good) and want his help.  It's cool for you to be naked in front of everybody but not so much him. 

Full-sized towel (dark color).  The hospital one is basically a hand towel.  

Nursing pillow.  I brought mine because it makes nursing easier.  But it takes up room.  You can leave it in the car until after delivery.

Snacks for O AND you.  You'll have to sneak them, but if you do a vaginal delivery you gotta eat.  The whole no eating thing is absolutely insane.  Are people required to fast before driving a car?  No, and they might end up in surgery by doing that too.  

Book/kindle.  Depending on how things go, you will probably have some down time.

Ear plugs for maximizing sleep time.

Extra space in the bag so you can steal/rightfully take the diapers, witch hazel pads (feel really good after delivery), disposable mesh underwear (instead of ruining your own), hospital maxi pads for when you're sitting still. Once it's in your room, you paid for it, so you might as well take it home.

And if it makes you feel any better, packing the bag will just make you feel less worried about one thing while you wait for the girls to show up.  It'll sit there packed for a very long time :)

Oh, also, you should probably start keeping a big maxi pad in your purse at some point, just in case your water does break.  Once it breaks, it just keeps leaking, and it's nice to not be leaking all down your legs/on the car seat on the way to the hospital.  Again, not that this will happen any time soon, it's just a nice insurance policy to have, and another thing you've taken care of.