36 Weeks

For what it's worth, all the doctors who looked at me when I was 34 weeks along with my first son told me that I was going to deliver early. They even gave me the shots to develop his lungs, just in case he came early. I went on maternity leave at 36 weeks, and didn't deliver until 42 weeks. I watched a lot of bad daytime TV in the last couple of weeks.

I'd recommend packing a good book because you may end up having a couple of false alarm labours and waiting around in delivery to see if it's a false alarm or not.

Also, a good sling is essential. I loved my kangaroo korner adjustable fleece pouch because its snaps let me go from post-partum size to one year old in the same sling. (NAYY; there are lots of different kinds of slings out there.)

Also, lanolin for your nipples, which will get abused when you're breastfeeding.

Extra clothes for you and baby, in case it's a c-section and you end up staying a bit longer. Diapers, for the same reason. That, and they go through 8-10 diapers a day for the first few months, so you can't have enough. Vaseline or bum cream, too, so that the first meconium isn't so sticky on baby's bum.

If you're feeling brave: nailclippers for baby. Both of my babes came out with long, ragged, sharp fingernails, and scratched themselves in their faces.

Nice soft receiving blankets to swaddle baby in. The nurses will show you how to swaddle, but babies spit up a lot, and you won't want to re-use a spit-upon blanket.

That's about it for what you'll need. All a new baby wants is to be held by you. It's a good thing that all a new mommy wants is to hold the baby!

Good luck. It's an amazing experience.

Oh yeah, and get lots of sleep now, because you won't get much later!

Congrats on making it to 36 weeks! I only made it that far one time! So happy for you! I agree with Galdys, get some sleep and do some of the things that you won't get to do much of when baby Z arrives!

Must haves in the hospital: comfy socks to wear after you deliver, and your OWN pillow. and make sure the pillowcase doesn't match the ones at the hospital.

When you get home? Maternity bras. Things to make nursing as comfortable for you as possible (assuming you're going to breastfeed).

For the baby; I forgot SOCKS. Geez. My little girl's feet get cold and she gets so mad. I had to go buy socks:) I brought her home in a onesie, and a cape her grandmother made for her. So cute. :)

Oh, and don't forget a camera and enough batteries!

Oh, and if you go with disposable diapers (I am, I'm lazy), then cloth diapers make good burp cloths and they're cheaper than what the stores sell as burp cloths.

Put an extra shirt for you in the diaper bag. (I really need to put a full set of clothes for myself and husband into the car).

Set up someone to bring you some treat you missed while you were pregnant; I had friends bring me sushi :) I took a friend of mine a cheesesteak when she'd been on a low fat diet through the latter half of her pregnancy. It's better tasting than hospital food :D

Good luck. I'm totally sleep deprived (as you can probably tell from the way I'm bouncing back and forth between 'hospital' and 'home' things) due to my baby, but it's SO worth it.

For the baby to go home in... don't forget the car seat! Also, bring at least a couple of extra onesies or t-shirts. It's amazing how much laundry such little people can produce. I liked the stretchy waffle-weave receiving blankets, personally. The stretch made them easy to swaddle with.

For yourself... a box of granola bars or breakfast bars or something small and portable and relatively non-perishable. It's called "labor" for a reason. I was so hungry afterwards, and the hospital kitchen wasn't open for hours. If you don't eat them, John will appreciate having them there.

Also, a good book, some small knitting that doesn't require much attention, and maybe a deck of cards. Bring a change of clothes for yourself, and stick to clothing that is loose and easy to get on and off. You won't fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes right away.

Congratulations. It won't be much longer now, although it will feel like an eternity. The wait is so worth it!

hand lotion, baby or not, I find hospitals very drying . . congratulations, the fun is about to begin!!

Staples for the bag (or "What I Take"):
- Two baby outfits (both with legs, remember the carseat) ... one is slightly smaller than the other.
- Snacks for both me and hubby.
- Um, large personal hygiene items (ahem). Hospital ones just don't seem to be as functional.
- Soothing shower gels and things for the shower. You can't take a bath, but you can have a relaxing shower with a little bit of pampering!
- Ratty white socks; nice ones or slippers to keep on in bad (remove before rising, LOL)
- Your own pillow (helps on the drive to the hospital too -- you can hug it during contractions)
- Small knitting project, book, magazine ... you won't need it if you have it, but if you don't there will be a time when you'll be bored out of your mind.
- A notebook and pen to fill out all the paperwork and take notes on things the doctor says.
- Witch hazel pads (ahem). They have multiple uses -- not just the one on the label, and I'd be more than happy to explain off line.
-A pacifier. Let me clarify by saying that I'm a nursing mother here and don't believe in giving them to newborns ... but you might need something in a pinch if you have a long-ish car-ride home. You can't breastfeed in a moving car, and I can't imagine there's much worse than a screaming wee one in Chicago traffic and knowing you can't do anything about it. Nurse before you leave the hospital and you might be OK, but it really doesn't hurt. My cousin recently had a baby and swore against taking one in her bag ... my aunt tossed one in my cousin's purse unbeknownst to her and she ended up pulling it out on the car ride home that one time and hasn't used it since :)

My hospital bag recommendations:
* 2 comfortable nursing nightgowns w/ robes so you can avoid hospital gowns and that "exposed" feeling.
* Comfortable slippers, as you'll probably be walking the halls during labor.
* Maybe some simple knitting or books/music on your ipod? You may be walking the halls a lot while labor progresses, and knitting and/or audio might make this a little more enjoyable.
* Socks for delivery, but I'd try to make sure they're machine washable.
* Ponytail holder or whatever your preferred method is for containing your hair & keeping it out of your way.
* Lip balm - your lips/mouth will get drier than you can imagine. Ask the L&D nurses for glycerin swabs, popsicles and/or ice chips if your mouth is dry as you probably won't be allowed to eat/drink during labor.
* Your going home clothes - loose & comfortable!
* I second the lanolin & nursing bras previously mentioned. These are absolute necessities if you're nursing.
* Maybe a journal? My kids love to hear their birth stories, and I wish I'd written down more details when I could remember them.
* Baby Z's going home clothes - soft, comfortable, onesies, socks, blankets, maybe a hat for her depending on temp.
* Camera(s) with backup batteries & memory - these really are once in a lifetime pictures.

"Comfort" & "comfortable" appear often in my list, so if you have anything small & special that makes you even a little more comfortable (for me it's lavender spray & some very personal bracelets), take it along. Congratulations on your 36 week milestone!

Congratulations on 36 weeks! As for things you'll need - I'd bring something simple to knit. Labor can be long and boring! And an ipod or CDs or something. Nursing bras and pads to help with the leaking. You've gotten some other really good suggestions but you know, the hospital has a lot of this stuff, too.

Congratulations on making it to 36 weeks!

There are some lovely suggestions so far and I wish I had known about some of them three years ago. I would like to also suggest a Boppy pillow or something similar. I was against getting one at first; I thought I would do fine with extra regular pillows, but someone brought me one as a gift and it proved indispensable during my son's first six months or so.

I would also like to second the recommendations for snacks and drinks (many LDP rooms have mini-fridges), and even your own favorite cup or water bottle from home.

Best wishes to all of you!

Congratulations on 36 weeks!

Sounds silly, but gum and mints (for others) for during delivery -- my sense of smell was heightened.

Your other commenters have covered most everything but I would say that for Baby Z's nails, bring a nail file. When my little one was a newborn I filed her nails gently to keep them safe for her. Actually this worked for us for several months until I got the courage to use the trimmers. ;-) Wishing you a wonderful labor and delivery.

Nearing the finish line--how exciting! I would recommend you also bring the phone number of your local La Leche League leader or a board certified Lactation Consultant, just in case you and/or baby have any trouble getting nursing off to a good start. Also, I would like to reassure you that your nipples will not NECESSARILY be abused by breastfeeding--in fact, you should have NO PAIN at all. If there's pain, you need help to fix it.

You are going to do wonderfully!

Wow, another reason to love bloggers. I just wanted to say congratulations at 36 weeks!

A BLANKET!!!!!!! Those delivery rooms are COLD because laboring women get so hot. You really want to make sure you have some warm stuff. Besides, after delivering your personal space heater, YOU'LL be cold!

I would echo the La Leche League support number or ask for a lactation consultant nurse on staff for BF help if you're planning to BF (not evangelizing here, just saying IF).

My husband and I played board games while I was in labor and it seemed to help me focus. Coming up with a good Scrabble word in pain is hard but each time I put something down, I felt like I had achieved a little victory. Silly, I know, but when you're in labor, anything you can identify as progress is a good thing!

Oh and can I just echo the comments about the sling? Indispensable in those first few weeks. I also got lots of mileage out of lightweight cardigan sweaters (even though I delivered in Aug) because it made it so much easier to BF in public. When you're new to BF, it seems like you have to take your whole shirt off to get the thing right. Once you figure it out, you can easily nurse discreetly. ;-)

Congratulations! Of course you're a good incubator. Silly doctors....

You've already got some good lists from commenters, but I'd like to say something about the hospital.

After the birth, advocate to have the baby with you at all times. The child knows only you and needs you right from the first moment. It will also help with breastfeeding to have her with you always.

You can also dress her in something from home while staying at the hospital. I believe it's more comforting to see your child in something personal, rather than the uniform hospital gown.

They don't let you eat before the birth and afterwards I was ravenous, but there wasn't much to eat. Get someone to bring you something nutritious and delicious.

And just to weigh in on the nipple issue: I never had nipple problems while breastfeeding. (two children, each for one year). I used to rub some milk in after the baby was done and let it air dry. It conditions and protects! :-)

Creature Comforts as a new mom in the hospital: The Snoogle (giant C shape pillow that i was already used to sleeping with), a robe, non slip slippers of your own (the hospital ones are not so hot), knitting, camera, snacks, laptop, baby stuff (outfit to go home with), lotion (tons of it. it's very dry there), lip balm. They say soothing music (but i just didn't have the patience), nursing bra, and if you are going to breastfeed, I totally believe that bringing my own pump to the hospital made things move along more smootly. The baby won't have a normal eat habit yet...so you can make your body think it does. Totally works!
Hope this helps

Congrats on 36 weeks! It's all downhill from here. Of course, it's a really steep hill.

I'm going to ditto the gum and mints. I didn't hand them out, mind, but kept them all for myself. And ditto on the bringing your own pillow. Don't bring it out until *after* the baby arrives.

I also found a book on tape indispensable for the first night. Once everyone cleared out, it was hard to go to sleep -- but it was lovely to sit in the almost dark and listen to stories. (I had the Harry Potter that had just come out. YMMV.)

Here's a tip a very experienced midwife gave me and it sure worked! When you first bring your little girl home there is a great way to get her to settle and sleep in her new crib. Put a nightgown that you have worn for a couple of days, unwashed, in the crib with her. It carries your scent and makes the baby much more secure and happy.

wahoo!

Haven't seen this one yet:
For the ride home: baby blankets to roll up and bolster the space around the baby's head and upper body. Newborn babies (even 8-pounders like mine, and 10-pounders like my friend's) are incredibly tiny and rattle around in the carseat.

Comfortable clothes, and some books or magazines for after labor. Definitely lanolin. When you get home, a boppy or other pillow for breastfeeding is a big help. Nursing bras, and a few leak pads, just in case.

I was induced at 42 weeks, so nothing really went as I expected it to. It's a great introduction to learning who's going to be the boss for a while... Congratulations on the milestone!

As mom of four, everyone has already covered pretty much everything. The only thing I can add is a small container of your normal hair care/cosmetics, and a pretty bedjacket or robe. It made me feel much better, to look and feel like myself (at least from the neck up!) when I had visitors. I don't know if anyone mentioned this, but a small package of nursing pads for the inside of your bra. Some hospitals provide them, some don't. Sometimes your milk comes in faster than expected. Congrats on making 36 weeks!

exhale - you made it !! yyyyyeeee hawwwwww

Not that this is a thing, but if you can, bring a doula with you to the hospital. No "thing" can compare to the amazing support of a woman who has seen it all before and is there solely for you and your comfort. www.dona.org. I'm not a doula, btw, but I did have a very long labor in a hospital brimming with "concerned" doctors who were really more interested in not getting sued than in my birth plan, etc. Sounds like you might be having similar issues as I read how your OB relationship is progressing...in any event, old socks and a few cute and washable nursing shirts would be good. I'd also recommend the Binsi if birthing in a hospital -- modesty isn't your first concern, but it's a little annoying to be so exposed with the hospital gowns.

Wow! Congratulations on getting this far... you're almost to the finish line!

One indispensible thing I would take to the hospital if I were doing it again, is some sort of cotton mattress pad or blanket.

The mattress of the hospital bed is coated in plastic (for easy cleanup) and since I tend to run hot, I would sweat and feel clammy... of course, since babies are sensitive to temperature change and need to be kept warm, the nurses wouldn't let me turn the a/c on. So I was miserable for 3 days after a c-section.

Congratulations on reaching the 36 week mile marker! Bring a small knitting project, a journal (as teenagers, my kids now love reading through theirs to see the price of gas, milk, etc.), mints, and I even brought my own Tylenol. (I swear it is my Scottish heritage!)

You sure have gotten some great advice! Have you picked a name for the baby? Is it a secret until she is born?

Congratulations on 36 weeks. Get lots of sleep now.

Congrats on a comforting milestone! Looks like you are getting great packing advice - I have none to offer. In regards to John's behavior -- I find that times like this in my relationship are always a great reinforcement of why I fell in love with the guy to begin with. I'm glad you're doing well!

Congrats! I'm going to bookmark this so that when my time comes to get the bag(s) ready, I'll have this to refer back too - I'm only at 22 weeks, so 36 still seems so very far away!

I do not know what to pack (my husband and I do not have any children yet), but I just wanted to say congratulations on making it safely here. :) I'm glad that things are looking much more optimistic and that the two of you are in the healthy zone. :)

So happy that you have arrived at the safety zone.....as for the bed rest thing.....I would be knitting up a storm and enjoying the down time.....

Your own pillow and definetly some nifty socks......I'm thinkin something in PINK......

Congrats and stay healthy!

Blogless Diane

I second all the good advice above, especially the many onesies, some kind of entertainment for you, good slippers, snacks, lip balm, and breast pads (the washable cloth ones are better than the disposable ones, because the disposable ones don't mold to your shape and show more under your clothes.) And of course, the camera even though you may be tempted to smack it out of your husband's hand at some point. The only thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is kind of weird - I didn't do it, to my regret later. That is, to toughen up your nipples if you're going to breast feed. I seem to remember something about rubbing them with a rough washcloth and, maybe, salt? Like I said, weird.

I don't know if this is mentioned but there are waterproof flannel pads that are a life(sleep) saver. I used them to cover the changing pad, the sheets at night and anywhere else leaks and messes where bound to happen. Example baby is crying because it is wet and cold. Change clothes, diaper and pull off the wet pad. Sheets are dry and you don't have to wrestle with the fitted sheet at 3am. Brillant. Next is a jar of cotton balls and swaps already in alc for the stump. Get one you can open one handed.

i am so happy for you! Eagerly awaiting to see Ms Z, but not too soon! She will be so well dressed.

Let's see.. must haves.. they have pretty much been covered already.. but dang.. those cloth diapers are SO handy! My youngest is three.. and hey I still have those diapers around they make great dusting cloths after all the other uses are done!

If you don't have one of those car seat inserts that support the baby's head get one.. there is nothing so freaky as a baby in a car seat looking like their head is on sideways!
Lets see.. don't take light colored clothing..especially pants yeah.. I know but I will tell you like it is! :)
Take an outfit for yourself after that has elastic in the waistband.. You just never know what is going to fit and you don't want to have to send the mr home for another outfit!!! Who knows what he will chose! ;)

Congratulations for making to the "safe zone!"

As a two-time new mother and doula I am a minimalist. For the hospital, you really don't need anything other than clothes to wear home (and in my case those were the ones I wore in!).

Comfort measures for labor are good: rice socks that can be heated up and applied to your back, a tennis ball for rubbing your back, hair ties (if you have long hair), some honey to eat for energy if labor goes long...what else?

Simiarly at home, I am a minimalist. I found prunes essential in the immediate postpartum period because if you have a vaginal delivery with any major tearing, that first BM after delivery looms large in ones mind. The hospital usually gives you stool softeners, but they aren't nearly enough.

Lots of pillows is helpful with breastfeeding. A few behind your back, a few under your arms/elbows, one or two for the baby to rest on.

The number of a lactation consultant.

The only piece of baby gear I used thoroughly with both babies was the basic "bouncy seat." In their newborn days they actually slept in it (or the car seat) much better than the crib (if you're not co-sleeping).

If your baby scratches her/his face (many newborns do), you can put baby socks of her/his fists. It seems mean but for whatever reason some babies like to grab large fistfuls of facial flesh and clench (and then cry).

The phone number of one or two "rescuers," people who can come spell you any time of day when you are going out of your mind from sleep deprivation and fussy baby. Usually a spouse is good for this, but if you are not both home together, it's essential to have someone to hand the baby to when you're ready to put her/him in the trash can.

p.s. Though I'm biased, I recommend bringing a doula to the birth, too!

Only one thing I can think of that hasn't been mentioned:
Consider bringing a kimono style undershirt for Z when you dress her the first time. I was terrified I was going to break my daughter Ella's neck the first time I dressed her (don't worry--you'll get over this fear quickly), and not having to pull anything over her head when I was already anxious about going home was a life saver. Kimono undershirts also won't rub against her umbilical cord stump.
Just in general, don't be surprised if you feel a little (or a lot) anxious about bringing the baby home. From the time you get to the hospital, you will encounter nothing but new experiences. Suddenly, it will be time to go home, and you may feel like the nurses and doctors are crazy to allow you and John to take her home. Caring for her will feel so foreign at first. My advice is to be gentle with each other. Like most great things in life, parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. It's completely okay to feel unsure or scared about what's happening. I think sometimes women expect themselves to hit the ground running as mothers like it's a given that we will be expert parents immediately by virtue of our breasts and uteruses. Give yourselves some time to adjust.

Congratulations on the milestone! My DD (now nearly 13) was born at 37 weeks with nary a complication.

Ditto on feeling surprised they let us take the baby home. We both felt gleefully as though we were "getting away" with something, grinning to ourselves over the idea that they let us take her even though we had no idea what we were doing.

I can't tell you what to bring. LouLa was early at 37 weeks and I was way not ready for her. I was ordering my husband around, getting him to pack a bag, while I was standing on a towel as amniotic fluid was leaking out of me. It was crazy. Needless to say, there wasn't much of a bag packed, but there were two things that I really wish we had remembered: a camera, and my address book. We only have a little polaroid that the nurses had as her first picture and I wasn't able to call people until the day after she was born because I didn't have phone numbers. But, I made due with stuff the hospital provided. Honestly, it was such an overwhelming, surreal experience that not having certain things wasn't a big deal for me.

It sounds like you've gotten some great advice. Can't wait to see pictures of your new little girl (if you feel comfortable posting them, that is).

oh this is my favourite week. the ability to breathe!
i had one baby at 36 wks 5 days, all the way to 42 weeks. the otheres were on or a few days before their due dates.
hoping your baby isn't too comfortable and wants to stay past her lease!

Hooray, 36 weeks! My OB was sure I was going to deliver early, too... I hope it actually works out that way for you because weeks 40-42 are not the most fun.

For you, hospital: Lip balm, some kind of mouthwash swish (nausea is relatively common during transition, and often it's impractical to get up and brush your teeth after that), nursing tank for during and after labor (so that you can take the hospital gown off without being totally nude, if it annoys you; so that you can nurse without undressing), light-hearted reading for when you're bored during labor, snacks for you and especially for John. The number one reason dads faint during labor is that they don't eat or take care of themselves. Lansinoh, just in case the hospital doesn't provide it. Sweatpants and a t-shirt for going home in.

For wee one, hospital: kimono-style soft jersey top, soft jersey pants, socks, and *especially* little mitten hand covers. You won't want to deal with the nails that quickly, trust me. I think separates have two major advantages over the traditional onesie--There's no awkward, frightened fumbling trying to get something over the baby's head, and I found separates rubbed against Jacob's umbilical stump less than the onesies. If you want fancier clothes for a "going home outfit", try getting these separates from babystyle. Car seat, pacifier for the ride home. You'll want to steal the receiving blanket from the hospital. :)

Once home: Diapers--way more than you need, I really liked the swaddlers by pampers if you're going disposable. Vaseline for around the stump, lots of receiving blankets/cloth diapers for the spit-up and leaky milk. Nursing pads are a *must* for after your milk comes in, if you're nursing, as is lansinoh. And that's really it, for musts. I didn't believe it before Jacob came along, but they're really pretty set as long as they have you. :)

Good luck! You'll do fine.

I was 3cm dilated from 34weeks with second son and he was two weeks late, i was told the same too and thinking about walking around almost half dilated kind of freaked me out to begin with LOL!!!

I am getting so excited for you now baby time is nearly here!!!

I don't know nuthin' 'bout birthin' no babies, but I've been holding my breath for you until you reached the Safe Zone. WHEW! From here on out, it should be a breeze. Good luck!

From a long time lurker and mom of 3....I've been following your stories with interest because our pregnancies were similar with the high blood pressure. And I so often want to comment but am interrupted (by one of the aforementioned 3!) But I wanted to congratulate you on the milestone! I know how good that feels!

And as far as what to take, I really enjoyed my handknit socks in the hospital (maybe mine was cleaner than most?!) and especially during c-sections. So you might take them just in case. And a nursing bra, if you plan to breastfeed. It helps give you support and feel more modest when you are trying to nurse, especially if you have visitors. I would buy just one for now and get another one or 2 later, after you know your true size and whether or not you like the first one. (I like the Bravado bras because they were super comfortable and very pretty fabrics--more modern than the other ones.) I also loved having my own pillows--much more comfortable!

Ok, one more thing--if you expect visitors, grandparents, etc that will stay awhile and hold the baby, how about a little knitting project of your own? I stayed longer because I had c-sections, but I knit booties for my 3rd in the hospital and they were very special. Best wishes!

Congratulations on making it to 36 weeks! That's a huge milestone, and an even bigger relief.

I delivered my first at 36 weeks, and so had NOTHING ready to go when we had to depart for the hospital. He was born at Prentice, and I found that they really provided everything he might possibly have needed. You'll need to bring an outfit in which to dress baby for the ride home, and the car seat (the rolled up receiving blankets to pack around her head are a great tip). They will let you bring home everything that isn't linen. Take them up on the offer, especially when it comes to the Chuk pads. They are AWESOME, and make great changing-table covers.

If you are nursing, the staff there are great support, and there are lactation consultants on staff who will come to visit you and make sure everything is going well. The only issue I had was that every nurse seemed to have a different favorite position, which was almost TMI when he and I were both trying to figure out what the heck we were doing.

Remember to bring along some loose change, if you want to buy a newspaper in the morning. Someone comes by to sell you one every day.

Creature comforts for after the baby is born: snacks, books or magazines, small knitting projects (socks are great). As you'll likely be distracted and have some trouble concentrating, don't bring anything that will require a lot of focus ... light reading is perfect. A pillow from home is a great idea ... again, make sure that the pillowcase isn't white. Slippers for your feet, a bathrobe, your own toiletries and shampoo. Don't bother with a nightgown, wear the hospital gown. There's more blood after delivery than you'd expect, why risk ruining something of yours? And something to wear home yourself ... something that fit you a month or two ago will probably be perfect.

Some items to bring...really like your going away for a weekend trip. So all hair/body wash/tooth stuff. I liked having flip flops for the shower, you just never know with hospitals. Extra socks or slippers. I cute outfit for Ms Z to take pictures in for the first photo.

They send you home with tons of diapers and formula...but what I forgot to bring is comfortable outfits for me. I had a c-section and was in the hospital for several days. All the photos of me are in the hospital gown.

Oh, don't for get some knitting;)

Congrats on making it to the safe zone! You've got lots of good advice up there and I can't think of anything really useful to add to it. Stuff to keep you busy if labor takes a long time is definitely good. But make sure it doesn't take too much concentration. Pick something that you can do while say suffering from a head cold and it'll probably be the right level of difficulty. That is to say, not too hard considering you're distracted but not so easy that it doesn't keep you entertained. Just having something like that might well tip the balance over to you not needing it because things go so quickly and smoothly.

Otherwise, as long as you have a car seat and an outfit with legs for baby Z to wear in it for the trip home I'm pretty sure that anything else you might need the hospital will be able to provide one way or another. It might not be the perfect thing but it'll work so there's no need to fret too much about forgetting anything.

Oh, and ride in the back seat with baby on the way home. Then if she fusses, you can let her suck on your finger instead of a pacifier if you want. Plus, as long as you can manage to feed her soon enough before you leave she'll most likely just want mommy rather than being actually hungry. So being next to her and talking to her and stuff will help.

I had my own clothes. Nothing is as uncomfortable as hospital undies, and the gowns aren't that nice either. Also, what I seriously missed when I was at hospital with my first one was a good nursing bra. (I hadn't bought any in advance as you never know how the chest size changes, but we ended up staying at hospital a couple of days more than we had expected and I was going crazy without a bra.)

You might be really tired at hospital, but still I'd recommend having a good book to read and maybe a brainless sock to knit. If you're feeling good and the baby does what babies do (that is sleep most of the time) you want to have something to do.

A newborn doesn't really need much: milk, a place to sleep in and a place for wash and diaper change. :) So as long as you pack climate-appropriate clothes to bring the baby home in, most other things can be shopped later.

They will give you shirts for the baby, receiving blankets, hat, diapers.

You want to bring warm socks for yourself and FOOD. If you deliver at an awkward time to get a meal afterwards, you will want food. I was SO hungry (induced and no food that day at all).

And before you go home, take everything they've supplied you with, all the extra diapers in the room, wipes, whatever. It's a nice stopgap.

At home you will want Tucks pads (a lifesaver), Lansinoh cream (same), assuming you deliver vaginally and are nursing.

Do you have a Boppy pillow?

Remember, though, you don't live in Tibet and you can send daddy out for supplies.

Congratulations on making it this far! It's all cream from here and your body will start to want to deliver (it's amazing how the desire to be done overcomes the fear of labor!). In a couple of weeks you'll be asking her when, please and wanting her to say any day now...

Be well!

I have to throw in one more comment. There can be nipple pain even with a good latch on and successful letdown of milk. It takes some time for the skin to get used to the process and sometimes baby gets hungry before the milk really comes in and tries a lot. Don't worry about if there is some discomfort. The Lansinoh will help immensely. My experience (and that of my friends) is that the first four or five days are difficult but it gets easier and easier from that point on.

Ditto to most of the suggestions especially the witch hazel pads (!), although I find myself wondering about the hospitals, some of these woman delivered in, the poor dears. Granted, my youngest is 20 yrs. old and cut backs are sure to occur, but....I found my hospital experience never lacking in anything. Warmed blankets, provided after delivery, plenty of food to eat, in the middle of the night, every night, night stand stocked with games, playing cards, etc. but I suppose the voice of the more recent deliverees is better than my experiences. :-) As a side note, the hospital prob'ly won't let you (or at least Ms Z) leave without a car seat!

Another thing I was wondering about is, just how long is the typical stay in the hospital these days? Vaginal deliveries in my day were 2 - 3 and c-sections 3- 5. I experienced both. I know there was a time when it 24 hrs for a "normal" birth, what's the standard practice today? Whatever the length of the stay is will FLY by. Anyway the other point I wanted to make, was, don't expect to get any reading, knitting, game playing and such done, after delivery (personally I couldn't have done anything like that during labor either). If you do fine, but don't plan on it, you'll be tired, the 2AM feedings start in the hospital, and then there are all the visitors, and tending to baby.

Congrats on week 36!!! Smooth sailing from here on out.

You might want to pack, or at least have in the car, an extra empty bag to help carry gifts, cards, all those freebie promotional stuff they throw at you, and the remainder of all the lotions and potions, and diapers the nursery was using for Ms. Z.

Congrats on making it to 36 weeks!!! my daughter was born at 36w 2d due to pre-e, and she was fine, no issues (unfortunately I was not, but all is good now). I really hope you don’t develop pre-e, that mag sulfate is no fun!

What to bring… yes, bring socks, slippers for walking around the hospital (I had tevas and strapping them on was horrible after a c-section, thank goodness for DHs!). support, lots of it, from loved ones! Yes to lip balm! Lotion, comfy nursing friendly things for you if you plan on doing that, lanolin is great for your learning to BF nipples, though be careful because it does STAIN. I love the medela nursing pads and they are disposable. I had no issues with them not conforming to me, I loved them, thin and unnoticeable (and they keep the lanolin from soaking into your nursing bras or clothes).

My hospital had a nursing station that sold pumps and nursing bras. To me this was a godsend as #1, I was a month early and did not have an nursing bras yet and because I knew exactly what size to get once my milk came in, no guessing. I don’t know if you have that option but it was nice, nothing to worry about returning or not fitting.

As for things for the little one to wear at the hospital or blankies, we just used theirs. You go through them so fast, let them do the laundry! We just had clothes for her to come home in. ‘borrow’ a blankie or two from the hospital to roll and put on either side of her in the car seat, they are really little at first!

My best advice is just to use every resource you can in the hospital. If you do need a night to recover and sleep, send her off to the nursery and don’t feel bad about it! after my c-section and recovering from pre-e, I was strongly encouraged not to have DD in with us at night, but we had her at an ‘on call’ status. So I’d nurse her, change her diaper, then DH would take her to the nursery. She’d sleep and then we could pass out knowing that she was fine and being taken care of (i.e. watched while she slept) and then they brought her to me and woke me up when she was ready to eat again. Also, a few of the post partum nurses were also lactation consultants and we took all the advice they could give us!

Oh, and something no one else has said yet… if you have a favorite brand of pads, bring them! Once you get past the giant open diaper style and move to a normal heavy flow pad, if you have a favorite and the hospital doesn’t have it, you will be wishing you did. I’d bring some…

Good luck!!!

For the baby, something soft to be wrapped in. They don't really care about stuff as long as they aren't hungry and feel the love. For you: Cream for your elbows. For some reason hospital sheets wrecked my elbows. Don't know why, they just did. A little lipgloss & maybe some concealer & waterproof mascara. Everyone in the free world will take your picture, so a little fix up will make you feel worlds better. The baby will look great in her pictures, but you will have just worked extremely hard for a good while. At least a couple more pair of underwear than you think you could possibly need. Comfy slippers that you can just slide your feet into without bending over. Trust me on this one. Barettes, hairbands or whatever makes it easiest to control your hair with very little fuss.

My midwife recommended Depends disposable briefs as an alternative to pads for the first few days. I hated the idea at first (yecch!), but having tried them I'd definitely use them again. They're very soft, very stretchy over a recently pregnant tummy, and easy to get off (they just rip at the sides) -- and you don't have to worry about leakages from the back or front of a pad.

I second (third? fourth?) getting a good electric breast pump. Pumping helped bring my milk in when my son was very new and still having trouble latching, and I had no engorgement as a result. I would help him try to latch and suck, and then give him a few CCs of pumped milk by dropper at the end so that he wasn't hungry and we could both get some sleep...

And food! Take some nice food! I had a short and relatively easy labour, but I was famished after it.

Congratulations!
If you pack some nice labor socks, make sure you pack some not-so-nice socks for delivery. Socks at that time do not tend to go unspoiled, if you know what I mean!

Yay! I'm so happy that your baby is out of the too premature danger zone. And glad to hear that your blood pressure is okay. It must be frustrating to be on enforced bed rest, but it'll be over soon! Good luck on the rest of the pregnancy.

Wow. This crowd is PREPARED! I think the most important thing to "take" is as much confidence, assertiveness and good humor as you can muster, and perhaps a phone list of a couple of people who can be supportive if DH gets sleepy or needs to walk around out of his own excitement. My kids were born in different states and both hospitals provided tons more "stuff" than I could use because every advertiser/merchant in the world want me to be loyal to THEM.
Mostly, I think parenting is like art -- nothing quite goes as planned, but it can always turn out beautiful.

I've had 4 kids. They're all in their 20's now, so it's been awhile. Each one was different in hospitals, labor, delivery and times of birth. The first one I needed a couple of towels in the car for the ride to the hospital, since my water broke. The 2nd one was born in the middle of the night. So after he came I was wired awake, and alone in the room. I would have loved to have had my knitting or a good book. Then I ran into complications, and without worrying you, afterall was done and said...a goood lip balm and some extra nice hand cream to make me feel good would have been nice. The 3rd one, I was in a ward (strange hospital) where they refused to let me keep her with me and my 3 roommies all were first time c-sections. I pulled out my knitting...and they about died. I told them it was my only chance to have time to work on the baby blanket before I got home to 3 under the age of 4. The baby, was so fast (45 mins of labor) that a catcher's mitt and a snack for her dad would have kept him in the hospital rather than nearly missing her grand entrance since he went back home and my mom cooked him fried potatoes from scratch. Cell phones would have helped, but that was back in 1987...
As to going home...with my 3rd one, we were certain SHE was a BOY...so after SHE was born, my mom had to scramble around and get some girly things to dress her in. (I know that doesn't apply to you)...however, there was a girl down the hall that ended up with surprise twins...
My oldest developed an allergy to the perfume in pampers..so she needed cloth diapers asap. We didn't have them at the time...and had to go scramble to find them. My 3rd one...in a hurry I needed nipple cream...and a sign on the front door asking people to go away and not knock. My nerves were shot on that delivery. Husband at the time decided we were the house to have all the guys over to watch the basketball playoffs at...enough said. He is now the 'ex'...The last one...camera that's in working order..and a back up throw away..just in case. You can't 'redo' those important moments. Oh, and if you're so inclined...a discussion between you and hubby as to how much of 'momma's anatomy' is allowed to be shown in the pictures..and if he should remain up behind your head...rather than aiming from down by your feet...(think about it...I wanted to choke my ex several times...after he went to the mall with the new fangled picture developing machines -1981- that showed EVERYONE the pictures being developed in the hall window....long before I got to see the pictures in the hospital a couple of hours later. I was mortified!
I also with my first baby..needed a 'doughnut' to sit on for the first 3 weeks. I was really sore!
Other than that...have fun, enjoy, rock her often...and keep your feet up as much as possible...you'll be in track shoes running after her soon enough!
Congratulations!

oh, and start saving now for her high school proms...I ended up with 3 girls...and one son...2 at a time in high school...very expensive...dresses, shoes, toes, undies, hair, jewelry, limos....you get the picture....ehehe..oh the fun you'll have!!!!!!!

Long time lurker here, but asking for birthing advice brings us out of the woodwork!
Random things I brought that aren't often mentioned:
-a handheld fan, the kind that you spread open and wave back and forth. I was so hot during labor and my friend fanned me non-stop - I love him forever for it!
-socks for you to wear during labor/delivery that you won't mind throwing away if they get dirty/bloody.
-some sort of essential oil, like lavender or whatever you like. I dabbed a little bit in a few places in the room and it made it much less hospital-like.
-something to eat right after delivery - most hospital food isn't great, bring orange wedges, or baked goods, whatever appeals to you when you're hungry and tired.
-your own nightgown to wear during labor and delivery. The nurses will want you to wear a gown, but if you assure them you don't care if they have to cut the nightgown if there is an emergency they might let you wear it.
Of course, none of this is essential and don't stress about remembering everything. Just try to enjoy the experience, it's an amazing one!

Big black knickers. Trust me on this one, you need such huge sanitary wear for the first few days that big comfy cotton knickers make all the difference to your comfort :)

Not sure if this has been mentioned. Underwear. Big ole granny undwear. Really I am serious. A bikini brief after child birth? No thanks! And the biggest sanitary pads you can find. I would also bring a shawl/pashmina. I found that my body temp was all over the place and something that I could cover us up in very nice.

Also-make sure you know how to get the car seat in and out of the car! And how to properly secure the baby! In some states they will not show you AND they send a nurse out to the car to supervise but not instruct!

Congrats on 36 weeks!

Other things to bring (not previously mentioned):
-a big cup or plastic glass to hold water to drink. Those little plastic cups aren't big enough, and you will be incredibly thirsty.
-extra underwear. Tons of extra underwear for you. See next item below.
-extra long, thin maxipads. Unless you have a c-section, you'll need these for a little while, and the hospital ones are about an inch thick and fairly uncomfortable.
-headphones/headset for music/audio books. It's tough to adjust to the noise/traffic in the hospital, and this can help you drown it out.
-Phone card (or cell phone, if they're allowed). If there's anyone long distance you'll want to call, if cell phones aren't allowed, a phone card is a godsend.

One thing that I'll never forget was a friend who brought me two huge cups--one had fresh, tart lemonade in it (like the trader joe's frozen stuff--tart and good), and the other had a honkin' big margarita in it. Alcohol and breastfeeding is a no-no...but she sat with me while I drank the lemonade and she drank the margarita, and I finally started feeling like I could face the world (and she let me taste the margarita--yum!).

The other thing I was most greatful for was when my husband went out and got me dinner instead of the hospital food that first dinner after I delivered. He went to one of our favorite restaurants and got a large, juicy steak and a baked potato. It was sublime. Red meat isn't always my thing, but I think my body recognized that replenishing the blood supply was a good thing. But a "real" meal will make a big difference in getting over the post-delivery stress/tiredness.

Things to leave home:
-your modesty. During delivery, you may have no privacy at all. And have you ever noticed how the beds face the door??? They've seen it before...
-complicated books or knitting projects. Socks are good. Round and round is good.
-regular clothes (I mean the non-maternity/non-nursing kind). Bring your favorite maternity outfit and wear it home. Your body will thank you.
-your tact. If you want people to go away, just tell them. Even John (although I suspect you won't tell him to go away). People will tend to want to stay and "hang out" with you...it's ok to tell them that you need to spend time alone with John and Baby Z for bonding time. And make sure you and John have a plan for shooing people out that you don't really want to see.

Please don't forget to have John or your dad or someone post an update. We're all pulling for you, and we're all so happy that Baby Z is coming soon!

--Annie

congrats for making it to 36 weeks, that must be a huge relief for you. I have no suggestions for you to bring to the hospital, not having had one of my own.

You've had lots of suggestions for hospital & baby stuff. My suggestion is: go shopping NOW for anything nonperishable. Anything. Laundry soap, canned soup, garbage bags, cooking oil, kleenex, whatever. Fill your freezer, too. In the first few months the best thing you can do is minimize necessary trips. If you stock up now, then you can always abandon a trip that looks like it's going to turn into a disaster.

It appears that you've already gotten lots of great comments, but I will throw mine in there since I currently have a 2 week old at home. Things I'm glad I took to the hospital:
-things to be stamped with footprints upon birth - we did hats for the grandpas and also had the baby book stamped. The kiddo didn't cooperate for more than a couple of items but we're glad to have them.
- phone charger...while the rules said we couldn't use our cell phones, noone actually enforced them and texting was the easiest way to communicate with family/friends during labor.
- ipod - this helped me relax during labor.

I would advise you to wear the hospital's clothes, even the ugly gown. It is much better to not have to worry about getting anything out of your clothes and the gown snapped open at the shoulders for easy nursing.

Don't be afraid to have John be the "bouncer" for you at the hospital. There were times when I just couldn't handle people being in the room with us and we jokingly had a "code word" for the husband to get them out for a few minutes somehow. It was a joke, but it actually got used!

The most invaluable thing since I got home has been the lanolin cream for soothing the soreness associated with breast feeding. I've also been grateful that I dvr'd a bunch of movies because then there is always something to watch, even during middle of the night feedings. Also, you might collect menus from take out/delivery places, as I have gotten tired of the food I have at home. It's nice to break it up a bit.

I hope that helps! Congratulations on making it to 36 weeks!

Onsies, kimono style under shirts=or the kimono sweater that is in Mason Dixon Knitting. A real nightgown for you=no peeky in the backend. Your own shampoo is great too=if they let you spend the night.
First night home with baby-put heating pad in cradle on low and remove when you put baby in-a warm bed makes a child happy and put something of you in the crib(like your hospital nighty) as your smell seems to help.
Keep baby with you in hospital. Enjoy-the adventure begins.

Best wishes for The Day. Only advice: some people are allergic to lanolin, so try it first. Love M. xxx

I think most of it's been said already, but one thing I haven't seen yet is what really helped me during labor- one of those big blue exercise balls you sit on. It was the most comfortable place for me to sit, as I could sort of roll my hips back and forth to ease the pain. I mostly sat on it with my arms up on the bed, leaning forward, my head on my arms during the contractions. Our hospital had one, but if they didn't I would have brought my own (and the pump to inflate it).

Other than that- labor music, your own pillow, a going-home outfit for you (one of your maternity outfits will be still be comfiest), one for the babe, carseat, spare blanket or two, snacks, a book apiece for you and John, lotion, chapstick, CAMERA, and toothbrush etc. And get a box of the highest absorbancy thin pads you can find. The hospital's are probably going to be thick, and you won't want any extra pressure "down there" for a couple days!

Congrats on making it to 36 weeks! My girl arrived at 38, happy and healthy.

Ooooh, one more thing. If you have any leanings toward anemia (which ends up being a common issue after labor), do use a *liquid* iron supplement like Floradix...it works immediately upon taking it, gets absorbed by the body very efficiently, and does not constipate you (which no one needs anyway, but especially not after delivering a baby). The iron tablets really can't compare. Good luck!!

Yarn and a sense of humor? A carseat?

For my kids I took books--old faves. I read TWO David Lodge books and most of a Marian Keyes book in the hospital. I felt both energized and relaxed after the birth (that passed after about a week!)

Enjoy the lovely stay in the hospital. For me it was like a spa--gentle nurses to help me with everything (including walking), food delivered regularly (I was starving!) and the remote all to myself. Ambien at night! No vacuuming!

Best of luck!

congrats!

The best thing I took was oranges. They don't really want you to have food, but I had orange slices every so often. If labor is long, you're working awfully hard for ages on no fuel. Sure, if there's a risk of a c-section, you don't want to have eaten, but you also don't want to starve yourself and make your job harder.

Take what helps YOU be comfortable.

Take socks and a hat, and an outfit or two for the baby.

take socks for YOU

Take the phone numbers of the folks you'll want to call once the hard work is done.

Take someone to be with you...who promises to rub your back when it hurts.

Take the willingness to let everyone else worry about everything but you and the baby once you arrive.