Packing the "Hospital Bag"

I had no idea what to expect when I was preparing for my daughter's birth. I packed everything I could think of. We only needed about a third of what I brought, and my mother had to wash our laundry, and my husband had to make several trips to Walmart while I was in the hospital for the things I didn't think of, or the things I might need going home. It is awful to have to stop at a store like Walmart before heading home from the hospital with a newborn. It's better to be prepared. This time around, my packing list is quite different. I am going to go through my list and explain as I go.

WHAT'S IN MY BAG?

1. Birthing Wrap. During delivery, I do wear the "real" hospital gowns, but afterwards, it was very nice to slip into something more comfortable and easy to nurse in. Heck, I even felt pretty. This is the kind I have, but in medium, and black. Mine wasn't as expensive, since I hit a sale.
2. Nursing Nightgowns. I didn't bring anything like this last time, but I did wish I had them. I was in the hospital for a week, so wearing the same thing day after day made me feel gross and wearing hospital gowns got old. I am bringing two with me this time.
3. Nursing Bras. Bravado bras are my absolute favorite, but I also like HotMilk bras. My milk came in while I was in the hospital and the stretchy sleep bras I brought just didn't cut it. This time I am bringing my nursing bras. 
4. Nursing Pads. My husband had to buy these for me. I have some reusable nursing pads that I brought last time, but they slide around and I could saturate them in a matter of an hour. The disposable ones worked well for me and they have good adhesive that hold them in place. I changed them every single time I nursed. I prefer the regular lansinoh ones to the ultra-soft version. The adhesive didn't leave sticky residue like the ultra soft pads. 
5. Nursing Cover. Last time, I never used this because I forgot I had it and breastfeeding was frustrating enough without trying to be covered too. This time, I am bringing it again, in hopes that I do use it instead of sending visitors in the hallway for an hour.I don't mind nursing in front of my family and close friends, but I am not comfortable nursing in front of just anyone. 
6. Slippers/Flip flops. I pack both my own slippers and my husband's. I also bring a pair of flip flops for the shower. These got a lot of use last time.
7. Comfy pants/gauchos. I no longer fit my maternity pants when I left the hospital, but many people do. Comfy, stretchy pants or skirts will fit if I am big or small going home. I am over two hours from the hospital and comfortable pants are essential for the ride home.
8. Other clothes for both me and my husband. I will be bringing a few pairs of comfortable underwear, and a few loose tops.  I bring three pairs of shorts, three t-shirts, and three pairs of underwear for my husband. He will use one pair of shorts for sleeping. 
9. Toiletries. I bring toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant for both of us. For me, I bring a razor, coconut oil (for face lotion), my hairbrush, hair elastics, a headband, and a small mirror. I don't use "real" deodorant, so I will bring a small mason jar of baking soda instead.  We both use baking soda and vinegar instead of shampoo or conditioner, so I will bring those from our shower as well. 
10. Camera and Charger. Taking pictures from the beginning and pictures of everything I want to remember is important. Also, the camera charger, for obvious reasons.
11. Cell Phone and Charger. Cell phones don't always work well reception-wise in hospitals, but they work well as a phone book.
12. Copies of Birthing Plan. If I end up with a different doctor, I want to have copies of my birth plan available. 
13. Swaddle Blankets for baby. I really like the Aden and Anais swaddle blankets, so I am bringing a few to use in the hospital. They also have plenty of blankets there, but we were not able to bring them home with us. I like the idea of keeping the blankets used by my newborn in the hospital, so I will bring my own.
14. Clothes for baby. Besides an outfit or two to come home in, I will bring a few newborn nightgowns. Because we do not know the gender of our baby, I will bring a few gender-neutral outfits, and a few pink ones.
15. Car Seat and base. Okay, it isn't in my bag. It will be installed in the car, ready to use. The hospital provides diapers, wipes, and a nasal syringe to take home, so a diaper bag is unnecessary to bring, but the car seat needs to be there. I have a Keyfit 30.