Now on to the Hospital Bag (just for you Lauren!)

Wondering what to pack as you prepare to meet your little one?? Since every labor and every woman (hmmm - and every hospital) is different - It is hard to say what you'll need. I tend to error on the side of packing light - I hate lugging around (and putting back away) unnecessary stuff.

Let me first explain that this is based on my plan to labor at home as long as possible and the head to the hospital (no birthing center, no birthing tub, no doula - if

you're planning on these this may not pertain to you.)

- CAMERA - and video camera if you plan on recording it.

- Phone Numbers - of important people to contact with the news.

-Make sure you pre-register at your hospital if possible. It will make things easier when you check in.

-Your Birth Plan (if you have one) - I suggest knowing the basics of what you want while being flexible and trusting of your health professionals. Make sure your significant other knows the important stuff (epi immediately? going med-free? no vaccin

ations for baby? stay with baby after birth? etc etc etc)

- Glasses & Contacts - If you wear them.

- Makeup Bag - Yes, I am serious. I dont even go camping without it.

- Chapstick - One of the most important items in my book. Chapped lips are miserable.

- Hair ties - and maybe even a headband. Labor will quite possibly be the most intense workout of your life.

- Handheld Fan - I didnt use one but have friends that swear by it!

- 2 Toothbrushes, Toothpaste & Toiletries - You'll want your toothbrush & your partner will appreciate it too. Often the hospital lets you shower afterwards and its nice to be able to wash your hair.

- Gum, Mints - You never know when you'll want it or want to pass i

t to your partner. ;)

- Non-perishable Snacks - Granola bars, trail-mix, dehydrated fruit, almonds, gummy bears. Just in case youre in for the long haul - you dont want your partner leaving you or worse: fainting.

- Robe - It made me feel more comfy & was great for when people come to visit. If you get one, find a lightweight, black or navy cotton one. Also - don

't spend too much in case it gets stained.

- Slippers, Flip-flops, socks - Slippers are nice, flip-flops are

for the shower & socks are always a good idea.

- Heavy/Overnight Pads - They will supply you with some but they are the size of a queen size mattress and not sticky. Bring a few of your preferred brand.

- Breast Pads - You will quite possibly be leaking even if the milk isnt in yet.

- T-shirt for Dad - This is a 'just-in-case' item. He might not want to go home, might get dirty or might have been wearing the same shirt fo

r the entire long labor and want to change without going home.

- Going home outfit (you) - Yoga pants are great, black preferably. You will likely lose about 10-15 lbs initially and will resemble what you did somewhere between 6-8mos pregnant. Nursing tank and/or Bras included.

- Going home outfit (baby) - I brought a newborn one-piece outfit. This will be fine for the average 7lb or so baby. (0-3 mos outfits are often too big. Check the weight on the tag)

- Blanket for Baby - This is one of the things the hospital doesn't provide in my experience.

- Infant Car Seat - In CA the hospital wont allow you to leave with your little one without checking it out.

Things I opted not to bring: pillows (hospitals are gross imo), boppy/nursing pillow (again - hospitals are gross, leave pillows at home), Music (I was hoping there wouldnt be time for this), Books/Reading Material (plenty of things to keep me busy), candles, pictures, etc (focused all energy into breathing), book on newborn care (why read when youre surrounded by professionals).

Care to weigh in ladies? What am I leaving out?

Us in the hospital on Brooklyn's Birthday: