Time to Pack!

Wasn't too sure when we should pack our bag for the birthing house or put the car seat in but David and I have decided that sooner than later is probably a good idea so we are going to do it this week! This is the list that the midwives give us for things we need to bring, but I was also wondering if you guys had any other suggestions? Your newborn car seat (should be installed in your car before you leave for The Birth House)

• Slippers
• A loosely fitting clean set of clothes to go home in. Received some cozy clothes for lounging in for Christmas so those will work perfect for this!
• Shoes for walking outdoors
• Toiletries, esp. toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, hair ties, and chap stick
• A 4-inch piece of fresh ginger root (keep in the fridge or freezer until you leave for the center) for perineal compresses during the pushing stage of labor.
• Clothes for the baby: 1 cotton stretch newborn hat, 1 receiving blanket, and a heavier blanket. This has been my hardest decision! Seems so simple but I want her first outfit to be perfect :)
•  Fluids: Recharge (an electrolyte drink available at the Coop, Ralph’s Thriftway or Fred Meyer), coconut water, juices, or herbal teas.)
• Plenty of food and snacks for yourself and your support people. So happy I will be able to eat during labor!
• A change of clothes for your partner and other support people.
• Your “Postpartum Instructions For Mom & Baby” and “Vital Signs Checklist” sheets 
•  Insurance information
• Overnight maxi pads (2)
• Homeopathic arnica tablets
• Camera. Just bought a video camera too so we wil be bringing that also!
• Swimsuit for partner. Still not sure if I want David in the birthing tub with me but he is going to bring his swim trunks just in case :)
• Comforting items, such as your favorite pillow(s) and blanket(s), photographs, special massage oil, music (CDs), IPOD. Will probably bring our own pillows and cozy blanket to help me sleep better, well that is if I can sleep :)

Ready at Home:Overnight maxi pads (24+ count)

• 3 days prepared food in your freezer (ask your friends or family for help with this)
• 1 digital thermometer that signals when finished (ear & forehead thermometers do not work well with infants)
• Optional: 1 small jar of calendula salve (available at our office) or Arbordoun's calendula cream (ointment for nipple care)
• 3 packets of postpartum sitz bath herbs (available at our office, or at Radiance Herbs & Massage)
• 3 whole fresh garlic heads (not just the cloves) This is used with the sitz bath
• 3 cups sea salt. This is also used with the sitz bath!

After the birth:

• Make prior arrangements to have another adult stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. We strongly recommend bed rest for 3 days except for trips to the bathroom.
• Maxi pads