Don’t leave home without these little essentials that can make a big difference.
I’m glad I remembered to bring: "Magazines," says Tia Secor, a mom of one in Salt Lake City, Utah. "I was induced but was in labor for 14 hours, most of it with an epidural. The reading material was great to have in between visits from family members."
I wish I’d remembered to bring: "A hair elastic. I didn't pack anything to keep the hair out of my face during labor, which is funny because I keep hair clips and elastics everywhere at home. Must have been pregnancy brain!"
I’m glad I remembered to bring: "My fluffy bathrobe," says Tracey Blackman, a mom of one in Hartford, Connecticut. "Being in my own robe at the hospital was comforting. And it was nice to look decent with family popping in and taking pictures."
I wish I’d remembered to bring: "Slippers. The hospital socks they give you with the little nubby things are so scratchy, they twist all around on your feet, and are just blah!"
I’m glad I remembered to bring: "My pedicured toes!" says Lisa Bedford, a mom of two in Phoenix, Arizona. "With my first, I’d look at my toes while I was pushing and thinking, ‘Wow, I hope no one notices my feet.’"
I wish I’d remembered to bring: "Dried fruit, a tasty way to get my digestive system to start moving again."
I’m glad I remembered to bring: "Extremely large underwear. Huge!" says Stephanie Callaway-Sifuentes, a mom of one in Dallas, Texas. "After you give birth you have to wear a gigantic pad, and the hospital’s mesh undies aren’t that fabulous."
I wish I’d remembered to bring: "A sleeping mask, or even a scarf to wrap over my eyes. They tell you to rest once you have the epidural, but all the flashing lights and activity keep you awake."
I’m glad I remembered to bring: "Wet wipes," says Lauren Mackiel Gory, a mom of two in Little Falls, New Jersey. "I was very sensitive after giving birth, and wipes were way better than toilet paper."
I wish I’d remembered to bring: "My favorite lotion. The hospital soaps and sheets are on the rough side and it can get chilly, both of which dry skin."
I’m glad I remembered to bring: "A pair of comfy pants to go home in," says Desiree Wolfe, a mom of one in Las Vegas, Nevada. "You’re larger than you think you’ll be when you leave the hospital, but I felt fine in soft, elastic-waist pants."
I wish I'd remembered to bring: "An iPod. It would have been a way to deflect family who dropped by to chitchat. I love them, but it was like, Look, I’m in labor here!"