baby birth packing list

What do I need at the hospital or birth center? What don’t I need? I’m no expert with a mere two births under my belt (what does that phrase mean, anyway??), but here are my suggestions based on common wisdom and my experience. *Don’t forget your doula!! 1) Clothing. No, it is not a nudist colony. Yes, bringing your own clothing means you don’t have to wear the world’s worst outfits: hospital gowns. And have you seen their “nursing” gowns? They are hospital gowns with two slits for your breasts. Um, skin-to-skin, anyone? How can your baby optimize his latch when he can’t smell your milk through all the bleached cotton? Bring: cotton robe (maybe 2) ((I got one at Target for not much–not full-length)) socks you like when walking on cold floors (2-3 pair . . . birth is a wet business) nursing bras (for a little breast support) yoga or sweat pants (for when you arrive and leave) shirts that open in the front (I forgo nursing tops for the first long while–open up that shirt and have your unclothed baby on your chest!) swimtop for water birth & swim suit for your partner Don’t bother with underwear as they’ll provide you with these lovely enormo disposables numbers. 2) For your care. gel pads for your nipples nursing pads heating/cooling pack (see mine here) water bottles food you can eat & snack on (let’s be honest, some hospital food is terrrrrrrrible) playlist on a CD or your smartphone…