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When that important time come to take your trip to the hospital, there are a few things you should take with you to make your stay at the hospital more comfortable. It's good to pre-pack this bag around 32-34 weeks of your pregnancy (just to have it ready in case of preterm labor). Listed below are some important things to remember!

The obvious for you:
A hairbrush and hairtie

A toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner (the hospital brand isn't great!)
Deodorant
Lotion
A change of undies and a nursing bra
A pair of socks
A comfortable shirt and shorts or sweatpants

Then, there's the less obvious items:
Your glasses and contact case (if they apply to you)
Your own pillow
Aroma therapy or massage oils to help with relaxing during labor
A couple movies for early/easy labor (they helped me keep my mind off the contractions)
A Deck of cards (same reason as above!)
A list of people to call once the baby arrives
Relaxing Cd's and a CD player
A camera/camcorder

And... don't forget the baby:
A onesie or gown
A cute outfit to have pictures taken in (if that's offered at your hospital)
A pair of socks
A special stuffed animal or blanket you'd like baby to create an early bond with (for me this was a music box I had been playing to my tummy throughout pregnancy. It helped calm my son when he was crying!)
A receiving blanket of your own to wrap baby in
And last but not least, don't forget the carseat to bring the baby home with!

Everyone will find little extras to throw in their hospital bag, but try to not over-pack. The hospital will have most everything for you and the baby, it's just nice to have some things of your own to make you more comfortable.

Learn more about this author, Dana Farrell.
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