The Essentials

Someone asked that I post my perspective on the hospital packing/1st weeks essentials after my post on it a couple weeks ago.  I'm in no way an expert, and I got most of these suggestions from Jules and her OMLCs. (And then cribbed this post from a list I sent to another new mom-to-be)

If you have anything to add, put it in the comments!

For Home

For boy baby circumscisions: gauze and vaseline

Think about a fridge in the nursery/master bedroom for bottles and snacks/drinks for mom

Aden and Anais Blankets

Avent 0-6 month pacifiers

Miracle Blanket

Seahorse (Or white noise sheep): http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3104466&fromRegistryNumber=46742714&product_skn=60738

Zip up jammies.  Lots of them.  They are crucial!

The boppy.  I love it.  Use it more than anything else (other than diapers)

Breastfeeding Basics

Lanisoh: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2668339&fromRegistryNumber=46742714&product_skn=69828

Pads (for comfort and to stop leaks) : http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2574820&moduleName=Brand+Name+Secondary

Soothies (refrigerate these to help with sore nips): http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3956438&moduleName=Brand+Name+Secondary

From the hospital (even if you have them at home) take:

Kimono shirts

Extra nipples for formula bottles

Gauze (see above)

Vaseline (see above)

Gummy pacifiers

Lanolin (Get it from lactation consultant)

Nose Suction Thingie

Pack for the hospital:

Shower shoes

Yoga pants

Tank Tops (I am still living in the costco 2-pack of tanks.  Don't spend lots of money on nursing tanks)

Shampoo/Shower Stuff

Towel (The hospital towels are literally handtowels)

Pillow

Maxipads (They have them, but they are TERRIBLE). I recommend these: http://www.kotex.com/NA/products/u-by-kotex-cleanwear-ultra-thin-heavy-flow-pads-with-wings/90394 . Go ahead and get a pack or two, so no one has to go get them later.

Soft nail file for baby

Boppy (I never used it for BFing, but I have a football hold baby)

Change of clothes or two for Dad

Going home outfits

Camera/all chargers

Ipod

Checkbook (You have to pay for birth certificate by check)

Notepad and pen (You will have questions, and you will forget them!)

Chapstick (Dry hospital air)

Also, I don't know if everyone does this or if just we did, but Shawn brought a couple dozen cupcakes on Day 2 in the hospital, one dozen for L&D, one for post-partum nurses. They REALLY appreciated. And I got a good room :)