I've only given birth in a hospital... so we packed a huge bag, took pillows, food, water, everything... the less we accepted from the hospital, the less we would wind up paying in the end. I even brough my own tylenol and prenatal pills so they couldn't try to push theirs on me. Ugh. But I have NO idea what to pack for a birth center, if anything. I'd be there for a max. 12 hours. Alright birth center mommas... what do I take?

*Extra Pads
*Extra change of maternity fitting clothes
*Extra Bra
*Extra Pillow
*Socks

Hhhmmm.... I just don't know... I *know* they'll have a birthing ball, a birthing stool, robes, that sort of thing. We *do* have to bring our own snacks and drinks, which is fine because we're used to doing that. Plus, I really prefer my own food and water/drinks. I'm not going to pack it ASAP, but I do need to start thinking about *WHAT* to put in the bag for the BC. My mother and oldest DD will probably go with hub and me... and this is all assuming I don't go before 37 weeks. If I do, well then, we'll wind up with another hospital birth. Anywho... I'm interested and seeking opinions, thoughts and insight! Thanks in advance gals!

Geez, I don't even remember what I packed but I know I WAY over packed. They had tons of pillows and like you said, ball, birth stool, etc.

I obviously took clothes, my makeup, sham and conditioner and the baby bag. We didn't have time to pack snacks, etc. They provided pretty much everything and unlike the hospital it was all built into the predetermined price they gave me months before so I didn't worry about using their pads, etc.

Sorry about the rant, if I think of anything else that I took and actually used I'll post it! :)

We didn't have time to pack snacks, etc. They provided pretty much everything and unlike the hospital it was all built into the predetermined price they gave me months before so I didn't worry about using their pads, etc.

Sorry about the rant, if I think of anything else that I took and actually used I'll post it! :)

Yeah, same here... They have all "that stuff" built in, but they do not provide snacks... but everything else, yup. Even a home visit after babe comes, and baby care in those first few weeks. Awesomeness.

Jen, how log will the stay be? Sounds like your set :-D Proud of you!!

Jen, how log will the stay be? Sounds like your set :-D Proud of you!!


The maximum stay is 12-16 hours. If I don't go into labor naturally (which is highly unlikely but....) then they will transfer me to hospital. I can be released as early as 2-4 hours after baby's BIRTH. I usually sign myself out of the hospital at the 24 hour because I just *hate* being in hospitals. The only time I didn't do that was with Eliya, because I had GBS and only got one dose of Pen. they wanted to be sure that she wasn't contracting anything. But, as soon as I got the clearance, I was out of there. Anywho... yeah, I'm getting really excited now, I can imagine how Rachel is feeling (and YOU)!

I know people don't like hospitals, I enjoyed my stay :-D Maybe I'm a weirdo, LOL [whatwacko]
We haven't even packed Rachel's bag yet :( Aiden's things are ready though :mrgreen:

I know I'm an oddball, but I LOVED my hospital stays! :) I had 3-4 days with each birth because of cesareans... and I thoroughly enjoyed them cuz I knew that when I got home the work would be waiting. So I took it easy those days and let the nurses wait on me!

No, Donna, you're not the weirdo, I am. I just don't like hospitals. Most women really enjoy their stay in them, but me... I'm just itchin' to get home right after babe pops out. :-/ I dunno what it is.... So, yeah, don't feel like you're weird~ :)

I loved the hospital, too. :-D Although those "mean" ;) nurses made me get up after the c-section. I could have just rotted in bed forever. :mrgreen:

Jen, what about some cd's or a book someone could read to you? Clothes and blankets for the baby (which I'm sure you've thought of already)? This may sound crazy, but I had some icky back labor with one of ours and my sil pressed a dish detergent bottle filled with hot water against my back. It's just a random thought and you may not have back labor, but it sure helped me at the time.

Jen, I'm like you, as soon as Payton was out I was up, walking and ready to get the babe home :) I don't like hospitals either, I'm almost terrified of them. THOUGH, I didn't have a c-section AND I had tons of family on hand to help, and he was my first ;) but, we came home and had a houseful of guests and I wouldn't have had it any other way. :mrgreen: