Thursday, April 11, 2013

Packing

For some reason, still unbeknownst to me, I did not have a bag packed for the hospital when Maci came a callin'. I'm organized, I'm a planner, I'm type A. What went wrong? No idea but my best guess is, I just assumed I'd always have more time. I didn't. She came well before 40 weeks and Shawn and I ended up making the unexpected drive to the hospital on a Friday afternoon after he picked me up from work. At the time, I didn't care but now, I'm bound and determined to be packed and ready when Cletus comes a knockin'. And at almost 33 weeks, it's high time I dig out the luggage.

To that end, I'm soliciting the advice of all mothers. What did or would you pack in your hospital bag? What did you bring that maybe you could've done without? What didn't you bring that you wish you had? You get the idea.

Here's what BabyCenter suggests:
  • Change of clothes
  • Toothbrush
  • A photograph or object to focus on during labor
  • Snacks to keep your energy up and gum or mints for bad breath (Sidenote: Seriously? Who gives a shit about your breath when you're in labor?)
  • Cozy socks and slippers
  • Your favorite pillow
  • Some light reading material
  • A nursing nightie and nursing bra
  • A going-home outfit for your baby
  • A camera or camcorder, fresh batteries, and film (Sidenote: Film? Really? Hello 2013.), if necessary

Here's what I'm thinking:
  • My own clothes (for all stages of delivery)
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • My own pillow (and possibly blanket)
  • Electronics (phones, iPods, laptop, camera, Flip – chargers for all)
  • Digs for Cletus
  • Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, mascara)
  • Snacks (Sidenote: Can you even have any while you're in labor? I didn't think you could because I was about to faint from low blood sugar mid-labor with Maci and Shawn had to politely demand they give me something. They kept telling me it was just fatigue from labor and I just needed rest. He knew better and after I downed some apple juice, I was back in business. LOVED him for that.)
  • Magazines (I won't have enough concentration for a book)

What say you? 

10 comments:

  1. Hi Kali, You might pack a few toys for Maci when she comes to visit to keep her busy! Unless she has her own bag packed...Dad might not remember to bring some :) Wow, 33 weeks already? Enjoy your time being pregnant! Sandi

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    1. Said like a true Grandma. :) Thanks for the tip! It's a great idea and something completely different to remember then from the first go-round.

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  2. Your list looks good, make sure you have music you might want to play, if there are scents that relax you that might be good too. Also, don't know how your labor was with Maci, but I had a yoga ball and it was nice to have. A suggestion from the class I took way back was to take multiple washcloths in separate baggies and labels for various uses, like hot, cold, and for THAT area. You should be able to get them from the hospital as a way to sooth yourself, but you know you can't necessarily get things right when you want them. Snacks are a very good idea - I don't know that they recommend you eating during labor, but more for Shawn. I remember David was so hungry he was about to faint and needed a drink so he devoured some things out of my sight :) Don't worry, whatever you have or don't have you will still leave with a beautiful baby! Wishing you the best as your prepare.

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    1. Oooohhhh, good call on the yoga ball. I'll have to check and see if the hospital has them because I think they might. And good call on the snacks for Shawn. I do remember with Maci he hadn't ate since lunch and had to make an emergency Jimmy Johns order at Midnight or he wasn't gonna make it. Thanks for the tips and fear not, we survived the first time with nothing so all this stuff seems like an added bonus. :)

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  3. Keep it simple, you're there for such a short time, they no sooner cut the cord and they start preparing your discharge! Bring the essentials, the camera, a book for Maci (she may want to climb in bed with you and cuddle), a magazine and a change of clothes for you and the baby. Enjoy the rest when you can because it's a whole new crazy when you get home! Also, you'll have another car seat, diaper bag or two, the stuff you bring and probably some things you'll acquire from the stay to bring back home with you. Hopefully you'll have some nice weather to come home too. Take care Momma! Deb ;D

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    1. So wise you are at your (experienced) age Boss! We stayed as long as we could with Maci (because we didn't know what the hell we were doing) but I feel like this time, I'll want to be home as soon as possible. Love the book idea … so curious how Maci will react seeing me in a hospital bed so some cuddle time may be necessary. And this weather better shape up … sheesh!

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  4. Make sure you leave room in your bag for the diapers. You just sneak a few (or 10) into your bag every time you change the baby, it's built into your hospital bill. I've heard a few mothers who have said that their nurses were surprised they didn't take any!

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    1. Ha! For sure! We totally just took the whole pack home with Maci. Not even sure we hid it in anything. To that end, make sure you ask to use the hospital-grade pump (if you're nursing – even if you think you don't need to) and then take all the pump parts home because our nurse informed us that's built into the bill as well.

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    2. I already have a pump and parts and everything. But that is good to know!

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    3. Me too but I'll be damned if I'm not taking home a few spare parts … for FREE! Also, with health care reform, breast pumps are now covered by insurance so be sure to check that out as well. Even if you don't "need" one, might not hurt to upgrade. :)

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