Pack A Bag
I used to be sure that when the ninth month of pregnancy hit, I’d have my hospital bag packed and I’d be waiting by the door until the action started. Now, here I am in my ninth month, two weeks to the estimated due date, and I haven’t packed a thing. The only items that are vaguely set aside are a bag of Twizzlers (dwindling daily), some lollipops and a Vanilla Bean GU, which we have leftover from marathon season and which I’ve heard is good for sustaining some energy in the thick of labor.
I sense I might be unprepared.
We tend to pack light (we crammed all our stuff into one suitcase for our honeymoon and haven’t checked a bag for a flight in recent memory), so overdoing it isn’t so much a concern. We could use some suggestions though, for both of us (men, what does Toph need: a helmet and a cup, just in case?) lest we just show up like we’re going in for a routine visit.
Please weigh in via the comments below.
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February 19th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Chris and I played Scrabble (we packed the travel version since it was kind of like a trip!). I know it sounds crazy, but once the epidural kicked in and we knew it would be a little while, it was a great distraction.
You look beautiful! You are in my thoughts as this part of your journey nears its end. The real fun is on his or her way
xo
February 19th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
ahhhh…can’t remember that i needed anything —well a lot of things and nothing—maybe me: slippers?clothes to put on afterward- maternity- depends undergarments!size large
baby: clothes, bucket seat, receiving blankey
Topher: food , money, charged cell phone, water, GATORADE, valium, MORE GATORADE, blankey for him…my friends went as far as bringing a blow up matress and sheets for the hubby…and more gatroade—inside joke—maybe you should have gatorade too- actually i wanted some- but i dont think i was allowed to have it.
February 19th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Ugh, Lis, the Gatorade. Still feel sick thinking about all that required gatorade drinking.
February 19th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
We packed a bunch of stuff and used none of it except the fresh fruit (for my husband) and headband (for my hair). But it was nice to know travel Connect Four was available, if need be. You can always review your hospital bag during the home portion of your labor–it’s a good distraction.
February 20th, 2010 at 9:53 am
I’m with Sara Bir… packed a bunch of stuff, but don’t think I used anything, except maybe a scrunchy, some new socks, and a sleeper for the baby. Maybe some toiletries for you and Topher (toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush).
February 20th, 2010 at 10:49 am
I didn’t have one packed yet, and things turned out all right!
Though I was glad someone brought me some fresh food. I recommend strawberries (unless you are actually expecting surgery, in which case, don’t eat!!)
February 20th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Not surprisingly, I packed WAY too much for our hospital stay. Not that you will, but don’t forget your camera/s and charger/s for all of your camera/s, cell phones, iPods, etc. We did bring our iPod docking station to play music, which was a nice touch, in retrospect. You look ridiculously adorable, my dear. Though you’re obviously nervous about this, just know there are SO MANY people who are so excited to meet Baby Desmond and support you every step of the way. And remember that birth is awesome. Love you.
February 20th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Coming from someone, who unexpectedly went 2 1/2 weeks early…pack the camera!!! We didn’t have ours and the nurses had to get Dom a disposable one from the gift shop. Needless to say, we are bummed that we missed some great first shots. Also, bring comfy pillows. Hospital pillows have no fluff!
Good luck. We can’t wait to hear the exciting news!!
February 20th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Here is what you need to do once at the hospital. Make sure all the horrible disposable underwear they have you take (and take and take) this way you never have to mess up your own. They are the most unattractive things ever but at the same time go right in the trash.
Make sure camera is fully charged and ready for pics!! Video too!!
I liked having a robe just so I had something that was my own. I brought my own nightgown but didnt want to mess it up so I ended up never wearing it. Breast feeding was easier with the horrible gowns they have.
Something cute to wear home. I look at pics now and wish I would have thought about that more!!
Hope this helps and good luck. Enjoy these last few weeks. I hope you have a quick and easy delivery!!
February 20th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
One more thing on the way to the hospital even if you are not thirsty DRINK and DRINK. Once at the hospital I felt like I wanted to die of thirst and they let you really have nothing. They didnt even want me to brush my teeth and I thought to myself how can I pant and blow with bad breath. (I snuck and brushed and lived to tell the story).
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:04 am
I’m so glad to hear other people say that they never really unpacked their bags… mine remained virtually untouched during/after the big event. The two big exceptions were my robe (which I bought as a ‘throw-away’ at Target in case it got all messy but still end up using) and my razor/shave gel. It felt AMAZING to bend over and shave my legs the day after Emma arrived. Nothing has ever felt better in my life than that shower – ahhhhhhh.
Someone had recommended Depends (or any similar product) instead of dealing with the throw away panties and those worked really well for me.
It really does go fast – can’t wait to hear when you’re a GO!