Thursday, April 12, 2012

hospital bag -packed!

[an over-sized tote bag I whipped up...and the most adorable PJs with fold-over mittens that I seam-ripped off the "brother loves me" or something patch from carters...and don't be fooled by the colors or toy trucks....we are still having a girl]

I thought this was a little silly... why would you pre-pack a hospital bag? Laboring isn't really as quick as the movies show it...oh shit...my water broke and race to the hospital... I think most people have hours of laboring at home. But, then the closer I got I realized, wow...I should really pack a hospital bag. What if I didn't have my chapstick? Yoga pants after delivery?...would I have to resort to my butt hanging out the back of my gown? Yes, I needed to pack a bag, stat.

So after referring to a bunch of fellow bloggers lists out there... I compiled a list of what "necessities" I needed to have. There are a ton of over-packers in this world, I am not one of them...nor am I a minimalist. I like to go tent camping... with our truck....and wine...and nice cheeses and meats...and dog beds... and an air mattress. That's my style of camping, so I find this situation rather similar. Matt calls me moderately moderate about everything in life... usually with some type of frowny face. He is more on the extreme/excessive side of things...he likes to live large, which is something I love about him. Can you tell I am processing how our life of two-dom will be rapidly changing to a family of three soon?! Anyways, I digress.

I like lists... they make me happy... so here is mine...

Hospital Bag:
  • camera- a point and shoot for matt to use...that does black and white for my unflattering labor pictures.
  • music- our iphones with playlists and pandora and little speaker
  • camera and iphone battery charger
  • chap stick.... maybe two of them.
  • my own disolveable zofran... can I take this while laboring? My least favorite thing in the world is vomiting. I will ask this of our midwife next appointment
  • snacks- I get rather cranky without food...crackers, cheese, granola bars, peanut butter, veggies
  • matt's swim trunks for the standing jacuzzi
  • matt's change of clothes/ pajamas
  • matt's toiletries
  • after delivery lounge wear... fresh, clean yoga pants, tank top, sweat shirt
  • flip flops
  • travel sized: shampoo, conditioner, face soap, face and body lotion, tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant
  • makeup (the little makeup I do wear, I don't want to do without)
  • hair dryer and curling rod (if I didn't have a short-styled hair cut, I could do without this stuff...but alas, I do. No ponytails for me)
  • spud journal to write about our experiences that I don't want to forget
  • one newborn pajama and one 0-3 pajama to go home in... extra snugly with fold over mittens and footies
  • one blanket to swaddle/cover her on our way home
  • infant nail clippers (this is silly, but the hospital can't cut your baby's nails, and I think it would drive me crazy...some of them are so very long! I don't want her to scratch herself)
  • car seat safely installed in car
  • box of candy for the nurses...maybe I like this sentiment because I will be a nurse soon? But screw it I like it, and I'm doing it.
Stuff I don't think I need:
  • pads, underwear, my own hospital gown... this birthing process and recovery is bloody and gooey. I'd rather use their disposable gear or they-wash-it clothing
  • diaper bag, lots of baby clothes, pacifiers, diapers...they supply all of this
  • breast feeding pillow- I think I can manage without the boppy pillow. They have ample pillows to use and prop in any way imaginable.
  • books, movies, magazines.... we have each other to be entertained, I think.

...Any suggestions/thoughts from moms out there?!

Of course I will re-visit this list after delivery for what we really needed... and how I shouldn't have been so silly.

6 comments:

  1. I brought pads, granny panties, etc...never ended up using them. You're on the right track.

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  2. I had a "oh shit...my water broke" so it is good to have a bag ready :) And I loved that I had my own pads and underwear.

    Can't wait to see your kiddo :)

    Take care xox

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  3. I didn't have a chance to pack a bag since they boys arrival was early and unexpected! My mom and Anders brought me the basics: change of clothes, shower stuff, slippers (I loved having these!), I never put on the make up and yes totally use their granny pants and pads :) I think you basically have everything you need :)

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  4. I love that you just "whipped up a bag". You are so clever and crafty. You both (or all three I should say) are in our thoughts! We send you love. xo

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  5. I have been thinking about this lately and trying to make a list of things to bring along. I honestly think knowing I have a bag ready to go will make me feel a little less anxious when the time comes. even if I am home for a while when in labour, I don't want to spend it searching for my yoga pants {which happens all the time for some reason, those ladies like to hide!} I really like your list, much more practical then some of them out there. I read recently that someone was bringing spanxs for after delivery and packed them into her hospital bag...to each her own of course..but I can't even stand those while not pregnant!

    Can't wait to read the "she's here!" post eeeee!

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  6. The only other thing to think about is lanolin for your nipples. It's boobie chapstick and worth its weight in gold.

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Thank you so much for your comments!! I love hearing what you have to say...