For my first baby, I think I packed my hospital bag at 30 weeks. I was super excited and couldn't wait for the little bean to get here. I packed everything I thought I needed and more. Slippers, ipod with calming music, a book, a robe, lotion... everything they tell you in that little class and I didn't listen to the things NOT to take. We ended up going into the hospital at 38.5 weeks with our first one. I remember telling my husband at around 6pm that I thought I was in labor. He came home from work and we went for a long walk. We "hung out" at home until around 11pm and I couldn't take it anymore so we called the doc on call. I didn't really want to have the baby that early but of course she said, "I think it's time. I know you don't want to hear this, but get to the hospital". I have been telling my husband for weeks to pack a bag... of course he didn't do it. I told him the doc said go to the hospital and he didn't actually REALIZE that we were not coming back without a baby. He had heard that sometimes you go into false labor and there was a chance we could come home. I told him.... um... I think this is for real so get your butt upstairs and pack of bag. He had to of course take a shower and get his bag all ready. We left and go to Methodist Hospital in Omaha at midnight. I remember eating two granola bars in the car on the way to the hospital because they tell you to make sure to eat because once you get there, they give you nothing to eat.. and just clear liquids.
When we got there, I was only 1cm but my contractions were close. We literally walked around the hospital for 3 hours to see if I progressed. Then I was at 2cm. Walked some more but I couldn't take it. I was really happy I packed my robe and my slippers because the gown they gave me was pretty thin. I put one open in the front and on top of that one open in the back so it actually closed. They broke my water at 6am.
What I DID NOT NEED, was my ipod. I don't know how some people are but the LAST thing I wanted to do was put on headphones and meditate to music. I didn't want to talk to anyone or listen to anything or read. There was NO READING going on. Husband watched ESPN and I just sat there waiting, trying not to freak out. I finally got some sleep. Pushed for THREE HOURS and baby was born at 1pm.
My other two births were a little different. I KNEW when I was going to have the baby so we had someone to watch the other child(ren). I left my good pjs, robe, books, ipod, lotions all at home. I brought a sweatshirt, sock slippers, a small makeup bag (the good thing about being induced is I actually got to shower that morning and put on a little makeup), shampoo, SHOWER FLIP FLOPS. Some of my friends suggested you can bring some of your own maxi pads because the ones they give you are like Depends Old Lady Maxi Pads. Giant. I actually liked them. The bigger the better I say. I didn't bring ANY good bottoms or clothes. Had to be gross but you may bleed all over them. I brought a comfy bra to put on after the birth. That really helped so I wasn't hanging out. Since I was not breastfeeding, I brought an Ace Bandage to bind my chest. Also brought some Miralax (no joke - had an issue with the first one so I thought I might need it asap before the on call doc could write my a script - ended up using it, Thank Goodness). Pony Tail holders are a must. Maybe some body spritz because you don't smell too fresh while you are in there. They say you can bring suckers to suck on during labor. Yeah whatever, the less things I had to deal with the better. I brought my laptop since they had WiFi. That was nice. I could upload pictures of the little one onto my hard drive. Cameras, cameras and more cameras. We brought them all with extra batteries. I brought the cords to connect to the computer. And my phone charger. And finally I made sure to wear my velour maternity jogging suit on the way to the hospital so I could wear it home. As for underwear, well, they give you some nice stretchy ones in the hospital so I knew I didn't need any extra pair. Again, don't bring anything you don't want to get ruined!!!!
As for the baby, I didn't bring a "take home outfit" right away because we didn't know if it was a boy or girl. My mom ended up bringing the right one once we knew. All washed and ready to go. Remember, baby will be small so probably Newborn size. And a hat.. no matter what the weather. Another thing that I really needed to bring was the Boppy Pillow for feeding the baby. Made it so much easier. And I knew it didn't have hospital germs on it (well at least when it got there it didn't)
Just remember, when in doubt, leave it at home. They have tons of stuff at the hospital for you including a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, slippers, really cute granny panties, pads and yummy hospital food. Well, maybe not. But your significant other can always run to the store. My husband ran out and got something for HIM to eat and picked us up a Redbox DVD to watch the night that our last baby was born. Came in handy watching something else besides ESPN.
Just some thoughts. Again, just my opinion!!
Happy Baby Thoughts:)
R
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