| Author | |
JennGM
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 17702
|
| Posted: Nov 07 2007 at 8:14am | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Just curious, for those who do deliver in the hospital, at what point in your pregnancy do you pack your hospital bag? Do you keep one ready for any given moment?
I've been having this nagging feeling to just pack my bag. Coupled with some wierd contractions over the weekend, it's really been hanging over my head. I have 6-7 weeks before a planned c-section, but I keep thinking I should be packed in case of any emergency. I think it's a nesting instinct? So I'm just wondering what do you do.
As far as what to put in the bag, there were some great threads from before:
What special things do you take with you
This applies to me c section support
postpartum list
__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Carole N.
Forum All-Star
Joined: Oct 28 2006
Location: Wales
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4484
|
| Posted: Nov 07 2007 at 8:37am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Jenn, I never packed a bag in advance because I was a planned C-section (so I packed the night before). But with my oldest ds, he broke my water one week before he was susposed to be delivered. Needless to say, we drove to the hospital (it was a very cold night in January and we lived out in the country), and the doctor delivered him in the early morning.
Needless to say, my dh had to pack my bag for me!
__________________
 Carole ... in Wales
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
teachingmyown
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 20 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5128
|
| Posted: Nov 07 2007 at 8:41am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I have been thinking about this too. I am not a big packer and usually just throw things in when we are heading out.
But, I haven't even washed the baby clothes, blankets and car seat covers. I need to get that done and checked off!
Of course, I haven't even come up with a name for this guy, yet.  Time is getting short.
__________________
In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
mrsgranola
Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 17 2005
Location: North Carolina
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 442
|
| Posted: Nov 07 2007 at 9:26am | IP Logged
|
|
|
LOL, don't worry Molly-- we're still working on the name issue, too. Dec. 17th is my planned c-section date and I've got to start getting better prepared, too. The girls got out the baby clothes about 4 mos. ago so they are washed, anyway. ;-)
I'm going to make sure I have my favorite buckwheat hull pillow for the hospital for support. Other than that, I can't think of anything in particular.
JoAnna
__________________
Mom to Jacob, Grace, Mary, Lucas, Emma, Carrie and Gianna
Parente Adventures
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Barbara C.
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 11 2007
Location: Illinois
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 882
|
| Posted: Nov 07 2007 at 10:16pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I usually start packing about four weeks before my due date. The first time I did it this early because it was my first time. (I also packed way too much stuff.) I also tend to go into labor at least two weeks before my due date.
This time I plan to buy all spare supplies, and I hope to have my bag completely packed by 36 weeks. My goal is to stay in bed from the time I have the first contraction to the time my MIL gets here to watch the kids. I've already warned my husband that this time I don't want to be running around getting the kids breakfast and doing last minute packing.
Maybe that sounds a little silly, but the last time I was having a very peaceful labor that started at 4 am while everyone slept. Well, from the time my husband and my older daughter woke up at 9:00 things started going fast and being more stressful. I think after the quick-pace and stress it was hard for me to settle back down into a relaxing labor once we got to the hospital, and probably contributed to me kind of freaking out during transition.
So this time, I don't want to have to do anything but put on my coat and house shoes and get to the car. Plus, we now live 40 minutes or more (depending on traffic) from the hospital instead of 15. We will also have to wait at least 30 to 45 minutes for my MIL to get here once we call her.
So, if it's weighing on you, I'd go ahead and pack it and get it over with. It may be worth doing just for peace of mind.
__________________
Barbara
Mom to "spirited" dd(9), "spunky" dd (6), "sincere" dd (3), "sweet" dd (2), and baby girl #5 born 8/1/12!!
Box of Chocolates
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mary G
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5790
|
| Posted: Nov 08 2007 at 7:24am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Jenn -- no advice just lots of prayers and cyber-hugs for you and the baby .... this is so exciting!
__________________
MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mary G
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5790
|
| Posted: Nov 08 2007 at 7:25am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Oh, wait -- yes I do ..... bring knitting -- something small and mindless like booties or a baby blanket or sweater .... 
__________________
MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Bookswithtea
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 07 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2621
|
| Posted: Nov 08 2007 at 4:38pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I still haven't packed my bag, despite reading the threads Jenn linked above. I'm over 37 weeks now, and I have done the washing and set up a changing table and have the side car portacrib ready. I'm due 11/27. The bag is sitting on the bedroom floor and it judges me like an unread book every time I enter the room. Normally it would be done by now.
I did toss in a maternity bathing suit top in case I use a tub to labor in, a package of my favorite newborn binkies in a neutral color, and the ugliest maternity undies I own for postpartum (TMI???  ). I still need to pick an outfit and a newborn baby blanket. I want to bring a rosary and a cd, but haven't figured out how I am going to listen to it yet as I don't have a portable cd player. I also need to get toiletries in little bottles...which just feels like a chore for some reason. I don't have much in the way of maternity clothes that even fit anymore...I'll just wear home whatever I wore in, I guess.
You've motivated me though...maybe I'll make a list of what I need and get it this weekend...or maybe not! 
__________________
Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
melanie
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 28 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 563
|
| Posted: Nov 10 2007 at 9:23am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Take your own pads to use post partum. Hospital ones are lousy. This from a former nurse who had to mooch hospital ones once in a while at work, .
__________________
Melanie
homeschooling Maria (13yo), Kain (10yo), Jack (5yo), Tess (2yo), and our newest blessing, Henry Robert, born 4/23!
slightlycrunchycatholic.blogspot.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Tina P.
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 28 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1638
|
| Posted: Nov 15 2007 at 11:05pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Melanie:
I know hospital pads are not wonderful, but it sure beats wasting our good ones the first couple of days.  And that disposable underwear is so fashionable!
Jenn:
I only prepacked with my first and it was only because we were living in a hotel with my husband on his way to Korea and me on my way to Wisconsin for a year. I was never a planned C (I can't believe you're already so far along ... where did the time go?). So basically, I threw things together when I started to contract regularly. Then again, when I *finally* go into labor (about two weeks post-due), it takes several hours before the baby actually appears, so I have *plenty* of time.
I'm  ing from ear to ear thinking about you bringing another little one into the world. I'm so happy for you!
Love,
__________________
Tina, wife to one and mom to 9 + 3 in heaven
Mary's Muse
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Philothea
Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 15 2006
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 824
|
| Posted: Nov 16 2007 at 4:34pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Pack the bag. I didn't and ended up laboring with nothing that I wanted or needed when I went into labor at 34 weeks. I'm not saying that will happen to you, but I wish I'd prepared earlier.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
doris
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1103
|
| Posted: Nov 20 2007 at 4:25pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Our antenatal teacher was horrified when no-one had packed their bag at 34 weeks.
I usually pack mine a few weeks before but always have a few things outstanding that I'm going to put in 'later' -- and sure enough, I don't go into labour before they're in!
__________________
Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
Frabjous Days
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JennGM
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 17702
|
| Posted: Nov 20 2007 at 4:28pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Mine isn't quite packed, although I'm trying to round up things. I didn't have simple things like a robe, slippers and I'm having the worst time finding some pjs or nightgown that I like. Silly, I know.
Our c/s will be right before Christmas, but I do like being prepared in case of emergencies.
__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Bookswithtea
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 07 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2621
|
| Posted: Nov 20 2007 at 4:36pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
39 weeks and counting...
I did get the small toiletries taken care of, and I made a short list of things to throw in the bag at the last minute (hair dryer, makeup because I may get stuck there for more than 24 hrs...tested positive for Group B Strep...OH JOY!  ). I also added in some socks for walking around the hospital in that are ok to ruin, if necessary.
I haven't had a chance to even look at nightgowns yet...
__________________
Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Tina P.
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 28 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1638
|
| Posted: Nov 20 2007 at 4:48pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Oh, I'm so excited for you, Books!
Bookswithtea wrote:
| I haven't had a chance to even look at nightgowns yet... |
|
|
I hope this is not construed incorrectly. I *never* wear a nice nightgown or robe in the hospital. I am usually, um, messy after I have babies for a few days. I don't want to ruin them. I wear a hospital gown with the front open over a hospital gown with the back open. That way I was somewhat modest but didn't worry about the  mess. The baby rooms in with me unless there are issues, so I'm not out of my room much at all.
__________________
Tina, wife to one and mom to 9 + 3 in heaven
Mary's Muse
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Tina P.
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 28 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1638
|
| Posted: Nov 20 2007 at 4:50pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
teachingmyown wrote:
| Of course, I haven't even come up with a name for this guy, yet. Time is getting short. |
|
|
Molly, we chose a name for a girl for our last baby, but Matthew (the saint's feast day on the day Celia was born) would have been her name had she been a boy.
__________________
Tina, wife to one and mom to 9 + 3 in heaven
Mary's Muse
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Tina P.
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 28 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1638
|
| Posted: Nov 20 2007 at 4:51pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Mary G wrote:
| bring knitting -- something small and mindless like booties or a baby blanket or sweater .... |
|
|
To me, nothing that involves needles is mindless, Mary!
__________________
Tina, wife to one and mom to 9 + 3 in heaven
Mary's Muse
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: Packing Your Hospital Bag
