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Now that I am officially "full term" (37 weeks today!), it occurred to me that I should probably at least think about packing a bag for the hospital as every little twinge or ache makes me wonder if "this is it". Other than the DVDs that I probably won't watch and the essential take home outfit, I haven't really considered much else. The take home outfit, by the way, is a cute Little Me sleeper with cows on it from Nami Sue (we actually received this sleeper in 3 sizes).
I've looked up a few different lists on the internet. One suggests bringing a book? Yes, because I expect to be thoroughly bored and not at all mentally distracted by the fact that A) I'm in labor, or B) I have a newborn.
Another suggests a bathing suit for the birth partner, in case I want to take a bath during labor and Jason wants to "jump in" with me.
Here's what I think I'll need:
What am I missing? Any suggestions on items you couldn't live without, or wish you had known to pack?
The computer won't be for work.. It'll be so you and my grandma can see photos and videos. We're multimedia people. :)
But I would add chargers for that computer and the cellphones to the list.
I wouldn't have lived through the labor pains without my iPod. I had a playlist I made before of both soft and pumping music. i wasn't sure which I would prefer. When I want to relax, the soft is good, but when I run, the pumped up (aka Black Eyed Peas) is good. i was prepared either way. I would definitely bring your nano with a premade list or two.
I was happy to have some mints, because getting up to brush my teeth that first day or so was out of the question (had a c-section and was on a catheter). I mean, they'll bring you the toothbrush and a cup for water, but it was nice to have mints too.
No on the computer ... just chill out :) Really, people can wait 2 days for pictures. Or you can run home and send them. No need to worry about having something stolen ...
You won't be wearing that underwear until you get ready to go home ... so just one pair works :)
i didn't bring a computer, but it might be nice to have. i packed A LOT of stuff that didn't get used. and by A LOT i mean everything. but you never know, you may actually want to watch a movie. how rad would it be if you gave birth and star wars was on in the background? seriously rad.
OK, this comes from being a labor nurse (not a patient) but I will put in my 2 cents.
Up in Seattle we have lots of techie dads who bring their laptop. I think it is totally fine. How cool is it to upload your kid's photos right away? Very cool. Using the multimedia is great. That is why we have WIFI. The only time we raise eyebrows is with our manager/lawyer patients who are doing actual work in labor. This looks way too type A. Just use it for fun things. iPod is another good suggestion with speakers if you have them. I love it when people play (non-lame) music. Jack Johnson is huge for mellow labor music. I hear him all the time.
First time parents always overpack but they never pack the right things. One smart item is a pillow. All our pillows are plastic-covered polyester stuffing (not nice). Bring one pillow from home and sleep better. Dad can use one too because if we are short, he will go without. The nursing pillow is also nice. May as well learn to use it right away.
The previous poster is right about the underwear. We give out these fancy fishnet ones that can be thrown away. Very comfy. Don't ruin yours until you are going home. We also give you nightgowns so you don't bleed one yours. One of your own nightgowns is enough in case you hate the hospital one.
Nice comfy clothes for dad are good. Dad's can't get too comfy (PJ's look odd) but sweats or something are good for after the baby is born and you need to sleep. Don't be like one dad we had who wore a t-shirt that said "Orgasm Donor" in big letters. No kidding.
You won't be getting into the tub with your wife. No one does unless your hospital has way bigger tubs than we do. It is one of those grand ideas that never happens. Perhaps the other poster is right about needing it to help mom in the shower after.
Pack snacky food for dad. Whatever sounds good. Dad's forget to eat in labor but should.
Those fluffy socks you can get at costco or target are nice for labor.
Don't bring diapers, wipes or maxi pads because your hospital should provide those. All the stuff you mentioned sounds good.
i liked having my robe. all i can remember now is being really glad i brought a couple of different nursing bras, you never know which one will be the most comfy. oh and don't forget the lansinoh brand lanolin. a lifesaver for nursing mamas. rub a dab of it in between two nursing pads and throw them in the freezer to reduce swelling and relieve pain...
One thing I did wrong was think I was going to be all ready to fit back into my medium sized maternity jeans as we were leaving the hospital. By the end of my pregnancy with Nia, I was wearing large and extra-large and I thought that I would surely be able to fit my belly in the mediums since it was vacant now - wrong. It was so hard to squeeze myself into them and move around, plus it just made me feel awful about my body. My advice is just to make sure you have something comfy to wear home (not wishful thinking like me).
Oh yeah, and don't worry if you forgot something. They'll be plenty of time for someone to run home and get it. As long as you and Jason are there - it all will fall into place and be beautiful. :)
Just loved Sara´s post... what seems to be missing are the super silicon ear plugs to gaurentee a good night sleep, the disposable xxl wash cloths (there´s a lot of liquids leaking all over the place that are good to mop up without having to go and have a shower), a selection of gossip magazines (you won´t want to entertain your guests all the time, so have something to press in the hands and occupy their minds), a list of people who are going to bring you homemade soups and whatnot in case the hospital food in awful.
Anna, I know you´ll be wanting time with your daughter, Jason and family, but could you get Jason to drop a photo in your blog as well?
All the very best. You are in my thoughts.
Thanks, guys. This is all very helpful.
Nikki, I've heard about having to bring maternity clothes and that is so depressing! I think I'm going to bring a pair of Yoga pants or something instead of the one pair of maternity pants I keep wearing over and over and over. I am so damn tired of maternity clothes!
The reason we're bringing the computer is not for me to do anything on it, but so Jason can upload some pictures to this website and e-mail them to family.
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The bathing suit for Jason is a must. It's more likely you'll need help with the bath AFTER delivery. Just speaking from experience.
I suggest leaving the computer at home. You both probably need a little time off - this is one of the few times that clients are going to understand your being totally unavailable. Take advantage of it!