In the last week I’ve been told twice that I look like I’m having twins. If it’s not twins, it feels like a giant alien creature with ten arms that poke me all night long. Her feet are already in my ribs, I’m not sure that there is three more weeks of growing space in there.
I may be on maternity leave, but have so far managed to do very little in the baby preparation department other than wash a few small outfits for the hospital stay. It’s surely the most pleasing kind of laundry there is, a whole line full of divine 0000s blowing in the breeze.
The labour bag is still looking woefully empty. Here is my list — I think I may require a large suitcase.
Paperwork
Ante Natal Card
Birth plan (more on that next week)
Medicare Card/Details
Labour bag
Lip Balm – (lips can become dry and chafed during labour from heavy breathing)
Massage oils
CDs/Ipod
Lollies or lollipops to suck on
Cooling face mist
Face washers to wet during labour
Frozen juice poppers to suck on
Microwaveable heat pack
Charged mobile phone
Snacks for during and after labour
Digital Camera with film and extra batteries
Wallet
Pen for filling out paperwork
Hospital bag
Summer pyjamas
Slippers
Bathrobe
2 – 3 nursing bras
Underwear (lots)
2 1 pack maternity pads
Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, hair bands, make up, deodorant, liquid soap, moisturiser, Lanisoh (nipple cream), hairdryer
Makeup for those ‘naturally glowing’ post-birth photos
Towel
Comfy day clothes
Roll of soft toilet paper
Ural
Plastic bags for dirty clothes.
Tissues
Box of chocolates/card for midwifes.
Going home outfit & blanket/wrap for baby
A babycare book because I’ve forgotten what to do with a newborn
Chocolate for myself
Ear plugs
Breast pads
Laptop and wireless card for post-birth social networking announcements
Plastic Bag
Notepad
Present for Finn from baby sister (already bought: a Yo Gabba Gabba toy)
Have I missed anything? What were your essentials in labour and during your hospital stay?
Update: List has been amended above based on your feedback. Thanks!
I packed pyjamas and then ended up sending my sister out for big nightshirts. Just seemed so much easier in those first few days. I did end up having a C-Sec though so anything that required less bending/effort was a very very good thing. oh and pack more underwear than you think you could possibly need. Make sure you’re not too attached to it either
I’ve been enjoying your blogs for many weeks now … because I too am 36 weeks (today) and I can read your posts nodding my head the whole while! I too have elbows and knees and goodness knows what else nudging me all night. I too have a pathetically half-packed hospital bag (really ought to complete that!). And, yes, washing never really gets as exciting as when you’re handling those teeny tiny little wondersuits…
Amber, you seem to be quite prepared but if you don’t mind me saying, a little over prepared! These days the average hospital stay is about two-four days. A lot of the stuff here will probably go unused (that was my experience) – I didn’t feel like snacking at all during labour and the hospital provided things like towels, tissues, face washers, heat packs, ice chips (oh, the wonderful ice chips!). I brought snacks for my partner but he was too busy for them, too.
Here are some other suggestions:
Rather than pyjamas and a bathrobe, you could just wear your comfy day clothes to bed (if they are comfy enough).
Pack an exercise book or notepad for writing notes (such as who gave you what present for thank yous later), or to keep a diary of your thoughts to blog about later
Replace the CDs with an iPod + speakers (more music, less bulk).
Bring a spare bag (or garbage bag) for taking presents home.
Suggest to friends who plan on visiting that if they bring flowers, self contained packages are better than bunches needing vases (which are usually scarce in maternity wards).
I hope this is helpful and good luck with it all!
One more thing I forgot to add – a present for big brother! Someone told me that it helps if the new baby “comes with” a present – helps bring positive feelings to the other siblings rather than (possible) jealously. Worked wonders with my eldest. When number three was born he remembered and went straight to her and checked under her bassinet.
But perhaps I’m just producing little consumers. *shrug*
ear plugs
breast pads
for baby #1 I’d packed CD’s, camera, massage oil, etc etc -the bag didnt even get unzipped except for taking out a night shirt to wear – all too hectic and consuming to even consider the above items. This time I will pack very minimally too.
We took an iPod dock, so that we could have music in the room the whole time without the TV.
A book or magazine is nice to have.
The hospital will probably have a “flower” station for vases etc so no need to take them.
If the dad is going to stay over-night (which I was allowed to) don’t forget a change of clothes for him.
My wife used a nipple guard for many weeks after birth.