Comments on: Week 36: Get Packing

By: Jake

Jake — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:03:43 +0000

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.

By: mamafi

mamafi — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:08:44 +0000

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.

By: Sarah M.

Sarah M. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:59:28 +0000

ear plugs
breast pads

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:08:28 +0000

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*

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:02:46 +0000

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!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:15:20 +0000

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…

By: DV

DV — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:30:28 +0000

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