when to pack and what to pack

[purpleunicorn_Andi]

last time arround I didn't have a chance to pack anything, and was completely unprepared...

so when should I pack a bag, and what should I put in it?

 

[PegasusOnFire]

I put clothes to change into before going home, I used the hospital's stuff until then. Slippers, socks, stuff for baby, ie dress to take her first picture in and take her home in, my visual for labor (which was the doll my mom got me when I lost my first). Toiletress, pads, though I got a bunch of those from the hospital.

 

[jessesgirl]

I packed my bag and baby's bag @ about 34.5 weeks(just because they weren't sure if or when I would go into labor now I just sit and twiddle my thumbs waiting!!!). I packed my own nightgown, my own robe, and slippers. I packed some just in case pads and my witch hazel pads...my Gilmore Girls DVD's, Nemo...my toothbrush and stuff like that. Then I packed Justin's going-home outfit plus one more just in case he throws up on that one....and a little hat to cover his ears cause it'll be January....a pacifier (@ the prompting of my MIL and SIL...so he will be used to the ones I want him to use) and a bottle for the same reason (I am not bf'ing), a blanket, his sling, and his carseat. that's all! Better overpacked than underpacked LOL

 

[Surrender2Win]

With my last one, I had it packed around 30 weeks...because I was on bed rest and they thought I would go early...I can't even remember when I packed with my others. And for the stuff I used every day that I wanted to take, I kept in a bag in the bathroom and used it out of the bag so if I did go early, it would be ready to go.

I packed a change of clothes (2 days worth) I don't like wearing hospital clothes, so I wore my own to lounge around in. I packed my shampoo/conditioner/soap, toothbrush & paste, deoderant, and makeup. I also packed a change of clothes for the baby & a blanket. I think thats it.

 

[Tea]

I usually pack, or start packing my bags around the 6 months marker, as I have had a couple of unplanned hospital stays, and it is frustrating giving DH lists of things that I want, for them to be either forgotten, or the wrong things brought up.
This is my list that I take. As I have private hospital cover I usually stay around 5 days, so I take, 3-4 feeding nighties, a couple of comfy outifts that I can feed from for the daytimes. Disposable undies, lots of maternity pads, breast feeding pads, breast creams, 4-5 feeding bras, personal care items usually new and packed waiting, so I don't have a last minute race around collecting them, something special to pamper myself with, pain killers, (I get LOTS of afterbirth pains, and the nursing staff dole them out only under duress), a bag of prunes, (which I eat to help with the first motion), bible, hand sewing, thankyou cards etc. As the hospital covers all the things needed by the baby, I only have to worry about clothes to go home in.
I'm sure there are few extra things that I will think of, but these are the main items that are a must for me. As I have only 4 weeks to go, my bags are well and truely packed and ready to go.
Tracey

 

[seamonster]

I haven't packed yet but I know I'm bringing Tylenol in case I get a headache during labor (since the nurses usually won't give you any).

 

[RoseofLima]

I dunno- I am still in denial that I have to go to the hospital --or even that I am having a baby

But I will pack my own jammies --I always labor in my own nightgown- I usually buy one just to labor in. My own pillow. Toiletries (this time with a comb-- last time it took me 24 hours to get a comb from the hospital). going home clothes for baby- and socks for baby (though you often can't get them over the security thingy). Blanket for baby. A sling. Going home clothes for me.

 

[PegasusOnFire]

see my hospital doesn't do the whole security band thing, and they encourage you to have baby in your room with you your whole stay. I opted to have Christian in the nursery, due to her being born 5 minutes before midnight and me having had labored for 44 hours and been awake the entire time. But I kept her with me all day long the whole time we were there.

 

[Linnis]

Your own jammies are better. Way better.

 

[RoseofLima]

Your own jammies are better. Way better.

It makes me feel human...

 

[Linnis]

That and they are soft and not itchy.

 

[PegasusOnFire]

I had a c-section so I opted for their things so I wouldn't bloody up mine.

 

[jessesgirl]

I packed two jammies...one to labor in and one to change into afterward just in case it DID get bloody. I hate hospital gowns! I also packed my really soft, really pretty robe that my MIL got me for Christmas

 

[Linnis]

I gave birth in there and changed into mine about 12 hours out. I brought an old stretched, ripped nightie. It got blood on it and milk...they both washed out. I'm keeping it for a keepsake.

 

[jessesgirl]

Yeah, I was going to bring some old night clothes...but I dont have any ....so I bought some for really cheap on clearance and then my MIL bought me one to match my robe for afterward.

 

[RoseofLima]

That and they are soft and not itchy.

I am all about snuggliness when it comes to jammies...my jammies are probably my most valued material possesion

 

[purpleunicorn_Andi]

I don't usually wear PJs, but I guess I should start... I tend to get tangled up in clothes when I sleep...
I definately want a warm robe though