Hospital bag time…

29th June 2016 Family Life, Personal

I will be 38 weeks this Saturday therefore as they class anything above 37 weeks as that “any time now” phase of pregnancy; it now time to sort out the hospital bags.  Bags as in plural as there will be more than just me and the baby to consider this time as the bear will also need to have a bag.

I am hoping to be able to go natural and therefore need to plan for the unexpected, middles of the night type labour but I am also aware from last time that with the best of intentions these things can end up as emergency sections so therefore wanted to be able to pack for that eventuality also. Plus if I go too far over it’ll be a planned section at term +5 days anyway so here is what I have packed for the three of us…..

For the Bear:

• Enough nappies and wipes for a few days
• Pyjamas
• Bedtime dummy
• Monitor
• Outfits for 2 days
• Spare bottle
• Wash bag containing
  • Vitamins & vitamin measuring spoon
  • Shampoo
  • Body wash
  • Toothpaste & toothbrush
• A few notes on her bedtime routine as a reminder for grandparents

For the Bean:

• Nappies & wipes
• A blanket
• 2x muslins
• Packs of clothes individually packages into the following categories:
  • First outfit once born (sleep suit)
  • Coming home outfit (dungarees and long sleeved vest)
  • Spare sleep suits in case we’re in for a few days (x3)
  • Spare vests and rompers in case it is colder or hotter than expected
  • Hats and mittens

All clothes are gender neutral seeing as we don’t know what flavour Bean is yet and the fact they are individually sectioned into sandwich bags are a lesson learnt from last time. As although I knew what I packed for what, it wasn’t me that was initially in charge of getting things out of bags post birth so this helps whoever is getting things out know what is where.

For me:

• Coming home outfit
• 2x extra tops in the event we’re in the hospital for a few days
• 4 pairs of big knickers & 2x nursing bras
• Pyjamas
• Something comfortable to give birth in
• A tankini just in case by some miracle I’ll be allowed in the birthing pool
• Maternity pads
• Breast pads
• Wash bag containing
  • Dry shampoo
  • Deodorant
  • Face wipes
  • Antibacterial hand gel
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Body spray
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Nipple cream
  • Hair bobbles etc
• Slippers
• Phone chargers

And that’s it – though to be fair that should be more than enough!  I still need to pick up some drinks and snacks to help during labour though I’m struggling to think of things that will be diabetes friendly but other than that we’re all set.

Mine and the Beans bag will now live in the boot of the car and the Bear’s bag will start to go places with her when she goes out to the grandparents etc ‘just in case’ we end up in the position where we need to make a ‘can you keep her a few more hours’ phone call !!

If I’ve missed anything please let me know!!