I genuinely don't remember what I packed when I was going to have Carson - but I definitely DO remember what I forgot so that's what I'm going to base my choice around.
To be fair, I stayed in hospital for a good week after having Carson so I might be being a little OTT on supplies but, given that I didn't plan for any eventualities last time, I will do this time! I've also decided to make 2 lists - one for baby and one for mummy.
MUMMY’S ESSENTIALS
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x3 Pairs of DARK Cotton PJ’s
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DARK: Visitors don’t want to see your leakage.
COTTON: You don’t want to be too hot.
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x2 Nighties
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To give birth in.
If long labour, you WILL want to freshen up mid-way
through.
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Old
Vest/Bikini Top
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In case you have the pleasure of experiencing a
Birthing Pool during labour
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Dressing Gown
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Extra layer if needed, easily removable if not!
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Slippers
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Just in case you need to walk to another ward/dept
etc.
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Socks
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For labour and afterwards when in bed.
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Lots of knickers & Maternity pads
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Seriously, lots. You will need to change often.
(If giving birth vaginally then bear in mind the
possibility of stitches etc.)
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Lots of (nursing) bra’s & Breast Pads
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I would also suggest a larger bra size than normal
too. Mine went like cannonballs after birthing Carson! Pads a'plenty are essential. Nipple cream might come in handy too.
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Washbag
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Toothbrush/paste, shampoo & conditioner, unperfumed/sensitive soap flannel, wipes. Oh, anti-bacterial hand gel too.
INCLUDE BATH TOWELS!!!
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Hair accessories
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Brush, bobbles, clips/grips, headbands etc – giving
birth does not involve a fashion parade, you don’t need your rollers or
straighteners!
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Mp3 player
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For during labour or if you have to stay over night
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Drinks & Snacks
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I would steer clear of small juice cartons/bottles
and take a big bottle of concentrated squash to really last. And when I say
snacks, I mean things like fruit bags & cereal bars – not a full blown
picnic.
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Travel Chess or Scrabble
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Ok, Ok this is a bit weird. But you’ll only end up
on you mobile phone on Blogger, or Twitter, or Netflix etc. Use any ‘slow/quiet’
time during labour to connect with your partner using old school methods!
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Going Home Clothes
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Baby may be out but your bump ain’t going anywhere,
trust me! Pack maternity clothes for your return journey home.
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Remember your birthing partners needs too. They are going to get tired and hungry and will most likely need to freshen up themselves at some point so ensure they're as prepared as you are. No one is going to go nuts if your partner takes their jeans off and pops on some lounge pants, trust me. The comfier they are - the better for you.
Their jobs will include things like popping a bit of cash in the tv before they leave - they need coinage! They should also remember a phone charger and a list of numbers to call. Our hospital didn't provide Carsonsdaddy with any refreshments i.e. tea/coffee or even toast in the early hours - and my labour was 23 hours long last time - so I can't stress how important coins are (again!)
Now for baby stuff....
BABY’S ESSENTIALS
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Nappies & Cotton wool
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At least one pack of new-born nappies and plenty of
cotton wool for each change.
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Dummies
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I personally didn’t want Carson to have dummies,
but SCBU went ahead and gave him one anyway when he was moved from ICU to
HDU. Luckily, we managed to ‘wean’ him off by about 8wks old.
If you want your baby to have a certain type of
dummy (or none at all) then be certain to have this in your birth plan and
have your choice to hand.
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Vests & Grow’s
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I would say a minimum of 5 vests & 3 grows
Choose grows with the attached turn down scratch mitts so you don’t need to
bother with mitts as a separate. Also, buy grow’s with feet to save buying
booties/socks too.
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Hat!
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New-borns lose their heat through their heads. They
can’t self-regulate temperature either so hats are essential for new-born’s.
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Formula & Bottles
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These were freely available last time I gave birth
almost 6 years ago. I believe it’s very different now in our local hospital,
so be prepared!
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Bibs & Muslin cloths
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For obvious reasons!
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Going home outfit
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Choose layers for baby, as you can’t advance-predict
the weather on the day you’ll be coming home.
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I feel my quantities of items marked may well be 'off' - do you have any thoughts/advice? And I have that sunken feeling that I've forgotten stuff - again. But thankfully I'm only 33 weeks tomorrow so should have plenty of time to use your comments wisely and change my lists.
I love the concept of pre-packed maternity bags, but don't know whether they are worth it. I mean, I actually don't own a standard weekend bag so will have to buy one of those anyway - so would you say the pre-packed options are a good option?
I'm sure this will change in the coming weeks, but for now - this is what I have :-)
Please leave links of any posts you've done relating to this yourself xx
This sounds like great advice, I'm a long way off having kids but I'll definitely be sending my pregnant friends over to this post :) x
ReplyDeletethanks for the lovely comments hayley xx
DeleteSuch a great post! I was really lazy coming to the end of my bump to pack my hospital bag because i wasn't sure what i really needed, it's a bit like holiday packing you always pack things you don't need. I forgot the basic of shampoo/bodywash/conditioner so make sure you dont forget them and the essential of nighties xx
ReplyDeletewww.mybubbaandme.com
defo! thanks for your thoughtful and very kind comment! x
DeleteReally good tips. I can't think of anything else to add to it really think you have pretty much covered it all there
ReplyDeletewoohooo! success then yeah?! thanks trace xx
DeleteWow thats a list! Hopefully all goes well and you dont stay in hospital too long. I have been at my sister's side for some of her births but pretty much all of them she has gone home within 24 hours of giving birth.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.itsallbee.com
I know I've been a little bit OTT here lol! but last time i was sooo under prepared! x
DeleteBrilliant list I shall have to make sure I follow this when it's my turn, hope it all goes well ;-)
ReplyDelete