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January 25, 2010

What to pack?

We had a pretty relaxing weekend...didn't do much. Saturday I went to my sister in law Rebecca's baby shower. She is due with Arielle within a day of my due date. These cousins are going to be like twins, which is crazy because Terence and I are about 10 years older than his sister and we are both having babies at the same time! I never would have imagined that, but God has the perfect timing for everything! It was also fun to shop for girly stuff for someone :)

Sunday we went to church and I invited my friend Julie from work to go with us and she came! I was so excited she came with us and I hope she comes back with us soon! Afterwards we did our Sunday grocery shopping and hit up Costco and Kroger.

Terence and I have been going walking every night after I get off work. There is a lake with ducks on the other side of the neighborhood. We usually walk to the lake and find a bench, sit for awhile then walk back home. It's probably about a mile. The only thing is that this past week I started getting CANKLES!!!! Ahhh!!! I have started to swell up like a wet sponge!

Last night Terence and I watched a video his Mom gave us called The Business of Being Born. It was very good and really makes you think about all the drugs hospitals pump you full of and what doctor's do to have babies born on their schedules instead of what's best for the baby . It had a lot of valid points in it, but this late in my pregnancy I think I am just going to stick to my hospital birth plan. One thing I am going to do is ask a lot more questions about what they are doing to me in the hospital.
Good Morning Connor! Come on buddy...we are ready to see your sweet face!
Don't take TOO long now... for your Mama's sake :P

Okay-Now I wanted to ask a question....
What should I pack for the hospital?
I don't have a bag packed yet and was wondering what you packed
or think is/was the MOST necessary.

32 comments:

Elaine Welte said...

Receiving blankets, clothes for the baby, socks, burp cloths.

For you: pj's, if you plan to nurse: nursing bras or nursing tanks (hit up Target). Shower stuff.

Pack like you are going on a mini-vacation. After having a baby, you'll eventually want to clean up and feel like yourself again, so go ahead and pack your make-up and anything else you use to get ready!

LeAnna said...

Oh my gosh, what a cute pic! My best advice is to not plan anything when you get to the hospital. Be willing to hear all sides, and make your decisions as you need to make them. A lot changes in the midst of labor. ;) I packed everything under the sun when I went in, and unfortunately all it meant was that we had to lug it all back when we went home. Stick with your basics! You'll want comfy clothes to wear home to the hospital (clothes that fit you around 4-5 months pregnant) a going home outfit for the sweet bundle (our hospital would only let them wear hat/bootie "street clothes" otherwise they had to wear hospital issued shirts while we were at the hospital) and don't forget your camera and laptop if you have one! I also enjoyed having my own pillow, blanket, and wash cloth (colored so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital laundry) from home. I took my boppy pillow, but I don't think we used it, and it was just one more thing to drag home. Although I do know several ladies who took theirs and enjoyed it!

Leigh Hatfield-Middleton said...

You look SO cute!! Cankles and all!

For the hospital bag make sure you bring:
-comfy socks
-your going home outfit
-toiletries
-some magazines
-cameras
-chapstick (for while you push)
-a few clean undies
-a few clean gowns/pajamas
-flip flops for going home (if you get an epidural you will be SWOLLEN)
-movies/dvd player (you may be waiting a lot)
-hairties
-your own pillow
-just use the hospital pads and ask them to send as many home with you as you can. also try to steal as much epifoam and tucks pads
-Boppy pillow
-snacks for after labor (you WILL be hungry, HA!)

for baby
-a couple of gowns
-a diaper to take him home in (I also stole a TON of these from the hospital. don't tell!!)
-car seat

Everything else for the baby is pretty much supplied from the hospital while you're there.

You're getting SO CLOSE!!! YEA!!

Clementsville: Population of 5! said...

Can't wait to see Connor, I know you are SO ready!

The good thing is that the hospital will have everything toiletry wise for you and baby. I did bring outfits for each day for me and baby, receiving blankets, burp clothes, nursing bras, going home outfits for us both!

Everything else the hospital will supply :)

I'm so happy for y'all!

KRiSTiN said...

outfits and blankets for baby. everything else will be provided by the hospital.

for you, just remember you'll be taking tons of pictures and people will be visiting. so take what will make you feel the most comfortable. for me that meant some make up and headbands. i'd also bring an extra pillow or 2. hospital pillows are terrible!! comfy clothes, shower supplies, and a hair dryer (if you use one). that first shower after labor feels like it's soul cleansing, lol.

for your husband, most sleeping accommadations for spouses are... minimal. :) have him take a blanket or something. even if he just lays on top of it. he'll need the sleep, too. :)

good luck!!

Aishlea said...

You look great!!!

Can't wait to see Connor!!!

Becky said...

I don't have kids but hearing stories from my friends who do these aremy suggestions:

-receiving blankets, and a few outfits for your little one
-comfy clothes/pjs for you
-camera, cell phones, and CHARGERS for all things electronic (or extra batteries)

So excited for you!!!

meredith said...

this picture is so cute of you!

i would give you advice on what to pack, but then again i haven't had a baby yet so my advice wouldn't be too great!

one thing though - pregnant or not - warm, comfortable SOCKS! my feet are always freezing in the hospital!

Amy said...

You look fabulous!!! I love all your belly shots!
I didn't pack a robe and I regret it. Just a thin cotton one would be great. Our baby was in the nicu and I had to go there to feed him. It would have been nice to cover up more than just my pj's walking back and forth. Slippers for sure! If your doctor allows this, I would bring your favorite hard candy to suck on while in labor. Sometimes the ice chips just didn't cut it. Make sure Terence brings some things to do for the slight chance he will have some down time...a book, handheld game system. Also, plan on bringing a maternity outfit to go home in. As nice as it would be, you won't be able to fit into anything normal for a while.
I hope these last days goes by fast for you!

Annemarie said...

You look gorgeous! Good luck in these next few weeks- praying for you! xoxo

Anonymous said...

Your face in that picture made me laugh out loud! That's about how I feel right now! I am so swollen it is ridiculous. By the end of the day my feet are literally twice the size they normally are.

For the hospital, I wouldn't worry about taking much for the baby but find out what your hospital supplies - ours provides clothes, diapers, pretty much everything so all I took was a going home outfit.

For yourself, take some comfy clothes, your own pillow, toiletries and if you are planning on nursing don't forget the nipple cream (I like the Medlea brand)..mine bled and cracked. Ahhh, so much to look forward to when I do this again next week! I'm packing my bag today so if I think of anything else while I'm packing, I'll let you know.

{K} said...

hmmm, I haven't watched "The Business Of Being Born" but I know that once I was in labor I wanted all the drugs I could get! ha!

I can't even remember what all I packed to go to the hospital. You really don't need anything for Connor except a baby book (for foot & handprints), a going home outfit, and blankets. They kept Jasmine in little shirts and socks provided by the hospital until we were ready to go home. You may want to pack extra outfits though if you want to dress him up while you're still in the hospital.

You'll want very comfy pj's, slippers, socks, your own pillow, all your shower and hair products, make-up, etc. Since you're breastfeeding you'll need nursing bras and nursing shirts (I think that's what they're called?) and nipple cream.

If you're up to getting out of bed you may feel better getting dressed up after a shower and especially if you're having visitors. (I felt much better once I showered and washed my hair and got dressed in real clothes.) You might take a sweater or nice shirt and comfy jeans or slacks. Remember you'll still be in maternity clothes for the first several days.

I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to visit you in the hospital and meet baby Connor! :)

Jordan said...

If I was a mom, I would definately tell you what to pack. But since I'm not, I'm going to tell you that I'm sure you'll think of everything! Good luck!

PS: You will look great! :)

The Undomestic Mom said...

I made 2 cd's to play while I was in labor....1 had relaxing songs and 1 had really upbeat songs. Ben was constantly changing the 2 out depending on what I needed during the 14 hours-ha


Yay!!! You look so cute! Cant wait to see pictures of baby Connor!

Kodi said...

Okay I have to chime in because I thought I knew exactly what to pack and I was way off. First of all, take at least four pairs of comfortable pants and t'shirts or nightgowns. By comfortable I mean elastic waist (yoga pants, sweat pants, pj pants). I had a c-section and these were the ONLY things I could put on without pain. I thought a few pairs were enough but between bleeding and being there an extended amount of time, bring at least four. Also take a package of super heavy overnights with wings. The hospital I went to could only provide so many pads and I used them too fast. Sorry if this is TMI.

Also- take the diapers like the other person suggested. Your insurance company is being billed for all that anyway!

I also recommend taking your laptop if you have one. Like I said, I was there for four days and there were times where I was seriously bored. haha!

My other advice- that you didn't ask for (sorry)- stay as long as you are allowed to. You need as much time as possible to recuperate so take advantage of your time in the hospital. I had the baby sleep in my room at night, but when they take the baby to the nursery for daily checkups etc. SLEEP. If you have guests and you are tired- tell them to leave. Seriously. NO ONE will be offended. If you're afraid they will be, make the nurse be the bad guy. They don't mind. Sorry this is the longest comment ever, but these are a few things I wish people would've told me.

~M~ said...

that is so cool they will be so close in age! how fun!

Jen S. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jen S. said...

Oops, I messed up the first comment I just wrote...sorry!! Here goes again...
Becky--
I would recommend bringing your own pj's, robe, nursing bra, and a very comfy outfit for going home in. Also bring Connor an outfit for heading home in.
Also, toiletries such as shampoo and things like that for when you take a shower. Lastly, someone else recommended snacks and I definitely think so too. I had our daughter Jeven just after midnight, so there wasn't really anything to eat. So be sure to bring some food.
Those are my ideas :)

Krista said...

I didn't read every one else's comments, but I really enjoyed having a couple cute pairs of nursing pajamas and of course good nursing bras (I like Medella Seamless Softcup-no underwire).
You will want to freshen up after 24 hours or so, to feel better for yourself, for guests, and for pictures! :)

If your hospital doesn't provide lanolin cream and soothies for nursing, you may want to pack those along to help you with those first few days.

Also, make sure you have someone staying with you all day AND all night who is willing to help you with the baby...i.e. not sleep at night! Make sure they understand this BEFORE the middle of the night! :)

Excited to hear the news and see pictures soon! :)

Summer Athena said...

i love you.
you are beautiful.
she is having a girl? sweet! they will be close.

no clue about hospital packing.

you look beautiful but i am feeling vunerable today. not sure why.

i love you so much

Leslie @ A Blonde Ambition said...

I laughed til I cried at your answer to my "Ask Me Anything" question. The line about Heidi Montag...HILARIOUS!

And by the way, you look GREAT!

Iva Messy said...

awww so so cute!! hurry up little buddy!! ;)

Q, La, and Gooner said...

SOCKS! When your legs are in the the stirrups you NEED great socks to keep your footsies warm! A shaver! It will be awesome after labor and you FINALLY get to shower. It feels heavenly. And nothing feels as great as freshly shaved pits. :) Be sure to blanket text us when you are in the hospital!

{K} said...

I just read all your comments. I agree that you definitely need extra pj or yoga pants because you will bleed quite a bit after the birth and may need extra clean clothing. I had forgotten about that. Also, I think someone already mentioned this, but you they'll bring in the baby bassinet thing loaded with diapers and other baby accessories. They re-stock it every time the stash is low or empty. Just take everything off each time and save it for later. Insurance is paying for it.

And, yeah, you'll probably want your laptop too! I was there for almost 4 days and definitely got bored at times.

Sorry, I think I'm commenting too much. :)

Suz said...

Looks like you have lots of tips, my one suggestion would be a nipple shield incase you are planning on breastfeeding.. It would have been a lifesaver for me... You just never know if you need it for sure, but better to be safe than sorry! :)

Q, La, and Gooner said...

SOCKS! When your legs are in the the stirrups you NEED great socks to keep your footsies warm! A shaver! It will be awesome after labor and you FINALLY get to shower. It feels heavenly. And nothing feels as great as freshly shaved pits. :) Be sure to blanket text us when you are in the hospital!

Suz said...

Looks like you have lots of tips, my one suggestion would be a nipple shield incase you are planning on breastfeeding.. It would have been a lifesaver for me... You just never know if you need it for sure, but better to be safe than sorry! :)

K said...

I just read all your comments. I agree that you definitely need extra pj or yoga pants because you will bleed quite a bit after the birth and may need extra clean clothing. I had forgotten about that. Also, I think someone already mentioned this, but you they'll bring in the baby bassinet thing loaded with diapers and other baby accessories. They re-stock it every time the stash is low or empty. Just take everything off each time and save it for later. Insurance is paying for it.

And, yeah, you'll probably want your laptop too! I was there for almost 4 days and definitely got bored at times.

Sorry, I think I'm commenting too much. :)

Becky said...

I don't have kids but hearing stories from my friends who do these aremy suggestions:

-receiving blankets, and a few outfits for your little one
-comfy clothes/pjs for you
-camera, cell phones, and CHARGERS for all things electronic (or extra batteries)

So excited for you!!!

KRiSTiN said...

outfits and blankets for baby. everything else will be provided by the hospital.

for you, just remember you'll be taking tons of pictures and people will be visiting. so take what will make you feel the most comfortable. for me that meant some make up and headbands. i'd also bring an extra pillow or 2. hospital pillows are terrible!! comfy clothes, shower supplies, and a hair dryer (if you use one). that first shower after labor feels like it's soul cleansing, lol.

for your husband, most sleeping accommadations for spouses are... minimal. :) have him take a blanket or something. even if he just lays on top of it. he'll need the sleep, too. :)

good luck!!

Leigh Hatfield-Middleton said...

You look SO cute!! Cankles and all!

For the hospital bag make sure you bring:
-comfy socks
-your going home outfit
-toiletries
-some magazines
-cameras
-chapstick (for while you push)
-a few clean undies
-a few clean gowns/pajamas
-flip flops for going home (if you get an epidural you will be SWOLLEN)
-movies/dvd player (you may be waiting a lot)
-hairties
-your own pillow
-just use the hospital pads and ask them to send as many home with you as you can. also try to steal as much epifoam and tucks pads
-Boppy pillow
-snacks for after labor (you WILL be hungry, HA!)

for baby
-a couple of gowns
-a diaper to take him home in (I also stole a TON of these from the hospital. don't tell!!)
-car seat

Everything else for the baby is pretty much supplied from the hospital while you're there.

You're getting SO CLOSE!!! YEA!!

LeAnna said...

Oh my gosh, what a cute pic! My best advice is to not plan anything when you get to the hospital. Be willing to hear all sides, and make your decisions as you need to make them. A lot changes in the midst of labor. ;) I packed everything under the sun when I went in, and unfortunately all it meant was that we had to lug it all back when we went home. Stick with your basics! You'll want comfy clothes to wear home to the hospital (clothes that fit you around 4-5 months pregnant) a going home outfit for the sweet bundle (our hospital would only let them wear hat/bootie "street clothes" otherwise they had to wear hospital issued shirts while we were at the hospital) and don't forget your camera and laptop if you have one! I also enjoyed having my own pillow, blanket, and wash cloth (colored so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital laundry) from home. I took my boppy pillow, but I don't think we used it, and it was just one more thing to drag home. Although I do know several ladies who took theirs and enjoyed it!

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