Admittedly, I have a tendency to overpack. I just like to be prepared for a variety of circumstances. This is especially true when I think about going to the hospital to give birth.
I was glad that I saved my original “birth bag” list from two years ago. I even went through and deleted some items that, with my new wisdom and experience, I feel confident that I can leave at home, like my awesome “finger labyrinth”:http://www.relax4life.com/finger_labyrinths.htm. I’ve also had to add a special list for Lucy’s bag, so she’ll be packed for her overnights with Grammie and Grandpa. The whole list is rather lengthy, but hey! I’m the one giving birth, so I can bring whatever I want!
*For Ann*
* 1 headband, 1-2 hair clips, 1 ponytail holder, 1 scarf/bandanna
* Cubs hat (a new addition — this might help hide _petichiae,_ the unsightly bruises I got on my face from pushing, if I get these again)
* warm socks
* comfy cotton underwear, 5 pairs
* something to read (one magazine, one book)
* snacks: juice boxes, granola bars,etc.
* a box of jumbo pads
* 2 nursing bras and nursing pads (“Soothies”)
* water spray bottle (to keep cool during labor)
* massage oil
* breast cream
* several copies of birthing plan
* toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, mousse, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, moisturizer, deodorant
* clothes to bring: going home outfit, 3 sets of nightclothes, 2 sets comfy day clothes,
black clogs, socks, sweatshirt
* robe
*For Jon*
* hard candy & mints or gum
* something to read
* a stopwatch for timing contractions
* pen & journal
* pajamas
* 2 changes of clothes
* extra camera batteries and flash-storage cards
* bathing suit
* toiletries: shampoo, soap, toothbrush, razor, deodorant
* earplugs
* earphones
* 1 or 2 funny movies
* list of labor & delivery ideas (I wrote these up last time to remind me about options of things to do when I felt stuck)
* miscellaneous audio cables
*For Baby*
* car seat
* diapers
* outfit: newborn t-shirt, socks and romper or footie pajamas, hat
* 2 blankets
* burp cloth
* a car seat cover
p{color:gray}. Photo: Here’s Lucy all packed up at the hospital, ready to come home. We’ll use this same car seat for Baby #2.
*Things to pack at the last minute*
* purse
* Ann’s iPod
* Jon’s iPod
* 1-2 pillows (with colored/patterned pillowcases so they don’t get confused with hospital pillowcases)
* slippers
* pen & journal
* eyeshades
* headphones
* water bottle
* snacks/food/sandwiches for labor (for Jon)
* birth celebration treats: champagne, truffles
* camera
*For Lucy*
* 3 pairs pajamas
* spare crib sheet
* 4 overnight diapers
* “toothbrush”:/news/2008/oral-hygiene-impasse/
* books
* shampoo
* 20 daytime diapers
* wipes
* butt cloth (This refers to a soft, cotton cloth diaper we use to dry off Lucy’s butt after diaper changes. Perhaps we should call it something else?)
* Desitin
* Tylenol
* 4 sets of clothes: shirts, pants, socks
* house shoes (Yes, we have and use little slippers for Lucy. Our hardwood floors get cold!)
* water cup
* bib
*Last minute Lucy things*
* “Piggy Lou”:/news/2008/behind-bars/#comment-4241 & “Barney Bear”:/news/2007/one-of-a-kind/
* monitor & receiver
* “sound machine”:/news/2006/white-noise/
* blankets
Let me know if you think I’m forgetting anything! :)
Once again your organization amazes me! Great list. Do you have a gift from baby sister to give to Lucy? And a gift for Lucy to give to baby sister? Kaia loved giving Mo his gift, and getting hers from him. Helped break any tension and jealousy.+
What, no beef jerky?
I’m all about the Champagne and Truffles! I think I’m going to pack that for MY next trip. Anywhere.
Tysa, we do have a gift from baby to Lucy, but the idea of having one from Lucy to baby is a good one — we are thinking about it now! thanks for the idea. :)
A gift for your midwife and delivery nurse and thank you cards for their fantastic help through your delivery. We gave them “after eight mints” because we figured she would come after 8pm and she came at 3:30ish am.
chapstick!