packing the hospital bag

Posted on 27. Apr, 2010 by in baby

Today I worked hard on finishing Alice’s room. I chose curtains (and they are really clever, you’re going to love them), put together her changing table, toy bench, and bassinet, and hung a few posters. In the exhaustion that followed, I realized the imminent urgency of packing my bag for the hospital.

We get extra credit points in our birthing class (and I’m not sure what they are for, just that any points system is enough to fill me with a deep sense of psychological validation) for sending the instructor a picture of our packed hospital bag. Here is what I am bringing:

(Generally clockwise from top left):
1. Camera charger, Flip video camera, Fujimax Instax Mini for some fun instant photos of Alice’s birthday, and an iPod. 2. Our birth plan. 3. The First 1000 Days by Nikki McClure is the journal I chose to buy to document Alice’s babyhood. I love the illustrations and that it’s not too cutesy. 4. Toiletries including toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and body wash, breast pads, and nipple cream. I was glad to find some without lanolin, which I’m allergic to.

5. Swimsuit top for the labor tub (not that I’ll have any sense of modesty). 6. Gigantic cotton underwear. 7. A going-home outfit for Alice–I have a cute onesie, a normal onesie, some pants, and some little booties. 8. A few pairs of pajamas for me–one pair to labor in, and one pair to see visitors/have pictures taken in. There’s also 9. A swaddling blanket and 10. A robe in there. 11. Kings & Queens sugar-scented lotion. 11. A box of Thanks-A-Lot Girl Scout Cookies for the nurses and doctor. 12. Plush pink slippers from my mother-in-law.

All that’s left to pack is the car seat, birthday cake, and champagne!

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27 Responses to “packing the hospital bag”

  1. susie

    29. Apr, 2010
    9:10 am

    Hi Megan -
    Just lifting you up in love and sending all the best wishes possible as you approach this blessed event….

    Reply to this comment

  2. Marie

    29. Apr, 2010
    5:53 am

    How exciting. I hope you have an easy labor. Good luck.

    Reply to this comment

  3. kara

    28. Apr, 2010
    11:47 pm

    This is so great! I’m not married nor do I have any kids, but this makes being a young mom look sooo very stylish. I love that you’re bringing thank you cookies for the docs. Can’t wait to meet Alice!

    Reply to this comment

  4. corinne

    28. Apr, 2010
    9:22 pm

    omigoodness, you are sooooo inspiring!!!! my husband and i are not yet in the stage of starting our family, but when i do, i am DEFINITELY going to be coming back to this page, and using your ideas :) you are always so smart, wise, clever, crafty, and have your own special touches….like the cookies! what a thoughtful idea! i am always inspired by your work, and how thorough you are with everything you do….even packing a hospital bag!!! congrats and best wishes for a safe, smooth and beautiful delivery!

    Reply to this comment

  5. Renae Stout

    28. Apr, 2010
    4:04 pm

    I love your hospital bag. You are so prepared. The onesie and pants are really cute, and I appreciate the non-cutsie journal. Great idea with a gift for the doctor and nurses!

    Reply to this comment

  6. Heidi

    28. Apr, 2010
    2:24 pm

    You might want to include a soft, comfy nursing bra or tank. I can’t remember if I had one the first time around but I made sure I did for #2 and I was glad I did. Just having some “support” made things a lot more comfortable for me.

    Also, make sure you or Dave write things down as they happen, like times and stuff. You might think you’ll remember forever, but those small details are easy to forget and it’s nice to have them to look back on!

    Oh, and if you plan to use a Boppy or nursing pillow, you might want to bring it or have it out where someone can swing by the house and bring it to you.

    Reply to this comment

  7. Kristel

    28. Apr, 2010
    12:42 pm

    I love these comments. I am so excited for you! I cannot believe it has already *almost* been nine months! wow! I can’t wait to see her either – I have no doubt you and Dave made the world’s cutest kid ever who is going to be president or something amazing! :D

    Reply to this comment

  8. Catherine

    28. Apr, 2010
    11:09 am

    Did anyone say chapstick? Trust me – take it.

    Reply to this comment

  9. Lorri Vallese

    28. Apr, 2010
    10:51 am

    I only stayed in the hospital for 24 hours so I didn’t need anything really. They gave out these really great netting panties to wear that held the pads in great.

    I so look forward to seeing Alice. I check your blog everyday to see if you are still at home. Take care and best wishes to you all.

    Reply to this comment

  10. Karen.Jersey

    28. Apr, 2010
    6:44 am

    Nursing bra with those insert pads. I forgot about this with my third child…I had some nice wet spots on my shirt when I was heading home with my daughter.

    Reply to this comment

  11. Alison Kelly

    28. Apr, 2010
    6:22 am

    The idea for cookies is brilliant!! Can’t believe you’re already at this point in your pregnancy! Can’t wait to see babytron!
    xoxo

    Reply to this comment

  12. Rachel

    28. Apr, 2010
    12:12 am

    Oh how exciting!! Best wishes to you!! Can’t wait to see little pics of Alice!

    Reply to this comment

  13. Merry WA

    27. Apr, 2010
    11:34 pm

    What about your phone or a list of phone numbers, as I found my “pregnancy brain became a baby brain”!!

    Also if you are fussy about your pillow, take your own as hospitals are always notorious for having “bricks” instead of fluffy pillows.

    Reply to this comment

  14. Jess Gamez

    27. Apr, 2010
    11:04 pm

    Hi Megan, I was wondering if you put together any special playlists on the ipod for the birthday/birthday party?

    Reply to this comment

  15. karen

    27. Apr, 2010
    11:03 pm

    I am checking back on a daily basis, waiting for Alice’s debut. Enjoy these last alone days, and take one long last look as you walk out that door for the last time as a “couple”.
    It’s getting close! PS Use the lactation consultant if you can after Alice arrives. Breastfeeding may be natural, but it can be problematic at first. If you really want to do it, persist. Don’t give up.

    Reply to this comment

  16. Jenny Mick!

    27. Apr, 2010
    10:32 pm

    You are just the cutest! I wish you all the best and I hope this is an amazing and memorable experience for you, Dave, and Alice! I can’t wait to meet her and hope you’ll let me know when you’re ready for visitors :)
    xo

    Reply to this comment

  17. JGregory

    27. Apr, 2010
    9:46 pm

    May I add three items I didn’t see on the list? I wish someone would have told me 2 of them would have been a good idea.

    1. Cash. Why? Because inevitably you’ll have forgotten something and the hospital charges an arm and a leg. With cash, one of your visitors can get it for you for a reasonable price at a nearby store. Also, for the just in case…I took 2 onsies for my son as a newborn. My husband ended up having to go buy an outfit at the store across the street. We started off in 3-6 months, Never got a chance to use all those cute newborn outfits.

    2. Maxi pads (sorry for any of you guys that read this). You going to need them and tampons for a few weeks are not an option.

    3. Instruction manual for the car seat. We practiced and practiced before the big day, but when it came time to putting a real baby instead of a teddy bear in those straps, we went blank.

    I love the cookies for the doctors and nurse

    Reply to this comment

  18. megan v

    27. Apr, 2010
    9:43 pm

    That’s awesome, Meg!!! It probably feels great to feel prepared for the big big day. How soon??? Little Alice is going to be SO loved. I love the look of that book you’re going to write in for her. She is going to cherish that forever!!!

    Reply to this comment

  19. Deb

    27. Apr, 2010
    9:27 pm

    I love that journal… I may have to steal that idea for this time around. One other thing you might want to bring is a little candy (to suck on) and chap stick. With all the breathing, your mouth can get really dry and sometimes the ice just doesn’t cut it. ;)

    So happy for you and good luck!!

    Reply to this comment

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