Packing It In
When we lived in LA, P.Pie loved trips to the beach. The night before, she’d get everything ready; she’d packed up a small tote with blankets, a change of clothes, and various ointments and rubs to prevent the sun from turning us into cancer-riddled raisins.My job was to pack the cooler – some sandwiches, a couple of sodas, a water or two, and possible a beer. Or six.
Whatever.
Now that we live in a climate where the winter sports are more the norm, we pack accordingly. Skis, snowboard, appropriate layers of clothing, goggles, gloves, and power bars for energy.
On the plus side, I don’t pack any beer. I bring money for the lodge bar at the bottom of the mountain.
There are lots of other kinds of packing that I know how to do – suitcases, rucksacks, clean up kits, boxes, moving vans, theaters, a lunch, wheel bearings… I can pack a lot things.
I can even pack on the pounds.
But I have no idea what P.Pie should pack for the hospital. A nightgown, a change of clothes to go home in, maybe a movie or two… what else?
So the question is, what did you pack for the trip to the hospital? What about what you didn’t pack that you wished you had?
[ed. note: is there a bar at hospitals?]
posted by Rob Barron at 8:17 PM
11 Comments:
I don't remember there being any dvd-dvr-vcr thingy for movies,but maybe your hospital is different -- and cooler!
We packed clothes, soap, razers, magazines, some snacks, our own pillows and maybe some other crap. I swear I left the hospital in the same clothes I entered in -- four days later. I lost 10 pounds and didn't shave once. Bring your pillows. They were sooo comfy during that five minutes of sleep.
Eight days! You're going to do great -- good luck!
LA Mommy packed herself. I do remember coming home after the baby was born to grab a few things she forgot.
There are no bars in hospitals, but don't you think there should be? We'll open a chain of them and we'll make a killing (and better place than a hospital?!)
I just wish I would have packed something. I went into labor was before I was expecting to, and ended up having to request underwear and nightgowns from memory.
It sucked.
Get some good books.
Do not forget to order flowers/balloons for your wife for when she arrives in your room after the c-section. This is key.
Also, we brought a bottle of champagne, and it wasn't a big deal - don't forget flutes!
-Walker
The Wonder Twins
Some kind of chap stick type product!!!! I totally forgot mine and the hospital was so dry I thought I was going to die! I mainly sent my husband home for what I needed, and didn't need much, but maybe some trashy magazines for when she/you are bored but can't concentrate enough to read an actual book.
My wife packed her own bag. It helped pass one of those crazy long bed rest days.
We didn't stress too much, though, because we knew that between myself and our families we could get anything that we decided we needed.
Also, flowers, etc are nice, but if you write her a letter telling her how appreciative you are of her holding the kids for the last 9 months, she'll cry...the happy kind of crying, too. Not the kind like when you forget to flush the toilet.
The pillows - do not forget the pillows! With extra pillowcases. This is gross - but I had no idea how much I would sweat the night after the delivery (they said it was the change in the hormones).
If P.Pie is going to breast feed, you'll want the breastfeeding pillow.
Lotion, chapstick, and something warm and comfy to walk around in (slippers, thick socks, etc).
A towel (or two or three). Yes, the hospital will provide them - but they are about 12" square and only chafe the skin after delivery.
Be prepared to need a moving van when you leave
Margaritas. I wish I would have packed margaritas.
Slippers. Hospital floors are gross, and everybody is going to bring their shoes in. It keeps dirt out of your bed. (I forgot them with the first son, but remembered with the twins.) I didn't have a c-section, so I was only in for a day, but I packed mostly for the babies and very little for me. Extra diapers and baby clothes are a must, because you'll just get baby A dressed when baby B poops or spits or something.
Also pick the nurses brains before you go. They know how to swaddle and check bath water better than anyone else.
Good luck!!!
I took an insane about of stuff.
You need, jammies, toiletries, and that is it.
Seriously I took a boom box because I was CERTAIN I wanted to listen to music during the birth (whatever) and I took snacks and books etc etc etc. It was crazy.
It took an orderly with a BIG CART to move all my stuff from the labor and delivery room to the Mommy and baby room.
Oh, you need the clothes you want for the pictures they take at the hospital as well as their going home clothes.
And some slippers - hospital floors are cold to new mom feet.
Make the nurses teach you how to swaddle.......and PRACTICE.
If you don't learn anything else from them learn that one.
BABIES LOVE IT.
And it creates peace.
don't forget your camera, your cell phone (if you're allowed to use it) and lots of batteries!
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