In the final weeks before Indie arrived I spent many hours with a pen in hand checking things off my to do list. The day before she arrived was no different. I can’t recall what we did Saturday morning, but I know we spent the afternoon packing the hospital bags. It was like a military operation! I wanted to ensure we had absolutely everything we could possibly need. I am including the list here because it’s hilarious to me how much I overpacked. The items in blue are what we actually used at the hospital. The rest was superfluous!
HOSPITAL BAG CONTENTS
FOR THE TAXI
Bin bag (to sit on)
Towel (to sit on)
Disposable maternity mat (to sit on)
FOR LISA - BIRTH
PAPER ESSENTIALS
Important phone numbers & email addresses
Maternity notes
Birth plan - a few copies
Affirmations
Hypnobirthing scripts
Sign for hospital door saying we are a hypnobirthing family
TO WEAR
Headband
Bikini
Cover up dress
ELECTRONICS
Dave’s mobile(s)
Dave’s mobile(s) charger(s)
Lisa’s mobile
Lisa’s mobile charger
Music & affirmations on mobile
Earbuds
Lisa’s computer
Lisa’s computer charger
Music & affirmations on computer
Speakers
Camera
Camera charger
COMFORT ITEMS
LED candles
Flashlight (so we can see in dim light)
Aromatherapy oils & diffuser
Massage oil
Scan photos for inspiration
Lisa’s pillow
Blue duvet
FOR THE POOL
Cushion to kneel on in bath
Towels
Hand mirror
Sieve
Jug or cup to pour water over back
Washcloths
OTHER
Mist bottle
Hot water bottle
Ice pack
Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes
Book or magazine
TO EAT & DRINK
Breath mints
Coconut water
Capri Suns (frozen)
Water bottle
Snacks: strawberries, chocolate, gummy candies, granola bars, yogurt covered cranberries, dried mango, brie (packed by Dave), and prosciutto (packed by Dave)
FOR LISA - POST-BIRTH
Breastfeeding book
Nipple cream
Breast pads
Shampoo
Body wash
Razor
Face wipes
Bio oil
Make up
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Lip balm
Hair bands
Brush
Tissues
Wet wipes
Paracetamol
Maternity pads
Maternity Mats
Ear plugs
Sleep mask
Old undies
Sleep bra
Athletic capri pants
Robe
Socks
Flip flops
Nursing bra
Maxi skirt
Tank top
FOR INDIE - in diaper bag
Pacifier
Cotton wool balls (for nappy/diaper changing)
Plastic container (for water for nappy/diaper changing)
Nappies/diapers
Disposable nappy/diaper bags
Changing pad
Hand sanitizer
Scratch mittens x 1
Socks x 1
Sleep suit x 1
Onesies x 2
Tank top x 2
Leggings x 2
Cardigan x 1
Going home outfit x 1
Baby hat x 1
Cellular blanket x 1
Swaddle blankets x 1
Burp cloths x 2
FOR INDIE - transportation
Wrap carrier
Baby car seat
FOR DAVE
Comfy shoes
Swim trunks
Old clothes
Change of clothes
Cash & small change
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Print outs about breathing & positions
Something to read
Pillow
By the end of the day we had most of this stuff together, bagged by use. We packed together which did prove helpful because then we both knew where everything was located.
In the late afternoon we decided to take a break. It was hot (a heat wave by UK standards!) and I really wanted to go for a swim but Dave suggested we walk in the park instead. I agreed and we planned to hit the pool the next day. (I did spend time in the water Sunday but in a very different way than planned!) We slowly circled the park, stopping occasionally for a rest. Then we went home. Dave cooked us a delicious BBQ feast of steak, grilled mushrooms and onions, along with mashed potatoes. It was actually the perfect meal fuel for the big day that followed. We wrapped up our night by watching Babies. I love, love, love this movie and wanted to see it again before she came. I had a healthy hormonal happy cry and felt really excited about meeting our girl soon. I can’t remember what time we went to bed but I’m guessing it was around 11pm or so. Physically, I felt hot, tired, and uncomfortable with a slight backache but this was pretty normal during the last few days of my pregnancy so I didn’t suspect anything was about to happen. But, it certainly did! :)
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