| |
In packing my first "labor" bag when I was pregnant with my son, I think there were a few things that I learned and will account for as I begin to pack my second "labor" bag for the anticipated birth of my daughter in a couple months. For example, I had packed two bags for the hospital- one for the actual labor and one for when I was checked into my room. I don't think I'll be doing that this time around as it just created two places that I needed to look for things, and considering the size of the room, there is not always a lot of extra space. Additionally, I packed such things (that I was originally told were ESSENTIAL) as a backache buddy - a sock with two tennis balls inside - that I did not even use.
However, there were also things that I did not pack that I will make sure I do this time. In my first labor experience my water broke, but contractions did not actually start until about seven hours later. Therefore, the deck of cards that the nurse gave to my husband and me at the hospital turned out to be invaluable to help pass the time! Also, I did not pack any lip balm in my bag, and my lips could not have been any more chapped when the entire experience was over. I used the ice chips that I had to continually keep them wet, but it really didn't seem to have the same magic that lip balm holds. (I came to find out afterwards that dry lips are a very common complaint among women who have given birth.)
As for packing for your newborn, I found much of what I packed for my son went unused. I was told to bring diapers and extra blankets, but they were supplied by the hospital. I was told to bring hats and extra clothes but again, except for his "going home outfit," we didn't use any of them. My best advice is to pack what you feel comfortable with and then take notes you can learn from in case you need to pack a similar bag a couple years from now!
| |
