Emergency Hospital Bag | What I Packed
There was this moment of panic when I went into preterm labor with Cece (the second time), and Adam and I were throwing things we thought we might need in a JoJo bag and hurrying to get in the truck, leaving Joey behind with the neighbors.
Maybe TMI, but by the time we got to the hospital, what I had packed was utterly useless. I had puke all over my clothes, my hair tie had broke, and I was barefoot.
What did I really want that second time? I wanted a clean sweatshirt. I wanted my lip balm and to wash my face and I wanted my slippers.
The baby outfit I packed had no use for this instance. My earphones and mascara were of absolute no use to me while i fought to keep my body from expelling a premature baby and to keep my own fluids in.
This is real life, guys. It’s brutal and scary and not something I want to deal with again.
By the time I went into real labor with Cece at 34 weeks, I had packed a real bag for the hospital. It was minimal and small and what I thought I needed.
But to be honest, it wasn’t either. I didn’t have enough. We were in the hospital a lot longer than I had anticipated, and home is 40 miles away (and then, it was in boxes because we were moving). After having Sis, I wrote a list, and really comprehensive one, of what I had wished I had in the hospital.
Well, friends, here we are. I packed my pre-emptive emergency hospital bag, and put it in the truck. It is not my full bag, which I will share later. Nope, this is my “if I go into labor before Thanksgiving bag” because frankly, this is a very real possibility and I am going to be prepared, damnit.
The emergency bag is essentials plus a few, for me and baby. It contains nothing that I need at home on a daily basis, and also contains a clear bedside checklist in case I do need those last minute things.
An emergency labor bag is for when I know I will be in the hospital for any longer than one hour. Whether baby greets us or not, there are things I want in that bag that will both be useful AND bring me peace of mind..
I remember panicking when they said they may send us to Davis that night, and me thinking that I didn’t have anything I wanted. No comfort clothes, nothing for my hair, nothing to keep me calm. Just a drawstring bag with some dirty clothes and no chapstick.
I am not going to panic this time, if baby decides to try and come in the next few weeks. Because the following is all packed nice and neat in a small bag in the back seat of my truck, ready to roll where ever I may be. Something I did not have before that is now bringing me immense peace of mind.
FOR BABY
For baby, I packed what I would have normally packed in my regular hospital bag. Since these are things I definitely don’t need right now while waiting for baby, and that it’s my third, packing for baby seemed simple and small.
Heirloom pieces:
Knitted blanket from my grandma that i used for both Joey and Cece
One tried and true knotted gown for newborns that I adore
Small Stuff:
Lanolin cream: just a mini size, and I think lanolin is simply just better than any of the other creams.
Nursing/breast pads: my milk usually doesn’t come in until after I get home, but these are so nice for those first few days of very sore and cracked nipples. I put lanolin on them before putting them in my bra for extra comfort between feedings.
Sound machine: We use the Hatch at home, but I also own four of these portable ones, and they are my favorite. I can’t sleep without white noise and I think newborns responds super well right off the bat to familiar white noise.
Pacifiers: I’ve never had a baby take a pacifier while in the hospital, but I always keep some with me just in case. Not being sure which they will like, I pack both Bibs and Natursutten original and orthodontic.
Wipes: Our hospital doesn’t provide nice wipes, and these are my favorite.
Burp cloths: I packed two of my favorite burp cloths for easy clean up with baby. Those first few nursings can be messy, and these are super soft and really absorbent.
LouLou swaddle blanket: My absolute fave swaddle for the first few weeks. We usually immediately ditch the hospital blankets and wrap baby up in these. So much softer, retain heat, and swaddle super tight.
WildBird Modal Sling: I love wearing my babies in the hospital. Especially this time, since I’m on bedrest, I’m certain I will be anxious to be up and swaying or walking with baby. Slings are the freaking best. And I love that I can do skin to skin while wearing a sling, giving my arms a break.
FOR MOM:
To Wear
Two of my most favorite outfits ever, and some of the best pieces I own. In my opinion, don’t skimp here. Pack pieces that are proven comfy and fit you well.
My favorite nightgown that I had with both Joey and Cece. It’s old but a serious fave. And how cool is it that I can birth all three of my babies in the same nightie? Here’s the closest I can find
Nursing bras – one to sleep and one to wear under clothes
Toiletries
My own face towel (I hate the hospital ones)
Hair tie, hair clip
Rejuvenique oil: for washing my face, moisturizing my face, my hands, feet, nipples, tummy, baby, Adam’s beard, whatever. I put it on everything.
Perineal spray: my only tried and true fave
Nail file: I always have one, you never know and hang nails are my worst pet peeve.
Rose lotion and Rose spray: I love rose and it’s super calming and refreshing to me. I love this spray, and I wished I had it when I was sick in preterm labor last time to mist my face and neck to cool me down.
Restore cream: I use this on my lips as chapstick daily, and for lots of other things; think in my dry nose or on my cracked feet.
Dry shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant: If I was in an apocalypse, these are the things I would grab, hands down. Nothing else.
And of course, a lounger, because it’s literally the only thing I’ll put baby in/on while we are there. No plastic hard basinet for this family.