Weekly Panic Thread 10/12

dmcg17

So, based on my Suggestions post, it sounds like most of us are panicking now that we're in the third trimester.  Use this board to share your fears and ask any questions that you have!  

Weekly Theme: Hospital Bags - What are some essentials to pack for your hospital stay?

clt2pwm11

I've started packing mine! A couple different pairs of jams, grippy socks, extra long charging cord, toiletries, a couple baby outfits (nb and 0-3 month), snacks! I plan to use the mesh panties and pads the hospital provides while there, but I've got my lady diapers ready for at home 👍

ahrob135

I haven’t started packing yet but def on my to do list by mid November!! I need to start putting a list together so I don’t forget things. I worry I’m going to over pack (1st time going through this; and in general I overpack whenever I go on vacation). Good call on using the panties and pads from the hospital. I saw from a few Instagram posts that packing a portable shusher came in handy during recovery? I’ll probably pack an eye mask and ear plugs - have a feeling I won’t be getting much sleep but I can’t sleep without them.

dmcg17

I have absolutely nothing planned or packed at all, other than the outfit/blanket/name display for photos which I need to wash.  My husband doesn't seem too worried because we live like 8 minutes from the hospital and he can "run home to get whatever we need."  For STM+ moms, what were some things you brought that you would consider "must haves"?

foreverhughes4123

Same, I have nothing packed or planned yet. I have been watching YouTube videos to get ideas, but I need to buy some things and really think through what I want to pack. We live about 25 minutes away from the hospital. 

jordieburd

@dmcg17 things I didn't bring last time and regretted was my own nursing gown for after labor and delivery and a nursing pillow. I planned to use the hospital gowns bc I knew it'd get messy, especially for L+D,  but afterwards I didn't like the style of gown they gave me and would've preferred my own. So this time I'll still use theirs for the messy part and my own clothes for after. Also an empty bag/small suitcase for all the stuff they give you to carry out. And snacks! I didn't last time because I knew I wouldn't be able to eat during labor, but forgot about the two days afterwards. 

jordieburd

Haven't packed yet, but things on my list are:
My breastfriend nursing pillow, nursing gown with robe and one or two other pjs, a few pairs of fuzzy socks and set of slippers, going home outfit for me and baby ( two different sizes in case he's too big for newborn) some baby gowns for him to wear, baby fingernail file or clippers( my son's were so long when he came out!) After @ahrob post I'll probably bring a sleeping mask, too bc no, there won't be much sleep, but the few chances I'll get, it'll probably be useful. Travel toiletries, Blow dryer, and makeup for in-hospital pictures. And snacks.

clt2pwm11

Oh the earplugs! Yes!! That'll actually help me sleep lol. All the dang hospital room noise makes it so hard. The pair I have will still let me hear baby. . . They just dull everything else 👍

booksandicecream

Full confession: the first time I thought about my hospital bag was right now. Baby #3, y'all

I am starting a list right now!

As far as essentials go, I would recommend Toothbrush, hair brush, pajamas/comfortable clothes that button in the front for nursing, 2 nursing bras and nursing pads. When the milk comes in it pours! (Obviously only for those planning on nursing!) Also grippy socks because your balance will be off and slippery socks or having to take shoes on and off may be tricky at first. One going home outfit. And... that's it. The hospital here provides everything else, so check with your hospital ahead of time.

I did need my pump and nursing pillow for baby #2, but we were 15 minutes from the hospital so my husband just ran home to pick it up.

Final piece of advice is don't bring a big bag, as you won't be able to heave it onto the bed yourself and bending down may not be possible. Better to bring two small ones.

booksandicecream

My actual panic of the week is that I got Covid
Due to my line of work I know a lot about the risks, so it freaked me out. However I never developed a fever, so that should minimize the risks. Just... UGH! I took all the precautions and still managed to get sick (despite no one else in my family catching it). I guess a 100% boring pregnancy just wasn't meant to be Hoping this is the last "exciting" thing that happens until labor!

clt2pwm11

@booksandicecream so sorry you got COVID. I had it at 20 weeks and was quite miserable. Hope you are able to rest. ❤️

Our hospital has hospital grade pumps available, so check if yours has them. You may not need to bring your personal one. Just to help y'all save bag space!

benderisgreat12-23

Was going to start packing mine then thought maybe I am being too crazy- so glad that’s not the case!!! The baby has been leaning on my cervix a lot so I am super bottom focused right now even though I’m just 30+ 2.  I think just packing it will make me even less anxious and I love all the ideas you all have posted!!