when did you.

Sweetclump · January 2011

When did everyone get their hospital bag ready. I wanted to start on that but everyone keeps telling me its too early that I still have time. What do you ladies think?

SarahTx5701 · January 2011

the sooner the better. My hospital does not stop labor after 34 weeks, so that's when I did it this time. Last time I was aiming for 36 weeks but my ds came early and I had nothing ready. My mom and dh brought me fugly clothes and I didn't have any of my preferred items. Definetly no harm in doing it early to get ready!

Annierose1 · January 2011

I haven't packed mine. I don't plan on packing it until I go into labor. Sounds crazy, I know. But I plan on laboring a lot at home before going to the hospital. I'm hoping that by packing while laboring it will help me stay active during my contractions to help with the pain. Plus it helps that we live about 2 blocks away from the hospital so if I'm not able to pack anything I can send DH or my mom to the house to get whatever I need.

I think a lot of women do it at around 36wks, it's just not that important to me, but that's just me.

Jenniferk08 · January 2011

I'm an hour away from the hospital so I'm starting now since my bag will be at my mom's house (she's 15 min from the hospital).

Jaylea · January 2011

I am a procrastinator, so I am one of those who will do it later (still haven't started the baby's room yet, or gotten baby stuff out of storage - hoping to do that this weekend!) That said, I didn't bring a whole lot to the hospital anyway - some clothes to wear home, some clothes for the baby, toiletries, nursing bra/breast pads, some slippers.

When my water broke with DD at 37 weeks, I hadn't finished packing, and it was fine. A friend brought a bunch of stuff to me, and I still didn't use most of it. Of course, we live close-by the hospital so H could get whatever I wanted... but while you're in the hospital you've got everything you *need*.

I would say start making a list and if it'll make you feel better, start packing. There's no right or wrong answer here. Smile

TempeWick · January 2011

No harm in doing it early if that's what you want to do. I made a list and started the bag in another bedroom. As I put things into it I highlight it on the list so I know it's packed. That way I'll know what I need to throw in last minute (cell phone and charger, glasses, etc.) The rest of the items I don't need for every day so there was no reason to not start getting them together. I actually think I'll go past my due date, but I'm of the "better safe than sorry" camp and I'd want the clothes and toiletries I've carefully packed rather than who knows what DH would throw into a bag for me.

Sweetclump · January 2011

Thanks ladies

dee1369 · January 2011

Mine is almost finished, and baby's is ready to go. I did them last weekend. My hospital allows you to deliver in-house at or after 34 weeks.

harper80 · January 2011

I have everything in a pile and I just need to put in a bag this weekend! I also think I'll go overdue, but it makes me feel better to at least have it ready.

magdalina.h · January 2011

I had an emergency bag packed at 20w. I'm repacking it on Sunday.

TiffanyTheMom · January 2011

My bag is MOSTLY packed! I just need a 'decent' pair of clothes for me to leave the hospital in. You never know what the clothes you wore in will look like, and you can't count on those to be nice looking when you leave. That's all I need. And a calling card too.

dee1369 · January 2011

TiffanyTheMom:
My bag is MOSTLY packed! I just need a 'decent' pair of clothes for me to leave the hospital in. You never know what the clothes you wore in will look like, and you can't count on those to be nice looking when you leave. That's all I need. And a calling card too.

I totally forgot about going-home clothes for me!

Now I need to figure that out. Crap.

bmp84 · January 2011

During Christmas vacation, I had a pile going on the bed in the guest room. On Monday, I was admitted to L&D. I had to send DH with a huge long list and he did pretty well, but missed some important things. Once I was discharged, I repacked my bag well and keep it next to the door. Since things can go downhill quickly, I've taken it with me to both of my appointments since being discharged and it will go with us if we leave the house for any reason.

I'd pack it now so you don't have to worry about it if you do need it sooner than later.

christyp80 · January 2011

I haven't started packing my bag yet, but I've got a list going and I'm planning to get some essentials in there soon. One piece of advice that an L&D nurse gave me recently is to buy a disposable camera and pack that. She said she's seen a lot of people show up with their digital camera all ready, except their battery is plugged in charging at home. So just in case, might be a good idea to go old school and bring a disposable.

IntheSpring10 · January 2011

I was going to pack around 37 weeks but I had time last weekend so I figured I start the process. It took no time at all and now all I need to do is pack LO's outfits (haven't washed those clothes yet). It actually feels pretty good to have it almost ready to go. One less thing to think about.

RumbleLina · January 2011

I was going to wait a little bit but I will for sure have it packed at 36wks when my OB will let labor take it's course (pretty sure that is what it is).

Although, with how often these contractions have been happening for no reason lately I think I might start now just to be on the safe side.