I’ve been putting on hold packing my hospital bag for the longest time. Okay, probably exaggerated a little since I’ve just got the bag flown in from Amazon close to a month back, or about 3 weeks. Technically, it’s not my bag..it’s Bean’s diaper bag.. but she won’t know till she’s reading this right? 🙂 While I really wanted get into the whole packing mood, my body won’t listen to me. As it is with most third trimesters, you can get really tired in the day since you aren’t sleeping well most of the nights. For me, I am close to being zombiefied since I am having this awesome insomnia that lets me sleep about 5am every other night and waking at 7.30am succumbing to hunger pangs, took a nap after that only to wake at 11am. Even if I tried to nap throughout the day, I can’t. I am merely resting my body. For those who doesn’t have insomnia on their third trimester symptoms list, kudos to you! I can only say that every pregnant woman has different symptoms on their list.
So back to my hospital bag..
Picture courtesy of theshoppingmama.com
Okay, like I say I’m borrowing this bag from Bean, it’s meant to be a diaper bag but I’m using it as a hospital bag because it’s so roomy! Even though I didn’t think that I would have enough space with the junkyard of things I want to bring to the hospital! Talk about the size of sanitary napkins (pads)..@@
What’s in my hospital bag?
1. Important Documents – Hospital Admission Letter, not sure how it works if you’re not delivering in Singapore but since I was delivering at Gleneagles, I was given this HAL that I have to drop it into the admission counter once I am ready to birth. Of course, we’ve already completed the pre-admission and all that so it’s quite hassle free once it comes to the real action. All we have to do is to swipe the credit card when we admit. Ka-ching! Also not forgetting the IC and your birth plan if you have any.
2. A few sets of maternity nursing bra/undies – depends on how long you’re going to stay in. A few friends recommended disposable undies because it’s going to be heavy flow for a few days. Save the hassle of washing up etc. You know what I mean! If you’re not bringing disposables, forget about aesthetics and ditch those lacy pieces and bring soft, comfort undies. Comfort is key!
3. PJs, Bathrobes, Socks, Slippers – I’m not bringing any PJs cause I intend to just wear the hospital ones. Bathrobe maybe, just to go over the hospital gown in case it gets too cold at night. I’m also bringing one pair of socks to last me 3 days. Doesn’t want the feet to get too cold because I can get foot cramps easily.
4. Toiletries – I shouldn’t worry so much about this since I’m staying at Gleneagles. But I’m just bringing what I usually use because I prefer to use my own wherever I am. So this includes toothpaste, toothbrush, floss if you still have the energy to (but I doubt!), shampoo, bath, moisturizer, body powder etc. In my bag is also one crazy tub of 80 sheets wet wipes. I’m not sure if I’ll be given the opportunity to shower after a c-sec but I doubt either so the body powder and wet wipes will be my alternative solution! Included in my toiletries bag are some breast pads and lanolin oil (just in case basis)
5. My going home outfit – I’m still trying to find the perfect comfy dress to go home with. Don’t even think that you can wear your old jeans when you discharge because those pre-pregnancy add-ons doesn’t just lose it’s way while you deliver! With a caesar, I don’t think that pants are in my best interest.
6. iPad, iPhone, charger and a fully charged camera – ’nuff said. I’m also bringing my Polaroid cam! 🙂 Nothing beats Polaroid no matter how shag I look.
7. SNACKS – Well, I won’t be eating from 12 noon to 7pm, and definitely no food thereafter till the next morning. But I will bring some beloved chocolate and biscuits because that’s probably what I need, comfort food after all the action. Even if I can’t eat it, the husband can!
On a separate handcarry
Sanitary Napkins – I’m packing my own even though I think that the hospital is likely to provide. Of course, they charge you for that..most likely they charge you for the entire pack and you bring home the remainders. I’m not exactly bringing maternity sanitary napkins but I’m bringing those night usage maxi pads that are super meant for heavy flow days.
Maternity Bed Mats – these are for laying on the beds just in case yikes! the pads are not holding well enough. But I needed these because I didn’t want to dirty my brother’s ride when he fetches me back from the hospital. He will kill me I if that happens I guess! LOL. The ones I’ve got are disposable ones from Mothercare, there are cheaper alternatives but I happen to be at Mothercare when I see these so..
Did I missed out anything? I hope not, because I’m less than 5 days away!
That’s about all that’s in my bag. Going to update about Bean’s diaper bag in the next post! 🙂