Labour bag - HELP PLEASE???
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Topic: Labour bag - HELP PLEASE???
Posted By: Mama2two
Subject: Labour bag - HELP PLEASE???
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:00am
I have been given so many different lists about what to pack for labour and am now so confused
Just wondering if those experienced mums out there can tell me the thing they took that was a life saver or what they didn't and regreted later? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:02am
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food!!! was great to have something to munch on between meals, and something to read when waiting for bubs to wake ------------- "> 
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Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:05am
SB do you mean food for you or M or both? Have plans to buy the next book in a series I have been reading and taking that. Need to use my PP voucher from the Xmas pressie we got ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: thunderwolves
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:22am
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I took bottles of lucozade(sp?) was the best thing to drink during labour, gave me energy and was thirst quenching, also pen and paper, i couldnt remember anything, like when i had feed baby, who my nurse was, so i wrote everything down. ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: Anna
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:22am
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For me, I didn't need anything to use during my labour. But i did find I wanted something to do after the birth, like a good book to read and yummy treats (although second time round I kept pinching my treats out of my bag before I even got to the hospital - no will power!)
And food, at NSH (not sure if this is the way with all hospitals) they give you food after your birth but nothing for the dads. Maybe take something for your support person? ------------- Anna http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:29am
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Thanks Anna, we will be at NSH, so that is a great hint. I'm sure DH will be starving as usual! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Anna
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:36am
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They do have coffee and milo tho! And the sushi from Milford is pretty good if you feel the need! ------------- Anna http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:42am
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oh speaking of food, something we learned the day before I left, you can order dinner for hubby for a small charge!
It was food for me, M picked up somethingon the way in each morning. It was just the left overs from my labour bag, but at 6.30 with 2 hours till breakfast a nice muesli bar was quite the gap filler. Pen is a good idea. They will give you a chart to note feeds and wet and dirty nappies so will need something to fill it in with! And good idea to have paper, meant I could write down my labour story while still fresh in mind. ------------- ">
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:43am
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The Milford sushi is fabulous!!!
But anyway....during acutal labour....the only thing I used was taknini top for in the birthing pool....past that....not a thing. I even ended up labouring in my t-shirt I was wearing in bed not the old grotty one I took to labour in. Oh we did use the camera afterwards. I'd probably say some food like museli bars is a good idea for hubby though mine didn't eat his, he and my MIL took turns to get lunch during the labour while I was sleeping thanks to my epi. For your actual hospital bag however I'd say more munchies (NSH food is yuk), something to read, I took my pregnancy book to complete while it was all fresh in my mind, maternity pads, breastpads. That was probably about it. I ended up using the hospital gowns for me but I took clothes for Maddie and used those. Ummmm thats about all I can think of. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: caraMel
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 8:47am
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Yes, definitely food!
I was at NSH too and after having Benjy at 10pm all they had to give us was a cup of tea! Luckily I'd packed some LeSnacks and muesli bars because I was starving. Powerade was great for rehydrating me after labour too. Lots of cheap knickers that you can throw away after PP bleeding finishes. If you're planning on staying in for a couple of nights, don't forget your cellphone and camera chargers. Make up. I'm a bit ashamed to write this, but I HATE a lot of the first pictures of Ella that my inlaws like to show everyone! They insisted on lots of first family shots and boy do I look scary! ------------- Mel, Mummy to E: 6, B: 4 and: 
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Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 9:04am
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makeup! Sounds a bit silly, but after I had Taine (baby 2), I had a shower while everyone was fawning over him, put some tinted moisturiser, a bit of mascara and lipgloss and felt a MILLION times better. Shampoo and conditioner is great too.
for some reason I was told to take a tennis ball - no idea and didn't need. I also wantewd to take some dvds (with Jake) - i had visions of getting bored. |
Posted By: MyMinis
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 9:27am
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i found magazines a life saver for the boredom, cause the ones in my bounty pack were like 6months old so i had already read them lol.
also i second the makeup thing, i put a little on the next day and felt like my good old self again. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
http://tweetytweety85.bebo.com - bebo |
Posted By: mum2paris
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 9:49am
| i so reccomend the make-up thing too. I learnt to do my makeup one handed with a crying baby in my arms lol. but even just a little comb, i remember the first pics of paris and me and i looked terrible. so with ayja i made mike get out my comb and i combed my hair down. |
Posted By: jack_&_charli
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 9:50am
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definately makeup
the only thing i used during labour was water. we had lollies, muesli bars, back massager, books etc which didn't even get pulled out of the bag. but, i would definately take snacky foods for those late night hunger attacks  ------------- http://www.alternatickers.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 9:50am
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oh the food at NSH is pretty bad, but I loved the mashed potato that came with dinner!
And if you have a c section don't expect food till you can prove your bowel is working properly (basically you have to fart), until then it is juice jelly and in my case melted ice cream. Oh I loved the purple jelly too! ------------- ">
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Posted By: Jay_R
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 9:55am
| I wouldn't go so far as to say make up, but def shampoo, conditioner, nice moisturiser etc... but perhaps thats just cos I don't usually wear make up anyway! Also, I had powerade, lollies and chippies which were handy for DP during labour - I bought them for myself but was not much interested in eating and only wanted water during labour. I ended up having a c-section, and my MIL bought in a tv for me - i had my own room, but NWH at ACH didn't have telly's for rooms and it was awesome being able to watch tv while feeding through the night - or when I was just laying there freaking out about being a mummy!! |
Posted By: JD
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 10:04am
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I asked for lollies while in labour, but didn't end up eating them until just after I gave birth when I practiacally inhaled the bag :o)
Makeup is a good idea and definately, definately nice sanitary pads. The hospital ones are truly aweful...well in HB hospital they were anyway. Also bring your own pillow for afterwards. Hospital ones are the greatest and its nice to have a few home comforts. |
Posted By: .Mel
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 10:20am
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The most important thing for me is your MP3 player or Ipod. Stick those in yours ears when you get up to your room and you have no visitors and having trouble sleeping or put them in when you are feeding baby during the night. Absolute god send. Don't forget spare batteries.
I vaguely remember taking a change of clothes for after I had my shower and my slippers! They were a god send as nothing else would fit on my feet! They were so swollen. ------------- Mr Mellow (16) Miss Attitude (8) Destructa Kid (3) 
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Posted By: Nic01
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 10:56am
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For labour I packed loads of things - CD's, massage oil etc which never got used. I did use water in a sipper bottle & I had a spray bottle of Aromatherapy Co facial spritz which I used heaps. It was so refreshing just to get someone to give your face a quick spritz. An old t-shirt was handy too when I jumped into the labour pool. I didn't take food for my suport people because I thought they could go get something at the hospital, but hubby & my mum were there with me the whole time from 2pm to 11pm without eating anything, so I would definitely take something for them next time around. I also used a wheat bag lots in early labour. That was mainly at home though. Oh & a camera was great for those 'minutes old' photos. I love looking back at the ones of Matt. A cellphone was good too for letting people know about the birth. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 11:07am
| OPh, i remmber taking lollies- my midwife and hubby ate them all! |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 12:45pm
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SB - my first meal after c/s was toast! (lucky you!)
Everytime I have a baby I pack about a bag less But my must-needs are pen, comb, snacks, a change of clothes for going home, heeeeeeeeeeaps of undies (I think I went through 8 in 2 days  ). With my first baby I packed a couple of days' worth of clothes because I didn't want to potter around in a hospital gown. With my 3rd I happily wore the gowns cause I knew someone else would be doing the washing LOL
You don't need to take nappies for baby, pads (supplied ones are fine for the first couple of days) shampoo (at least in PN - they have a soap which is ok for body and hair), breast pads (don't need them until day 3ish, so you can get someone to bring them in then if you haven't gone home already), watch (clock is in your room). If you need glasses, take those, and don't forget the camera! -------------  |
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 1:50pm
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oh, re nappies, you only get a small pack from NSH (we were lucky and got 2), and they are not that keen to provide more (probalby contains around 12ish), so if you stay longer you will need more. The wipes are only a small pack of johnsons ones too so we needed more of them too eventually. Also got the feeling I was expected to provide own maternity pads as well as very limited supply.
From having a room so near the nurses station I got to hear them a bit, and I think they preferred the patients that took charge and took care of themselves as I did hear them complain about a couple of patients (one was fair enough, 4 days after c section she still wouldn't get out of bed and was expecting midwives to wait on her hand and foot) ------------- ">
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Posted By: Anna
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 2:38pm
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The food at NSH is bad! If your lucky enough to get it, second time round i delivered at 9 and then they didn't bring me anything til dinner! In fact, the ONLY time I saw a midwife was when i pressed the buzzer cause i needed help! ------------- Anna http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Anna
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 2:39pm
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The food at NSH is bad! If your lucky enough to get it, second time round i delivered at 9am and then they didn't bring me anything til dinner! In fact, the ONLY time I saw a midwife was when i pressed the buzzer cause i needed help! ------------- Anna http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: pepsi
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 6:17pm
I took a whole lot of stuff I didn't need so next time I'll leave them out. I didn't need towels, pads or nighties because the hospital provided it all, plus with all the blood, why not dirty up their stuff?! haha  Also, they had heaps of nappies so didn't need them either. Not sure if all hospitals are the same but I was at Waitakere.
During labour I didn't need anything really, but being in hospital afterwards I was always thirsty for nice juice and chocolate! |
Posted By: Mazzy
Date Posted: 18 April 2007 at 10:36pm
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I packed way too much stuff that I didn't need either. I loved the hospital gowns that undid at the shoulder for breast feeding so wore them for the first day or so, but it was nice to get into my own pjs/clothes once I was feeling better. Definitely take shampoo, conditioner, a nice body wash and moisturiser for after. Hair ties and clips for long hair during labour. I used a drink bottle, powerade was fantastic and just plain water. A flannel on my forehead and back of my neck that kept getting refreshed with cold water was lovely, although we only had one so maybe take two so there is always a fresh one?
And having my own pillow, both during and after the birth was such a comfort. Highly recommend. Food for DH or money for him to buy food, a camera for after (ditto hating those photos and the in-laws showing them to everyone! But still precious to me). And treats for you for afterwards. Chocolate! |
Posted By: Nikki
Date Posted: 19 April 2007 at 10:11am
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I'm going to NSH, so thanks for the advice re food ladies!!
Just one thing to add though - I did my tour the other week, and they said we should bring nappies, pads and wipes as they only supply limited amounts of nappies and pads, and only have wipes if they have been donated so sometimes run out. They also suggested we bring in a tripillow. I'm packing makeup (will be put on BEFORE any pics are taken!) and a hairdryer, even though people have laughed at me when I've told them this .... but I asked my doc and they don't have hairdryers, I couldn't cope with dripping wet hair all day! ------------- DS (5yrs) and DD (3yrs) |
Posted By: Nikki
Date Posted: 19 April 2007 at 10:14am
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stupid computer - it took ages, then added my post twice! ------------- DS (5yrs) and DD (3yrs) |
Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 19 April 2007 at 1:04pm
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Nikki, the worst thing they told us on our tour was to make sure you took jandals for the shower and wipes for the toilet seat as you will most likely be sharing the bathroom with another person/room and some cultures are cleaner than others. DH was completely grossed out when he heard that! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Lisha
Date Posted: 19 April 2007 at 1:41pm
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Remember to pack your bag weeks before your due date, I did have mine packed, but thought "will do it soon", then while having painful contractions was yelling at poor hubby to put this and that in the bag also!! haha, this time round I will be more prepared!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Nikki
Date Posted: 19 April 2007 at 1:51pm
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Sterryn - oh dear - yuck! I wasn't told that! Will have to remember them too.
Back to the food at NSH - I was told there is toast and spreads and fruit available day and night in the kitchens, which I was quite impressed with as I'm a big fruit eater. ------------- DS (5yrs) and DD (3yrs) |
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 19 April 2007 at 2:37pm
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there is a spray for the toilet that they tell you to use before you go (even in the private rooms) which cleans it. As for jandals, guess it is the same for at the gym...
I didn't see toast there, but there is fruit and apparently other food but never saw any of it. ------------- ">
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 19 April 2007 at 9:55pm
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Hmmm it sounds like you're gonna need to have a good look around at the unit you'll be birthing at, cause a lot of things vary between centres. In Palmy Nth hospital, you can expect flannels for Africa (and when changing baby's nappy you get flannels not wipes), nappies and pads as many as you need, toast and hot drinks available at the kitchenette (make your own). There was no toilet spray but the cleaner came around every morning.
As for being independent at the hospital, go ahead and ask all you like! Now that I've stayed there twice, I wish I had had the guts to ask for more help after my c/s (first birth). You won't get waited on at home so enjoy the rest while you can ------------- |
Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 20 April 2007 at 11:46am
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They said something about muffins in the afternoons, but pretty much first in first served. They are supposed to be for the mums, but when we did the tour i saw a family scoffing them! I think i will just get DH to bring stuff each day for me. Definitley going to pack a 6 pack of juice now though! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 20 April 2007 at 12:34pm
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Muffin Bakes or Muesli bars from the supermarket are good ------------- |
Posted By: MummyFreckle
Date Posted: 20 April 2007 at 5:16pm
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Phew these posts are making me glad I wont be going to NSH!!!! Still - I have no idea if it is better or worse at Akl, but at least I will be going to Birthcare straight away (all going to plan!!!) ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Bel
Date Posted: 20 April 2007 at 8:48pm
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I am just glad that I live in the country and while not having much choice about where to go - there aren't so many people having babies.
Went for tour at Dargaville Maternity Unit and they only have rooms for 3 mothers, double beds (fathers welcome to stay whole time), ensuites in every room and full kitchen to share. Looks good to me ------------- Mum to two beautiful kids
Luke (09.11.2007) Amy (01.04.2009) |
Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 20 April 2007 at 9:10pm
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Belinda that sounds awesome. I tried to get into both the Helensville and Warkworth Birthing centres that are much the same, but they are all fully booked. Too many women having babies at the same time I guess ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 20 April 2007 at 9:11pm
Double beds!  ------------- |
Posted By: Bel
Date Posted: 20 April 2007 at 9:18pm
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Don't even need to book really, just happens to be where the midwife works from - so I guess if the midwife can take you on then the unit can...
Yeah they really push that DH stays as well, they have done all these little things so it doesn't look or feel medical - even cover up stainless steel trays and stuff. Nice family rooms, almost looking forward to it! haha ------------- Mum to two beautiful kids
Luke (09.11.2007) Amy (01.04.2009) |
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 20 April 2007 at 9:19pm
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I enjoyed my stay at NSH! ------------- ">
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Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 21 April 2007 at 5:55pm
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SB, clearly you were on too many drugs
------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 21 April 2007 at 8:24pm
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to true, they did give me a morphine pump ------------- ">
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Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 22 April 2007 at 9:26am
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Hehehe. I thought so SB
OMG, only 10 days to go till due date! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 22 April 2007 at 3:03pm
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I was at a birthing unit and gave me so many nappies and pads and flannels for bums. every time Ben came in to visit he would take a few nappies home so we had heaps. I liked the food but even the big meals weren't enough so snacks are yummy. Juice is good cos you get so thirsty and I get sick of water.
I didn't even touch my labour bag but I think my mum may have packed some snacks for her and ben. |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 22 April 2007 at 4:54pm
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I was the same as Teresa (busymum) at Palmy hospital. I didn't have a "seperate" labour bag just everything all in one. I had Josh at 7pm and they had dinner waiting for me and I wasn't allowed to leave the delivery suite until I had eaten my dinner (I ate the potato and meat - it was a roast and I don't like beans so I wasn't eating them). I did most of my labour in a singlet or naked (so much more comfortable for me). As I wanted cold water and cold cloths on me during labour my MW just got the ice from the freezer and the cloths from the store room for me. After I had Josh the hospital provided me pads, nappies, wipes and a gown to wear. Honestly they are great. If you leak they clean the mess and you haven't ruined your clothes. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Brenna
Date Posted: 22 April 2007 at 7:45pm
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my labour came on so quickly that we left home in such a rush we forgot everything!! (Had Brennas bag in the car pre-packed so at least she had some clothes...lol)
I had things like wheat bag, pineapples lumps, lucozade, lavender oil but (obviously) didn't use any of it. Even if we had of remembered it I wouldn't have used anything, but that was just due to the super-speedy arrival of Brenna. For after, I would definatley recommend all the favourite foods you've been missing for the past 9 months (mine was ham sandwiches - not that you can pre-pack those . I sent hubby out at 11pm to get me some ). I agree that magazines are great...you don't need to think to read them.
Best of luck for your labour and birth  ------------- My beautiful 2 girls...nearly 4 and 13 months
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Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 23 April 2007 at 7:28pm
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Mmmm Ham sandwiches. I am hanging out for Sushi! Have already told DH he had better show with some the first day or else!
Thanks to everyone for their ideas, they are fantastic and much appreciated! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Andie
Date Posted: 29 April 2007 at 12:15pm
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Good luck for the big day, Sterryn! I packed heaps of stuff that I never used, too. All I can add to everyone's recommendations is a bikini! If you end up hopping in the bath or pool for labour and don't think you'll be comfortable naked, a bikini will instantly fix that! I just got a cheap one and won't be wearing it again. (well, maybe for another labour, but certainly not for swimming!). And snacks for your support person are always handy. Saved me having to worry that hubby would pop out to KFC while I was in agony! ------------- Andie |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 29 April 2007 at 2:58pm
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I wore the gown in the bath Andie... they have plenty anyway ------------- |
Posted By: Andie
Date Posted: 29 April 2007 at 3:26pm
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So I'm a bit behind on the whole wishing you good luck for the big event, Sterryn. My bad! I'll have to have a looksie for the post about bub's arrival now! Congrats! ------------- Andie |
Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 30 April 2007 at 8:14am
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Thanks for everyones advise on this thread. Strangely all I ended up using for labour was rescue remedy and lip gloss, and at the hospital having my own shampoo etc was wonderful, but the food ended up being the best tip. Ugh, hospital food! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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