To be 35 weeks pregnant with no packed bags?

[stormytherabbit]

I am 35 weeks pregnant and booked for a csection at around 39 weeks.

I haven't packed my own nor baby's bag yet. AIBU? I am getting a hard time from DH and my Dfriends.

I just don't know what to pack!!

I took maternity jeans in the hope that I'd slim into them by giving birth... it was a big fat depressing fail.

I had an elective c section on Friday and I was exactly like you (especially as people kept telling me to do it because I was so huge and everyone was convinced the baby would come early). 'Pack hospital bags' kept being moved from one to do list to another!

I think I was just daunted by the thought... Packing somehow made it more real. I did it at about 37 weeks and it was a big relief, actually, and not that much of a faff at all.

FYI - I massively over packed. This is not unusual for me but I used the various lists online. As I was only in overnight (I was expecting to stay in for at least two), most of the stuff doesn't get used. Unpacking at home was more of a faff than the original packing!

I packed mine whilst contracting, don't recommend this as packed old trousers and obviously after birth couldn't do them up.

I packed mine when labour started last time, at 18 days overdue. I had the stuff, just needed to pack. It took ten minutes, I don't really see what the fuss is about.

I never bothered too much with bags till I started to get proper twinges. What's the big deal, you just chuck some obvious items in a bag, it takes 5 mins. If you end up staying more that the half day or day someone brings you more stuff. Most of the things are not needed at all.

YANBU - loads of time. Try and have it down within a fortnight however.

I didn't pack a bag either time - had a total mental block about it (denial?). Both times dh rushed around packing when I went into labour.

This did mean that the first bag was filled with books i didn't read, sandwiches i didn't eat, babyclothes, pads and disposable knickers but no change of clothes for me the first time but hewas much better the second.

I would definitely NOT ask my DH to pack a bag of stuff for me. Who knows what he would imagine is essential for a hospital stay!?

Find a list online. If you know you are having a section, you will be in hospital a bit longer than the mums who get to swan out after a matter of hours (which was me, so I'm not knocking it!), so pack what you want for your own comfort and your baby's for a couple of days: that's basically the common-sense version of all the lists.

Of course your DH can get you anything you didn't think of. You will inevitably pack some things that won't get used, but don't sweat it.

Hope all goes to plan!

Thatorchid

There are lists everywhere, and she can add to it. He can read as well as she can

If a man can't be trusted to pack a bag then blimey I'm not sure he'll be much cop caring for a baby

Well that's why you look over it after, that, but honestly, can he not hold down a job? Is he incapable of reading a list and paying attention?

What if the mum and baby end up separated and the dad doesn't even know how many babygrows they own both baby and dad lose out when dad is cast as useless and shoved out of the equation.

I packed at 2am while in labour with ds2. I forgot everything useful (like a nightie for me...and nappies ).

I've ordered some stuff online.. like mini toiletries, pjs etc and I'm just going to dump it all in a bag and leave it in the car! Does anyone know what amount of baby clothes I'll need for a 48 hour stay?

Wrt baby clothes i suggest you think thin cotton rather than thicker because maternity hospitals are really hot (but don't forget a little hat). Also don't limit yourself to the "up to 8lb" size if there is any chance your baby will be bigger. Dh had to rush home to get extra clothes for ds2 as everything we'd brought with us was either too hot, or too small or both.

Does anyone know what amount of baby clothes I'll need for a 48 hour stay?

Depends on the amount of unexpected widdling when changing them and not fully contained poo explosions. You should be safe with 6-8 changes or send someone out to quickly wash and dry them.

I had a bag packed but ended up staying in for three days after an EMCS and was totally unprepared! I'd brought nothing suitable for wearing around a scar as it hadn't even crossed my mind, and I'd only brought enough stuff for two days. My parents ended up buying me more PJ's and a dressing gown! My husband just kept bringing me snacks.

Meh, I've only just finished packing mine and I'm 39+6.

I think it was more the thought of it than anything else - I imagined it taking ages and I'm running so low on energy right now that I just didn't want to start! Actually when it came to it, it only took one evening and was actually quite fun (especially picking out baby's coming home outfit)

I packed my bag after my waters had broken

Be careful - I packed mine in early labour as baby came at 37 weeks. Not as organised as it might have been...

I get your point about not being excited about doing it though. All the others on the anti-natal club threads seemed to love it and have their bags packed at 24 weeks or so but I bloody hate packing!

I packed my bag for last baby quite late - threw a few bits in at 37 weeks ish and then didn't pack the final bits until labour. Because the clothes for me after labour were comfy clothes I wanted to wear in the last few weeks not have sat in a bag! Baby first outfit has always been sorted weeks in advance though