What to pack in hospital bag for induction of miscarriage/stillbirth?

[BartletForAmerica]

I don't know where else to ask this. I've not miscarried yet, but I am carrying a child who won't survive to term and who is likely to die sooner rather than later. We have declined a termination and will just let nature take its course. I'm 15/40 now so will need to be induced when it all happens. I'm pretty scared about the prospect, but I want to be prepared so that I don't need to come home and pack everything in floods of tears when that day comes. I was hoping that someone might be able to tell me what things I should have packed, whether it's just the same as when I had DS (minus the baby stuff of course) or if there is anything else I should think of. Thanks very much.

Hi Bartlett, hope you are as ok as you can be right now.

If you haven't done so already, please do come over and join us on the threads in the Antenatal Tests / Choices area - there are lots of lovely ladies who have had to go through very similar experiences and are happy to share their advice and help you. This is a good place to start: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_tests_choices/1214853-Antenatal-support-thread-for-women-who-have-chosen-to-terminate-7.

In answer to your question about what to take with you: something to keep hair out your face (the tablets for induction made me sick), a fan (our hospital had one, but some don't), magazines, books etc, mobile phone + charger, bottled water, something sugary to drink for energy, small snacks, bed socks, dressing gown, loose nightie etc.

Thank you for posting details of the site. I am going to buy some tiny bears for the babies I have lost. Thinking of you. x

I don't wish to offend, and thank you for your good intentions, lily but I really don't want to join that thread as I would never choose to terminate and really don't feel that I belong there.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. Yesterday's scan shows that the baby was alive much to everyone's surprise but is much worse and will likely die within days. In God's mercy, we were able to watch her heart as it slowed down to very slow then sped up, so we both know that she is very poorly. We are sad but are ready for this next stage. We return for another scan next week when, if, as expected, she is no longer alive, I will then be induced.

The midwives have been very kind and explained everything to me so between them and your advice here, I think, as much as we can be, we are prepared.

I'm glad, warrior, that the site was helpful to you. The shawls and teddies (2 of each, so I can keep one) arrived this morning. They are tiny and, of course, made me cry. I know that it will simply be her shell and that she will be safe and happy in heaven, but it will be nice to know that her body is wrapped up in something soft and lovely.

Bartlet I will be praying for you and your little girl! She will be well cared for in God's hands!
My DD1 knows her little sister's heart broke, that's how we explained and that she is now with Jesus. It's going to be hard, very hard, but you are doing so well! ((hugs))

I am going through the exact same thing at this moment. I recently found out my daughter has a very rare brain malformation which my first daughter had (she passed away at 6 months old). Sadly, they have advised that we have a termination due to the severity of her condition and the amount of suffering she will endure once born. I have no idea what to take, what to expect, how to process any of this in my head. I am 28 weeks on Monday and the process wont be done for maybe another few weeks after further investigations have taken place.