Preparing.

I told my partner I was thinking about packing my hospital bag when I am in labour because it will give me something to distract me so that he can't rush me off to hospital instantly like he did last time. He said he thinks I should do it earlier. I was in labour for 30 hours last time so I know I should have plenty of time before I need to go to hospital. What do you guys think? Also can't for the life of me think of the really important things to pack (keeping in mind that over here the hospital does NOT provide anything). Thanks  

<blockquote><b>Quoting Amber Willcocks:</b>" I told my partner I was thinking about packing my hospital bag when I am in labour because it will give ... [snip!] ... think of the really important things to pack (keeping in mind that over here the hospital does NOT provide anything). Thanks  "</blockquote>




I wrote a list as I thought of things then packed in labor. Our hospitals do provide things, but I think it's a good idea. Lol. My labor was forever too.  

My labor started instantly, and super intensely. There's no way I would've been able to pack while I was in labor. I did have most of my stuff together in one general area ready to go though. If you think it's something you can do, then do it! I would take advice from the other mama and make sure you have a list, just so you don't forget in the heat of the moment.

I wouldn't wait until I was in labour to pack a hospital bag. Your last labour might have been 30 hours but you never know it might be one hour this time lol. Or what if it happens when you aren't at home and you need to go to the hospital straight away. It's easier to send someone to pick up the bag (full of everything you need/want in it) rather than give them a list of things to find and pack.

Our birthing centre is the same

baby outfits
your outfits
wash stuff for you and baby
nappies
breast pads
maternity pads
wipes
hooded towel
washcloth
dummies
toiletries
breast pump
nursing pad
camera
extra batteries/charger
ankle socks for you

I wouldn't wait. Every labor is different. Just because your labor was long last time doesn't mean it will be this time. With my oldest labor started and I rushed to the hospital already 8cm dilated! Then with my second labor was six hours of horrible pain, no time to pack comfortably. My third was a 30+ hour labor.