There’s nothing quite like a global pandemic to get you to think about what exactly is going into your hospital bag. This pregnancy has been quite different from my first, and as my due date approaches, it turns out I am getting ready for a very different hospital experience this go around too.
With my first born, we had a home birth planned, but all that went awry when we learned that Cameron was breech. After a failed ECV that then triggered labor the following day, my plans of a peaceful home birth with my midwife turned into a c-section in a hospital, followed by an extended stay that I was truly unprepared for in so many ways, both logistically and emotionally.
This time around, I am ready for the hospital stay, but assuming all goes well with my planned VBAC, baby and I will be sent home as quickly as possible. Thankfully James will still be allowed in the labor room but will have to be rescreened according to our hospital’s COVID-19 entry procedures.
For me, this packing list seems like much more than I had the first time around but may seem like the bare essentials to others. Since I am planning on laboring in the hospital but know that my labor will likely be quick again, I am bringing what I feel like I will need at the most basic level. For the hospital stay, I am only packing what I need for a one night (two at most) stay at the hospital. I am also not including items that I know the hospital will provide, like diapers and wipes, as well as pads and mesh underwear. I take full advantage of the maternity freebies.
I left off a few things from this checklist since I want it to able to be used under any circumstances, but since COVID-19 has still not reached its peak in Oregon, I am including hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes in my bag as well. I hope that this checklist helps any other mamas out there trying to make sure they are as prepared as possible for their little ones arrival.
