37 Weeks: Hospital Bag

This tiny unborn bebe has cause chaos at Hartley Manor.

Once upon a time (in an epoch pre-pregnancy; that delusionary, completely innocent time of yore) I thought that I could show up to hospital with just my belly and a pair of pyjamas, and afew hours later, be presented with my child by the kindly nurses, and miraculously emerge from the hospital doors cuddling a swaddled infant with my hair shiny and fitting into my skinny jeans.

Travelling so light aint the best idea, or so we have been told by well meaning and seasoned parent friends. So tonight, at 37 weeks along, Erroll and I finally made the decision to pack the hospital bag. Never mind that Seahorse is only 3.5 kilograms (only!!), and may still bake away for three more weeks, we have loads of things that should come with us, to make our stay as comfy as possible. So that indeed I may emerge from hospital resembling a Hollywood starlet. He he he.

Baby Hartley at 37 weeks gestation: 16th November 2013

Baby Hartley at 37 weeks gestation: 16th November 2013

1. For Labour:

  • Notepad and pen
  • Any contraption to time the contractions
  • I-Pod, rocking music
  • Camera and battery
  • Laptop
  • My new body butter (so that Erroll can sooth my frayed nerved and bunched muscles)
  • A tennis ball for firm countermassage (I know I shall be in agony)
  • Tothbrush, toothpaste
  • Heavy socks (by all accounts a mumma-bear’s feet freeze during protracted labour)
  • Slippers
  • Snacks
  • A change of clothes for Erroll
  • Our mobile phones

2. For afterwards:

  • Pretty nighties
  • Toiletries (bodywash, deodorant, conditioner, hair scrunchies, contact lenses & saline)
  • Sanitary towels (more than necessary, I am told)
  • Lots of undies and nursing bras
  • A book
  • Snacks
  • My going home outfit (think the fabulous magazine-worthy images, Alice)
  • Erroll’s going home outfit (think dashing, handsome, clean and neat)
  • Seahorse’s going home outfit (a vest, cardigan, blankie, and attire that would not seem undeserving on European nobility)
  • Infant car seat

And so now to pack…

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