Packing My Bag Today!!

[SoggyGranolaMomma]

I'm 33 weeks and have been put on some sort of bedrest for preeclampsia by 34 weeks with my last two babies. I figure I should get everything ready to go! I have to wash the car seat cover, put the sheet on the crib, and buy new a new pump set-up, otherwise, everything else is ready.

I can't believe it's quite possible for my baby to be here in 2 weeks!!!

[Queen of Cups]

How exciting!!! I'm only 29.5 weeks and I'm wishing it was time to pack my bag already... I can't wait to meet my baby!

[De-lovely]

I was always so anxiously happy at "bag packin'" time!

[MelMel]

I am also almost 34 weeks now and its hard to believe!! I have been so busy planning/preparing my soon to be 3 year olds b-day party in a few weeks, i havent hardly thought about the baby coming right after that....wacky

such an exciting time. some days i cant stand it...when my lil girl is cuddling my belly and the baby moves and pushes against her, i think how i dont deserve to be this happy

have a great rest of pregnancy

[SoggyGranolaMomma]

Mel, that's how I was with Jonathan. Jordyn turned 1 10 days before he was born. I just kept thinking "let me get through her birthday, then anything can happen." well, 10 days later, it did!!! :LOL

[zjande]

Weeeeee! That's so exciting!

Hmm, I need to buy a bag. haha.

[spughy]

I think I am in denial about something, or I have unexplored issues or whatever. I haven't "nested" at all, I found it psychologically uncomfortable to go buy stuff for the baby with my mom, I keep wanting to turn down people's donations of clothes, blankets, etc., I have no desire to pack a hospital bag (well, no desire to go to the hospital either) and no desire to buy my homebirthing supplies. I keep procrastinating setting up the crib to see if it can be attached to our bed.

Is there something wrong with me? I am actually really looking forward to the birth and having our baby around. I just don't want to deal with baby *stuff*.

[flyingspaghettimama]

Originally Posted by spughy

Is there something wrong with me? I am actually really looking forward to the birth and having our baby around. I just don't want to deal with baby *stuff*.

No, I don't think there's anything wrong with you (I'm only half-done myself) but I think what SGM is doing is a good idea. I was also induced at 34 weeks last time due to complications, and was so incredibly unprepared, and that was overwhelming on its own. Going shopping at Babies R Us with a preemie is horrible. We had no place to change the baby, no clothes, no diapers, no blankets, other than the few we'd gotten at the shower...friends and family really helped us out. It doesn't hurt to have stuff together. Think of the worst case scenario if it helps to get yer butt in gear.

Last time, I didn't even have a pediatrician yet! That was really the worst part (if for some bad chance a person gets admitted to the hospital) - the docs looked at me like I was some sort of incompetent mother. You end up getting assigned to one, and generally most peds are not the most open-minded to natural-type mamas...

[MelW]

Originally Posted by spughy

I think I am in denial about something, or I have unexplored issues or whatever. I haven't "nested" at all, I found it psychologically uncomfortable to go buy stuff for the baby with my mom, I keep wanting to turn down people's donations of clothes, blankets, etc., I have no desire to pack a hospital bag (well, no desire to go to the hospital either) and no desire to buy my homebirthing supplies. I keep procrastinating setting up the crib to see if it can be attached to our bed.

Is there something wrong with me? I am actually really looking forward to the birth and having our baby around. I just don't want to deal with baby *stuff*.

I rationalize it like this...a lot of society "prepares" for having a baby by doing the good consumer things- setting up a nursery, buying lots of "stuff", etc. I'm preparing by talking with my partner about pregnancy, birth and parenthood, working out our philosophies and beliefs, etc.

And I also rationalize this- if my baby is born before my shower (at 35 1/2 weeks) I'll likely have a hospital birth and a couple of days stay- in which family/friends can run around and pick up the essentials that I don't/won't have yet. After my shower, I'll spend a frantic couple of days running around to consignment and second-hand stores buying the last of the essentials. The other stuff I need I'll ask for as Christmas gifts for baby.

So I'm right with you on the unexplored issues, though I have lots of rationalization for it all. As for psychologically uncomfortable...I cried after trying to shop at BabiesRUs. I'm psychologically uncomfortable with mass consumer culture, especially when it comes to newborns stuff. Plus, I couldn't believe the wall of "newborn essentials"- lots of stuff I didn't even know existed (wipe warmer, anyone?) :

[flyingspaghettimama]

Originally Posted by MelW

So I'm right with you on the unexplored issues, though I have lots of rationalization for it all. As for psychologically uncomfortable...I cried after trying to shop at BabiesRUs. I'm psychologically uncomfortable with mass consumer culture, especially when it comes to newborns stuff. Plus, I couldn't believe the wall of "newborn essentials"- lots of stuff I didn't even know existed (wipe warmer, anyone?) :

Ha. Wait until you look at "The Right Start." It's like a catalog of all the ways your baby could die, and so you'd better buy X or shall we remind you, YOUR BABY COULD DIE! Bad mommy! I had no idea coffee tables were so dangerous.

http://www.rightstart.com/global/sto...pt~safety.html

[spughy]

Mel, thank you. I think that is exactly what is bothering me - the consumer aspect of it all. I get uncomfortable when people ask me if I've got a bouncy chair yet for instance, and then when I say no they inevitably tell me that I'll want one - even when I protest that the baby will be in a sling on me most of the time and DH is going to be home with me for the first few months so he could certainly take the baby when I need to shower etc. - it's starting to make me feel like I'm going to be a bad mom for not having all these baby accessories. And these are my environmentally friendly, attachment-parenting friends!!! So I think my lack of preparation - even for things I fully admit I will need - is my way of rebelling. The only people who are supportive of my "don't buy it til you reeeeally need it" philosophy are my diaper-free friends (who are also bouncy-chair-free, crib-free, big-high-chair-free, and zillions-of-toys-free) and my mom, who despite the tummy tub purchase has been very much of a "well, wait til you see if you need it, I never used <fill in product here> with you kids."

But I should be planning for worst-case scenario, as flyingspaghettimama says. And I suppose buying things like flat terrycloth diapers will enable me to politely turn down any disposables, larger fitteds, etc. - I need to start thinking of it as defensive preparation! But how horrible that there is so much pressure to BUY BUY BUY for babies; I had no idea it would be like this. We generally get positive reactions to our reasonably anti-consumer lifestyle. What makes babies such a different thing?

[flyingspaghettimama]

The other thing...and like I said, I'm only half-prepared. I have NB clothes from friends but still no changing pad, no sling, no diapers (really, all we're getting). That's to be done next week (for reals)...but I am so horribly superstitious. It feels like bad luck to buy things for someone who isn't here yet? Does anyone else ever feel like this or have I been eating too much unpasteurized cheese?

But that was my reason last time too...and then I did come home without my baby (she was in NICU), to a house with some stuff that friends had brought by. It was horribly depressing, and I'm so afraid of facing a set-up Ambi swing with no baby. Even though I really am planning a homebirth. Egad.

Ok, you can fork me for being a downer. I am usually a plan for the worst, hope for the best kinda person.

[spughy]

Originally Posted by flyingspaghettimama

Ha. Wait until you look at "The Right Start." It's like a catalog of all the ways your baby could die, and so you'd better buy X or shall we remind you, YOUR BABY COULD DIE! Bad mommy! I had no idea coffee tables were so dangerous.

Oh my. Nothing like using guilt to sell.

The funny thing is, I actually have a scar on my face from an accident involving indoor use of a tricycle and a coffee table, when I was about 3. So yes, coffee tables certainly can be dangerous. But what the heck is wrong with some duct tape and a 30 cent piece of foam to solve the situation? It's not like those plastic things are a vast aesthetic improvement. (And what living room inhabited by a young child is any kind of interior decorating statement anyway???)

Plus you can get transparent duct tape now! (See, I'm not totally anti-consumerism :LOL)

[SoggyGranolaMomma]

I'm pretty anti-consumerism too. I don't have a "nursery" but a crib (mostly to be used for storage because I don't have a dresser!) a bassinet for napping during the day and a recycled hutch bottom that I painted and put a changing pad on with the clothes in a little basket next to it (just gowns, a couple sleep and plays, socks and onesies). It's all in my room, so the "nesting" I did mostly referred to rearranging our bedroom to accomodate the dog crate, rocker and baby stuff and move the TV out. :LOL

I own one crib sheet, the bumper has been used by 2 of my kids already and was used when I got it.

I don't have a single "artificial mother" toy, like a swing or bouncy seat. I'm waiting patiently for my Jadatai wrap to arrive and that's it.

I've got 4 kids, all living and the only injury we have ever had was FROM a "safety" device, a baby gate than my 2 yr old climbed and fell on! She hit her chin on the top of it and needed stitches! :

The only reason I feel compelled to have a bag is simply so the babe and I have clothes to come home in and a car seat. I'll likely use all the hospitals toiletries, those mesh panties and pads. So I just need a small bag for our "going home" outfits. Ya know, fancy stuff, like a nursing tank from Target and a maternity jogging suit.

Babies R Us has got to be the most overwhelming place in the world. And no, you don't need a wipe warmer!!

[crsta33]

My aunt had her 2nd baby 5 years or so ago and I went out to help out for a few weeks. Neither her nor her dh prepared anything for the baby before she arrived. Her dh and I went to storage and picked up the older sister's old baby things (bassinet, clothes, etc) the day we brought the baby home from the hospital. She had some clothes that had been given to her, but they were feeling superstitious and didn't want to buy anything for the baby themselves. It was no big deal, and the baby certainly didn't mind that there weren't 2 dozen baby gadgets awaiting her arrival...all she wanted was mama's arms and breast and something dry and warm to wear.

I, however learned nothing from them and began gathering things from the moment I saw a + on the HPT. :LOL

Christa

[Gunter]

Originally Posted by MelW

I rationalize it like this...a lot of society "prepares" for having a baby by doing the good consumer things- setting up a nursery, buying lots of "stuff", etc. I'm preparing by talking with my partner about pregnancy, birth and parenthood, working out our philosophies and beliefs, etc.
I'm psychologically uncomfortable with mass consumer culture, especially when it comes to newborns stuff. Plus, I couldn't believe the wall of "newborn essentials"- lots of stuff I didn't even know existed (wipe warmer, anyone?) :

:

It freaks me out all the baby gear! DH now thinks that was one reason he was so hesitant to get pregnant for years. He thought that was how life would have to be...us spending millions and drowning in large, plastic baby items.

It's weird when people's questions are, "Have you set up the nursery?" instead of "Have you read anything about baby care?" or "Do you know how ot change a diaper?" Someone else said that buying stuff is seen as parents showing their love/doing the right thing to prepare. I totally agree and it's very sad.

On the other hand, it is very fun to remain friends with people who are into baby mass consumerism and help change their perspectives! I just had my mother's blessing on Friday and it was AMAZING! So many different women all together feeling challenged by what the thing even was. They all had to be intentional and thoughtful...noone could just stop by Target on the way to my house and BUY something. It was super cool to hear how challenged and thoughtful people were as they prepared to bless me!

[*Amy*]

It's weird when people's questions are, "Have you set up the nursery?" instead of "Have you read anything about baby care?" or "Do you know how ot change a diaper?" Someone else said that buying stuff is seen as parents showing their love/doing the right thing to prepare. I totally agree and it's very sad.

UGH! I know. My brother-in-law told me this weekend not to bother reading any baby care or parenting books, but wanted to make sure we knew what kind of baby crap to buy (but now I can't even remember what he said we should get, though at the time I just rolled my eyes). And then my SIL gaped when she heard that we are co-sleeping and said, "I've heard so many horror stories about that!!!" Right. Shut up!

I have just in the past couple of days started thinking about what to bring in our bag. I have a book with a list; I guess I'll start there. Oh that reminds me too - I wanted to ask you cloth diapering mamas, do you bring some CDs to the hospital too? I guess since we're at a birth center and Brynn will be rooming in with us, they won't like take her away to the nursery or anything, so they won't be putting sposies on her. Just wondering if there is anything specific I should know. Or bring.

[SoggyGranolaMomma]

My biggest gripe is that people spend HOURS researching the best stroller (I don't even HAVE one!) bouncy seat, swing and all that crap and then say "I'll just do what the nurses/ped/my mother says" when it comes to how they will FEED their baby or about their health care choices (circ, vax).

This is stuff that will PERMANENTLY impact your child's life and you put the decision in someone ELSE'S hands and yet freak if they buy you the wrong stroller pattern?!?! Grrrrr.

[spiritmomma]

Originally Posted by MelW

As for psychologically uncomfortable...I cried after trying to shop at BabiesRUs. I'm psychologically uncomfortable with mass consumer culture, especially when it comes to newborns stuff. Plus, I couldn't believe the wall of "newborn essentials"- lots of stuff I didn't even know existed (wipe warmer, anyone?) :

The first time DH dragged me to BabiesRUs to create our registry, I walked in, and walked out sobbing 5 minutes later! I couldn't handle the consumer thing either. When we came back about a month later, I was better prepared to handle the onslaught of "necessities" that we didn't need at all. We are having our first and we were trying to figure out how we were going to afford all the things we needed to take care of a baby. Now I am relaxing and trusting that if we truly NEED something, the abundance of the Universe will provide it for us!

[spiritmomma]

Originally Posted by Gunter

:

It's weird when people's questions are, "Have you set up the nursery?" instead of "Have you read anything about baby care?" or "Do you know how ot change a diaper?" Someone else said that buying stuff is seen as parents showing their love/doing the right thing to prepare. I totally agree and it's very sad.

On the other hand, it is very fun to remain friends with people who are into baby mass consumerism and help change their perspectives! I just had my mother's blessing on Friday and it was AMAZING! So many different women all together feeling challenged by what the thing even was. They all had to be intentional and thoughtful...noone could just stop by Target on the way to my house and BUY something. It was super cool to hear how challenged and thoughtful people were as they prepared to bless me!

I totally agree! When people ask me if I've set up my nursury yet, I take the opportunity to educate them about co-sleeping. When they ask about what stroller/ carseat/ baby bucket I am getting, I tell them I have a New Native pouch and a Moby wrap which is a great segue to educate them on the benefits of babywearing... I'm not being an evangelist or anything, and I try to hold back any judgement on other people's parenting choices my not being militantly moral. But sometimes people have never heard of these practices and just being informed that they exist expands peoples' minds even if they don't agree with my choices as a parent.

Also, I opted for a Mother Blessing as well when my Aunt offered to throw me a shower. She was impressed when I sent her a few web links on Mother Blessings and is now really excited to be hosting a spiritual event that marks a rite of passage for me. She is honored to be a part of it and help to make it happen for me. I am LOVING the phone calls I'm getting from my friends asking about what a Mother Blessing is.... It's awesome!


Sorry....I"m long winded!