A SCBU Mummy’s Survival Kit

 I was very fortunate in that Alyssa’s stay in SCBU was not very long (it felt like forever at the time but was a drop in the ocean compared to some) and that 99% of the experience was positive. However, being in hospital for two weeks, having to follow rules, not being able to be with my new baby all the time was very difficult as I am sure anyone having been in my position would agree. How did I get through it? I honestly couldn’t tell you, but I do think that if you are ever unfortunately in that position, then a survival kit will go some way to helping you get through.

1. Support – This isn’t something that can go in a box but is one of the most vital things you will need.

2. Food – whether you are lodging or visiting daily, then make sure you have a supply of food. Don’t think about calories or anything, just shove everything you like in a bag and have it to hand. I majorly lost my appetite but when I did feel hungry, I was lucky that I had an endless supply of snacks and things.

3. Water – It get’s really hot in hospital, and in certain parts of SCBU it is baking as obviously the babies need warmth. Make sure you have a good supply of water (or any drink that takes your fancy) otherwise you will be spending a small fortune in the hospital gift shop.

4. Money – make sure your purse has some change in it. Generally you don’t need a lot so keep a few coins to use in the vending machine if needed and then keep your card handy. There is usually a cash point on site or get a family member to get some for you. Remember to keep your purse safe.

5. Technology – I wasn’t allowed to be with Alyssa all the time to start with, and at night had trouble sleeping too. Technology was my lifesaver. My hospital had free wifi, and had no restrictions on use in the main hospital, so I had both my phone and tablet. DON’T forget the charger!

6. Mobile Phone – I realise I have already written technology but I felt that the phone deserved its own point. I was able to message people day and night (of which my mum can confirm I did… and often) Whether something good or bad or worrying, major or minor happens, if it happens to be a time when someone has popped home or left for the day or a panic in the middle of the night, you will want and need to get that support.

7. Pants – I can’t stress this enough.. especially if you are lodging and even more so if you have just had your baby. I don’t know why, but I always seemed to be short of pants. Pack loads… probably because I kept just wanting to have a bath!

8. Camera – You will probably have this as part of your technology (I used my phone) but if you cannot be with your baby how you want to be, then a camera is essential. I used to sit at night when I couldn’t sleep looking at the 1000 pictures I’d taken in my previous half hour visit. These are so important and great for looking back on at a later, happier time.

9. Rescue Remedy – I experienced a lot (like truck loads) of anxiety post birth which was related to her being taken away and worrying she was going to be okay (and other yucky personal issues that were going on!!) and my darling of a mother bought me some Rescue Remedy, which is a natural liquid/spray/flower extract tablet you can use that helps to alleviate the anxiety. I have some in my bedside drawer months later for those random moments I, like all parents, still get.

10. Balloons – This is silly and probably a personal thing, but hospitals are so dreary (though I passed one room being decorated fuchsia pink!!!) and due to health and safety you are no longer allowed flowers in your rooms. What you can have however is a balloon, or in my case 2, and they really brightened up my room and did induce a smile I have to say.

11. Hair Bands – If like me you have long hair, and intend to keep it long, take a bag with hair supplies (could not find my brush day 1 and 2) and a load of hair bands as they still disappear in hospital just like at home.

12. Teddy – Yes, I am 30. Yes I am technically an adult. However, I have a teddy bear (Name’s Ted!) who I have had since I was born. He has travelled all over the world and even came to Italy and lived with me there for a while and yes he made the journey to hospital with me too. I also had a beautiful ballerina bunny in a tutu (obviously!!) who sat in Alyssa’s crib with her. If you have something that is of comfort… take it! Midwives all thought it was lovely and at times Ted did the job he has done his whole life and comforted me when I needed him. (At some point I will introduce him to you all… he’s a bit shy!!)

13. Baby Supplies – although this is the mummy’s survival list, you will need supplies for your bubba too. They gave us some for the first 48 hours and after that you need to use your own. You will need: nappies, nappy bags, cotton wool, hats, vests and baby gro’s. They will have bedding but you can use your own (I will be posting thrifty vs Splurge Part 2: In the Hospital so check out that one for all the deets!!)

14. Baby Powder – because things get sore… enough said!

15. Pyjamas – everyone is all about the nighties and yes I did wear them for the first few days while it was difficult to bend (emergency c-section) but after that I was constantly worrying about pulling it down even though it was long enough ( huge nervous thing from when i was 12 and teacher pulled my skirt down that had been tucked into my pants… for about 10 minutes HORROR) So grab some nursing strap tops (if you are breastfeeding that is and you’ll be using them anyway post hospital) and some oversized PJ bottoms and get comfy.

16. Lavender – I had a bath everyday to help me heal and to calm me during anxious times (and also because I wanted to be clean obviously) and so I used a couple of drops of lavender oil in each bath as it is a natural healing oil and good for calming. When I had trouble sleeping, I also popped a couple of drops on my pillow.

17. Box of tissues – I’d buy several. I went through 1 a week in there with tears of both sadness and joy and not all from me. Plus they are useful if people bring you cake… which they did!!

18. Pillow – I was lucky that there were two in my room, but you never know how many you are going to get. Plus there is nothing like your own pillow for a little bit of comfort and some better sleeping.

19. Comfort Cardi – This can be a dressing gown or giant fluffy cardi (hoodie if you don’t need to whip a boob out) but sometimes you get that need to just snuggle and this is the perfect snuggle companion.

20. Love – This one is easy. Whatever happens, however anything and everything turns out, just know that the whilst you feel helpless and that you can’t do a damned thing, by being there and giving the love you have in your whole entire body to that special little bean, you are doing the most important thing of all.

I hope that no one out there has to experience SCBU with their little ones, but unfortunately some might. If you do, I wish you and your bubba love, health and happiness and hope that my survival kit can in some way help you get through.