Today marks week 33 of this pregnancy! Feeling better. The house is more or less coming back together after the mini-crisis the past two weeks… knock on wood. Ah I don’t want to jinx it. Hah
I cannot believe I’ll be full-term in just four weeks. HOW did that happen? Ah the nerves are kicking in…
As much as we can try and plan, I know there’s nothing that will really prepare us for life with baby. Everything’s about to change. We’re excited. And nervous. But mostly excited to meet our baby boy.
We have a “To Do Before Baby” list taped to our fridge and oddly, fleamageddon forced us to get through a lot of the house cleaning stuff! Closets and storage spaces are THOROUGHLY purged and cleaned ten times over. Everything in the house has been washed. Like really. Hah literally our home has never been cleaner.
We chose a pediatrician. We got a bigger car.
The big final things are attending a labor/delivery session with our OBGYN office, Dan getting whatever shot it is he needs, washing all of baby’s things, and… hanging the curtains in the nursery! That’s literally it. Ah.
I realized anything could happen so I am preemptively planning on what I’ll need in our hospital bag for when the big day comes… I’ve had a lot of you ask so I thought I’d share it here!
First and foremost: a roomy weekender bag. I really love this roomy style by Cuyana.
FOR COMFORT:
cozy socks (2-3 pairs)
striped blue pajamas (blue to welcome baby boy! Might just use these for photos…)
maternity nursing PJ set (to have an additional fresh set that is extra stretchy)
black cotton briefs (one size up)
slippers (for walking around)
FOR FEELING LIKE A HUMAN:
toiletries: my favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face soap & moisturizer (in toiletries bag)
some basic make-up (CC cream, bronzer, eyeliner, tinted chapstick)
hair ties and hair clips
ESSENTIALS:
phone, laptop, and camera chargers
laptop (for watching favorite comforting shows)
snacks (granola bars, nuts, goldfish crackers)
COMING HOME OUTFIT FOR MOM:
COMING HOME OUTFIT FOR BABY:
coming home outfit: leaning toward this simple onesie
this heirloom blanket with grey lace trim
Stupid question – do we need bottles?
Any other tips or advice on what to bring?
SEE MORE PREGNANCY AND BABY POSTS HERE
I had to look back! A few things I also brought… For me- prenatal vitamins since you’ll continue to take them for awhile. For baby- your regular swaddle blankets, so you can practice with the L&D nurses! Also, if you plan on doing a baby book you may want that for the footprints.
Here’s the post I wrote about what I packed and actually used:
http://www.livehalffullblog.com/2015/11/09/what-i-packed-in-my-hospital-bag-and-what-i-actually-used/
To add – shower stuff (including towels, hospital ones are super scratchy), also lotion (my skin was really dry in the hospital). Also, most people don’t do this and I’m sure it won’t happen to you, but you may want to consider bringing your pump. I didn’t bring mine, but for a variety of reasons wound up needing one and had to borrow the hospital’s…which frankly didn’t work very much like mine and made pumping at home later with mine a bit awkward. Also download good shows to watch during labor – we watched the entire last 3 seasons of The Office.
I agree about the pump!
Great list! And not a stupid question! You don’t need bottles. The hospital will give you everything you need for baby and send you home with a ton of stuff too! I also recommend face wipes (I had an emergency c-section and couldn’t shower for a day or so! A friend brought be those and it was amazing), Target’s nursing tanks( https://www.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-cotton-cami-gilligan-o-malley-153/-/A-13793418) for easy breastfeeding with a big loose cardigan for your outfit, and weird BUT large granny panties – they were the only underwear I felt comfortable in for a while (but again prob because of the c-section! Oh and I found it was helpful having my brestfriend/boppy for learning to breastfeed comfortably. Also bring an iPad and light reading- in case you have a lot of waiting (I remember watching Chef on Netflix at 3 am, induced and unable to sleep! Ha)
Bring throw away flip flops, as you never know if a mess will ensure as you walk around. Shirts for easy breast feeding access. I also recommend $10-15 in change for the hubs, since you aren’t sure if you or him will need snacks immediately. I would also bring mints – help with the heartburn and my nurse actually let me eat those in between ice chips. Bring an extra bag to take the “goodies” home in – mesh panties (best thing on the planet post part I’m), etc. I also agree with Caitlin on a previous comment – granny panties! I was over due and natural birth – they were the greatest thing since sliced bread. Seriously. Invest! One last thing – bring 2 sizes of take home clothes for the little one. If you have NB and he’s a little bigger, struggles may present if he doesn’t fit!
lol – Katrina, I even sent my poor husband to buy me more. I would have loved to see him navigating the granny panty wall at Target!
We took a breastfeeding class (at northwestern) and learned sooo much. I attribute it to our success because for something so natural – it does take work especially in the beginning 🙂 you’ll do great!
This is my biggest piece of advice for new moms! I didn’t take one and so wish I had. Also if your hospital offers a lactation consultant take them up on it! It’s so helpful! Nursing isn’t always as easy as it seems. There’s always so much prep for before baby comes but nobody tells you all the stuff about after delivery!
I brought flip flops for the shower and the slippers I brought were a size up (crazy swollen feet) and ones that I could throw away. I didn’t want to wear my regular ones there in case they got dirty.
It sounds weird but these beat the mesh panties/pads combo for me: https://www.amazon.com/Always-Discreet-Incontinence-Underwear-Maximum/dp/B00KXUW72G
Also, my hospital gave me dermoblast spray but if yours doesn’t, you may want to pack your own. It’s the best! I didn’t wear real underwear for the fir
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002MCD16O/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1522637420&sr=8-3&keywords=dermoplast+spray&dpPl=1&dpID=41kc-2kH9cL&ref=plSrch
Love your list! I am 39 weeks with baby number 2. Only thing I would add would be large cotton briefs or something you are comfortable wearing a pad in, often there is bleeding for a while afterwards. I am bringing one newborn outfit and one 0-3 month outfit for our baby boy as they are predicting he will be a bit bigger than my daughter. Also, you don’t need if baby is going home in a footed outfit but Zutano booties are the only thing that would stay on my daughter’s feet. I have them in light gray for this baby. Good luck mama! It will be an amazing journey!
That’s a good list. I’d also add for you a sleep mask & ear plugs- hospitals are noisy and there’s always lights on somewhere and if you have to stay in a bit longer these are absolute lifesavers.
For baby: nappies! Unless your hospital provides them. And take 2 sizes of outfit for him,
100% agree about slippers you can throw away! I bought grandma style terry cloth Isotoner ballet slippers from Amazon and it was the best $15 I spent. I had to wear them home I was so swollen, but they were a size up and nice and stretchy so were perfect for my experience. Also agree with the underwear comments. I again went low budget with a multipack of high waisted briefs from Target and was so happy I did because my son was ultimately born c-section and anything low waisted was uncomfortable on my incision. Best of luck to you, Alaina!
Definitely larger underwear. The pads the hospital gave me were GIGANTIC. I also agree with Fiona and think two different size outfits for baby. My son was 8.8lb and barely fit into his newborn outfit. Also- shoes you don’t mind throwing out. My husband wore slippers for three days and when we got home he tossed them because they had touched “so many fluids” ??
Hi Alana!
I would recommend a couple things…
Another bottom option beyond leggings for you to go home in (if you deliver vaginally, you will be very sore and may not want a legging seam in between your legs, gross but true).
Sleep sack for baby or whatever you plan to swaddle them in (I loved the sleep sack with Velcro because it’s new parent proof and you don’t have to stress about the swaddle coming undone).
Newborn kimono onesies – these are nice because you don’t have to put over their delicate head/neck and are a good layer under the sleep sack. Baby boy will be there for half your stay so I definitely felt under prepared by only really having photo onesies/ going home outfit. I wish I had brought more basics.
Nipple cream for nursing, you will need it right away. Aquaphor for your lips, anywhere. Breast feeding is so dehydrating and I couldn’t believe how dry my lips were right away.
Agree with everyone on granny panties but the hospital will give your throwaway boy shorts which I actually found to be the best option for comfort.
Leggings were fine for me but I had two c sections so I lived in the hospital gown and a cardigan the first 24 hours. The hospital underwear are the best, don’t mess with your own! I also brought smaller sanitary pads the second time around. The hospital ones are ok but they don’t stay in place and are enormous. ? leggings, nursing tank, cardigan. Oh and the hospital socks…don’t waste your pretty stuff.
I delivered at Prentice and they have hospital pumps you can use. I had a NICU baby so there was a pump near his pod in the NICU and one in my room.
All the best to you and a healthy baby. ❤️
Our hospital provided everything for baby – and literally gave us two huge bags of diapers, bottles and stuff to bring home. All we needed was a going home outfit. In the end, I used maybe 5-10% of what I brought. It’s nice to have items that will make you feel comfortable and just to have ‘in case’ but honestly I lived in the hospital robe and underwear, and it was the comfiest. Plus I didn’t have to do tons of laundry when I got home. I recommend bringing some snacks. Candy especially helped during labor for whatever reason. You’re going to do great — it’s such an exciting time!
I really wish I had brought my nursing pillow!!! Nursing is really tricky in the beginning and the baby is so small it is hard to get them in the right spot and hold them. Every time I needed to nurse (which is all the time at that point) at the hospital my husband had to build a pillow fort around me!!! Anyway, if you are planning to nurse, at least throw it in your car and your husband can run out to get it if you want it. I’m definitely packing mine for baby #2 in July. I know some hospitals provide them now, so it’s worth looking into. Good luck!!!
I really wish I had brought my nursing pillow!!! Nursing is really tricky in the beginning and the baby is so small it is hard to get them in the right spot and hold them. Every time I needed to nurse (which is all the time at that point) at the hospital my husband had to build a pillow fort around me!!! Anyway, if you are planning to nurse, at least throw it in your car and your husband can run out to get it if you want it. I’m definitely packing mine for baby #2 in July. I know some hospitals provide them now, so it’s worth looking into. Good luck!!!
Your list looks pretty great! I just had my first 4 weeks ago, and I wayyyy overpacked. The hospital provides so much and you are charged for everything anyways so take full advantage!
Your must haves: chapstick and hand cream (the hospital is so dry!) nipple cream, camera, extra long phone charger, nursing pillow, depends (keeps everything in place so much better than the mesh undies, face wipes (chances are you won’t even have time to shower), nursing bra, halo sleep sack for baby, camera
Nice to haves: nursing pillow, bluetooth speaker, essential oil diffuser (so relaxing during delivery), your own pillows from home
Also, practice buckling and adjusting your carseat straps. We have the mesa too and were fumbling around trying to get baby girl loaded in for the first time. It caused some unnecessary stress as she was screaming her head off! If you are planning to breastfeed and haven’t taken a breastfeeding class, watch some videos on getting a nice wide latch. Breastfeeding has been our only bump in the road so far, and I found myself on youtube constantly the first few days. Kellymom is also a great breastfeeding resource.
A comfy pillow and blanket for your husband! That was a lesson learned for us between Baby #1 and Baby #2.
Honestly, I didn’t really use anything I packed except the toiletries, flip flops, and my phone. I delivered at Prentice and they had everything I needed. The only thing I wish I had brought was my nursing pillow and a nice pillow to sleep on.
If you are delivering at Prentice, bring a pillow for you and Dan. We were way short on pillows and They resorted to giving me rolled up towels. I second what everyone says about the nursing pillow- it’s so helpful! Velcro swaddle (I could never master the wrapped blanket), kimono baby nightgowns (button onesies are the devil in the middle of the night!) and keep all clothing dark colored. Bodily fluids are a plenty and you don’t want to ruin any pretty stuff. Best wishes!!
This is going to sound strange but a friend of mine suggested bringing an extension cord and I was SO glad I did. My laptop and phone charger cords were too short to reach the plug behind my hospital bed so the extension cord was perfect!
So I would definitely bring different underwear like other people have mentioned. The mesh ones they gave me at my birthing center were the BOMB and saved my life for the first 6-7 weeks of being a new mom. I think I “stole” 20ish (lol! I gave birth in Europe and they provided everything for me, so not sure the protocol in the U.S, but you will need “diapers” or pads that are just as big as diapers for yourself (there I said it!).
I’m not even kidding that the VERY best advice I got was from a friend who told me flat out – don’t bother with underwear and pads, just buy some straight up adult diapers and call it a day! Best decision I ever made, and a serious lifesaver during the first week or so of bleeding and potential loss of some bladder control (sad, but true!) I did NOT have a glamorous pregnancy, birth or recovery so definitely know it’s a bit different for everyone! But for me, huge help. I loved them so much it was pitiful and I wrote a whole blog post about it that my mom still laughs about 2 years later – http://www.cakesandlouie.com/blog/2016/4/23/adult-diapers-for-the-win
I agree with the Depends. They are way easier and snug than messing with the awful MASSIVE pad in the mesh undies. It’s just more comfortable and feels more secure. As much as it sucks to buy them.
I think a lot of other ladies have mentioned it, but don’t even both with underwear. The hospital will give you what is basically diapers to wear and you won’t want or need anything else until you get home. Also, hopefully they’ll help you out with this in the hospital – but run some pads under water and stick them in your freezer! Even better if you can kind of lay them in a bowl of some sort so the ice will be shaped and fit right up against your body immediately. If that makes sense. Ice helps SOOOO much in those first few days/weeks! I honestly didn’t use anything I’d packed for me or baby (other than an outfit & blanket). I was only there about 36 hours and the hospital does a great job of providing everything you need.
Two words: TUCKS PADS. They’ll probably tell you to only use ice packs for the first 24 hours. After that, just layer Tucks pads on top of your pads for relief. Even though I didn’t get hemorrhoids, they were the best.
YES YES YES to Tucks Pads. These were a lifesaver. Also, Earth Mama New Mom Bottom Spray. And a giant box of Kleenex because the hormones after you deliver that baby are no joke!
Your list looks pretty good! I don’t think you’ll need makeup or a blow dryer unless you just want it for photos, but I agree with everyone about the underwear. Get the biggest most unattractive ones you can find and you’ll be set. I also agree about the leggings too, you may not want to wear them. I went in for a natural birth and ended up with a giant baby and a c-section. You’ll want the loosest, most comfortable clothing possible.
Check with your hospital and see what the sleeping arrangements will be for Dan, it might be good to bring a pillow for him and definitely cash. A lot of hospitals won’t bring food for Dad and you have to buy meal vouchers. Many hospitals only take cash for that so check ahead of time or just bring money. Good luck!! I know you’ll do great! 🙂
Bluetooth speaker, high waisted large panties in case of c-section, your own pillow (the ones at Prentice are horrible), shower shoes.
Honestly, I brought a much smaller bag for my 2nd delivery. Loose shorts and tee, robe, flip flops and comfy going home outfit for me and baby. After delivery, they give you big mesh underwear and I frankly had no energy to look “pretty”. The short time in the hospital flies by between visitors and breastfeeding, so I just lived in the robe until I went home!
Seriously, get Depends. (I know, I sound crazy, I thought the same thing when they were recommended to me with my first) But they are SO much better than the mesh underwear/humongous pad situation you’ll be given in the hospital. No leaking and easy to toss!
Boppy! (Or nursing pillow) I didn’t take it when I had my first, and it was SO uncomfortable trying to position the hospital pillows to learn how to nurse. It’s already really hard to figure out how to get a baby to latch, but if you’re uncomfortable it makes it even more difficult.
So exciting! Your list looks pretty comprehensive, but I would add: swaddle blankets and scratch mittens for baby. And, if you’re planning to nurse, you may want your nursing pillow (boppy or my brest friend), and you will not need any bottles. If baby doesn’t latch for one reason or another— the hospital should hook you up with a pump and all related items!