The time has come to pack the hospital bag. I don't want to be one of those couples that brings their entire house with them, but I also don't want to be in labor thinking, "I wish I had brought this_____." Martin keeps asking if we can bring the cats...hmmmm
Here's what I've come up with so far.
1. My pillow and I have a special relationship...it will be coming with me
2. Slippers
3. Socks
4. Comfy clothes with a nursing cami
5. Travel toiletries, hair ties, and makeup
6. Baby girl's take home outfit
7. Blanket
8. Important documents: Insurance, birth plan, my own acid free paper for footprints
9. Camera
10. Cell Phone
11. iPod (CD with my playlists)
12. Gum and Mints
My chef husband is also planning on bringing a small cooler filled with our favorite drinks and foods (I'm SO thankful I can drink and eat as much as I want during my labor)
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Does anyone have any other must haves that I've missed that you found helpful during your labor? Or things that you think I won't need? I'm open to any advice :)
My nursing pillow was essential in those first few days. I think keeping the baby comfortable played a big part in getting such a great little nurser. If you haven't already, also invest in some pads (I bought the overnight kind.) The pads they give you in the hospital resemble mattresses and are unbearable! I also took my iPad to upload and share pics of my baby boy, though I realize most people have phones that do this. :) And dont forget food! Though I delivered all naturally and labored for all but 3 hours at home, I still didn't eat because I was so uncomfortable. Once Luke was born I was starved! good luck!
ReplyDeleteHa ha I second everything in the first comment. I used a "Breast Friend" as my nursing pillow for the first 6 weeks and it was helpful to have it with me at the hospital so that the lactation specialist could help me figure out the right positioning. I felt much more confident nursing when I got home since I had practiced with the same equipment. You might want to bring nipple cream. (as gross as that sounds) The earlier you start using it, the better. Cheap flip flops for the shower? I'm weird about using showers in a public place. And I also brought some therapeutic lotion that I used while I was laboring. It was eucalyptus mint and it really helped me to relax. Even now, I love the scent because it reminds me of that special day. You'll do awesome! So excited for you both to meet your sweet little girl!
ReplyDeleteI've been YouTubeing this to see what women carry and there are so many things that they have that seem helpful. Just type in "what's in my hospital bag" and you'll be surprised at how many videos there are of this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice!
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