What's in my hospital bag | Packing for Labor and delivery

This has been a highly requested blog so I thought I would sit down and go through what I am packing my hospital bag. Its different the second time around. You have a better idea of what you desperately need and what you can most likely leave at home. Some of the items I have included are not things that are absolute essentials; however, items I have chosen to include for myself. If you are trying to pack your hospital bag, you don't necessarily need to include every single thing I have; yet, use this a guideline. You know yourself, you know what will make you feel most comfortable and also the things you can live without. For first time mama's I find this will be most helpful. I remember reading a lot of blogs/watching Youtube videos on this very subject. And it was very helpful.

WHAT TO PACK:

1) Oversized/granny underwear - Girl, please don't expect to be wearing your cute undies as soon as you deliver your baby. Don't bring thongs, lace, or anything of that nature to the hospital. What you're going to want/NEED is a package of oversized underwear that you don't care about getting completely ruined! I go to Walmart and get a pack of underwear that are not cute and are two sizes bigger than my normal size. The reason you want them to be large is because after you give birth everything... down there... is going to be swollen. You want to ensure your underwear is going to fit you.

2) Pads - Make sure to pack pads, NOT tampons. You will NOT want to be using these. I remember I only bled for about 2 weeks with my first delivery. Which was awesome and it wasn't as heavy as I prepared myself for. However, every woman is different. You need to be prepared to bleed heavily for up to 4 -6 weeks. This is what I was told by my OBGYN at least. Your hospital will most likely provide pads for you, but you want to ensure you have them with you because some hospitals will only provide you with the first one. My go to pads for post partum are the Always brand maxi pads. These are considered the overnight, level 5, with wings. In my opinion these work the best.

3) Nursing Bra - Be sure to pack a nursing bra if you plan on breastfeeding. However, if you aren't breastfeeding, pack a very firm bra with a lot of support. After you give birth, your boobs will hurt a lot because your milk will be coming in.

4) Pregnancy Robe - This is something that I didn't have the first time around, but I think it's going to make a difference in how i feel. I want to feel more comfortable, more put together and not to mention, it will be adorable for those newborn photos with your baby.

5) Diapers - Be sure to pack between 12-24 diapers. This was the recommended amount given by my doctor. I would also suggest having newborn diapers, as well as a few 0-3 month size. You won't know what fits best until your baby arrives. My daughter used newborn diapers for the first 5 days and then went straight on to the next size. It's always better to be prepared.

6) Comfortable clothing for YOU - Be sure to pack comfortable clothing for yourself to go home in. A common misconception is that you will be able to bring your old jeans to the hospital with you and leave in those. If you were able to do that, YOU'RE SUPERWOMAN! I'm jealous. However, the majority of women cannot do this. Besides, you will want something more along the lines of looser leggings or sweatpants. comfort is key.

7) Swaddle Blankets/ clothing for your baby - Be sure to pack yourself some swaddle blankets for the baby while you spend the night at the hospital. I mentioned this in a previous blog, about swaddling your baby. This makes such a difference in sleeping for your child. In addition, be sure to be aware of the season your baby is being born in. This will help you prepare the proper clothing to be him/her home in. Our son will be born in February, so we are packing warm sleepers, a little winter coat and a hat. Make note of the season and pack accordingly.

8) bathroom essentials - Be sure to pack a towel, wash cloth, soap, shampoo, etc for yourself as you will want to take a shower have all that hard work you just did bringing a baby into this world! Let me tell you, that first shower after labor is PERFECTION!

9) Snacks - I always liked to pack snacks for both myself and my husband. My last labor was 27 hours. That's a long time to go without food.

10) Makeup - Okay, so not every woman is going to agree with me that this is an essential. However, for myself personally I found that having a little bit of makeup packed helped me feel more normal after giving birth. Even if it's just to put on for when you leave the hospital, it makes such a difference.

11) Pacifier - Not all parents are comfortable with giving their newborn, or baby in general, for that matter, a pacifier. However, I found it helpful to have on hand in case we wanted to use it. I remember saying we wouldn't, but then the drive home with Addison from the hospital was a nightmare and the only thing that soothed her was giving her a pacifier.

12) NursElet - This is something that I didn't have the first time around; however, it something I am so thankful I have now. This is a product that helps you make any of your clothing adaptable for nursing. I absolutely love this idea! I am bringing this to the hospital with me so I don't need to fuss over specific nursing tops/etc. I will link the website above if you would like to shop your own NursElet. It's practical and affordable for the new mama. This little product here is a game changer.

Optional: Nursing cover - This is something that some women are more comfortable having while in the hospital, especially if you are a first time mother. For me, I am not too shy about it, especially while in the hospital. You are surrounded by doctors and other mothers who are nursing as well. However, I pack this just in case I need to nurse on my way out of the hospital and waiting in the lobby.

Other items to consider:

- laptop/phone

- camera

- clothing for your husband/significant other

- your own pillow

- nursing pillow

- money for vending machine (your hubby may get hungry)