What's in My Hospital Bag (The Second Time Around)

I’m quickly approaching our due date, and honestly, it feels like I’ve been pregnant for twice as long this time around. Pregnancy and I don’t get along very well; I actually question myself why I ever thought I would enjoy pregnancy and just not feeling "normal" for ten months. I envy those women who get the pregnancy “glow” and seem to effortlessly breeze through pregnancy. I never glow. I waddle. I have weekly physical therapy appointments and chiropractic care. But, as cliche as it sounds, it is all worth it when you hold your baby for the first time.

With my due date approaching before we know it, I knew I had to finish getting my hospital bag packed. Packing a hospital bag sounds like a breeze, but it can quickly get overwhelming, especially for first-time moms. For me, packing has been the mental barrier of being "ready" for our miss Lillie to arrive. I kept feeling like if I didn't pack, she couldn't come yet and nothing would change for now. Our little family of three would stay the same forever... thus why it may have taken me until 40 weeks to pack.

As a first time mom the last pregnancy, I read literally ever blog post there is to read about what to pack in my hospital bag. From this, I came to one conclusion: everybody is different. Some hospitals allow you to leave within 24 hours of giving birth. Others make you stay for 48 hours, and then there are instances with C-sections, premature births, inductions, etc. Each birth is different; therefore, what you pack in your hospital bag is really up to you.

Last pregnancy I planned for a normal, uneventful birth with 48 hours in the hospital; however, we quickly realized that two days worth of supplies did not cover what our 4 night, 5 day stay. Thankfully, our hospital was only about a 5 minute drive from our home. This time around, we will be at a hospital nearing 30 minutes away from our home and preparing for much more "what ifs".

I know it is common for folks to say that they "overpacked" for their first child, but honestly, I would have rather done this than the other, especially if your hospital is a bit further from your home. Most folks have relatives or friends that can help out if you need anything, and we did too thankfully; however, it is so much more convenient to have it on hand for you.

Before you start planning what to pack for yourself, contact your hospital or birthing clinic and ask what will be providing for you and your baby during your stay. Each hospital is different and knowing what will be provided will help prevent you from packing items that you may not really need at all or wasting money on items you won’t use.

Our Hospital Bag

Diaper Bag

• Swaddle :: Swaddling is great to keep your little one feeling safe, secure, and warm.
• Nursing Cover :: I know there will be tons of visitors and with that, I do not want to have to kick everybody out of the room each time our little miss needs to feed. I am in love with Covered Goods nursing covers and found that these are truly my favorite.
• Nipple Cream :: This was a huge miss last time around. I didn't start using it until I was already in pain from nursing and I am definitely not letting that happen again. I love this one because you do not have to wipe it off prior to nursing like most. It is totally safe for baby.
• Going Home Outfit :: We have this great "coming home" outfit from Simply Spinning Threads that I cannot get over. It is honestly so cute!
• Boppy :: To help with nursing needs and tired arms.
• Baby Book :: Our hospital will do foot prints inside of the baby book if you provide it so in the hospital bag in goes!
• Hat :: To keep her head warm if we need to.
• Mittens :: Most of our outfits packed have the built-in mittens, but knowing from Ollie's experience, if Lillie has to have any IV's or fluids, she may not necessarily get to have these on all of the time, thus risking her face to scratches. We have some boy print mittens that I am throwing in our pack for those instances.
• WubbaNub :: We don't necessarily plan on giving her a pacifier until she's caught on to nursing well; however, this is more of a just-in-case item.
• Audrey's Bear Name Blanket :: This is by far my favorite thing that we got for Ollie and now we have one for Lillie as well. It's a must.
• Extra Outfits :: This was something we did not nearly pack enough of the first time around. Ollie lost almost a full pound in the hospital and some of the brands ran large. This time I am packing a few variations of onesies, pajamas, and pants from different brands so we have enough clothes for one, but also to make sure that they fit. I also snagged a few bows for her head in lieu of a cap if it is warm enough.

Mommy's Bag

• Hospital Gown :: I am overjoyed by my Milk + Baby nursing gown! It is the perfect alternative to the old hospital gown. I gave birth to Ollie in it and cannot wait to do the same with Lillie. It is great to have for pictures as well. This one offers me modesty but also has snaps down the back to cover from top to bottom along with off shoulder snaps on both sides allowing for easy breastfeeding & immediate skin to skin contact with our new baby.
• Essential Oils :: Knowing how important our oils are in our every life, I cannot imagine going through labor this second time around without them. I know a lot of folks take their diffuser, but to me, I just haven't decided yet. It sounds like a lot of work. I do know that I have a Joy roller ball that is one of my favorites. I also grabbed a few of my essentials for labor and delivery in my traveling case.
• Robe :: I am a fairly modest person. Some of my nursing camis, nursing gowns, etc. that I packed really do not have the coverage I would like when guests are in and out of our room after birth. I found a robe similar to this one that I just love! It will be great to lounge in around the house once we get home as well. I snagged it with Ollie and was glad I had it at times.
• Nursing Pajamas :: For easy nursing access along with comfort for after birth. I packed a little bit of everything not really knowing what to expect. Something that isn't tight on my stomach. Something warm just in case I'm freezing, and something to lounge in in case I'm hot. Most importantly, I made sure that all of my tops were nursing friendly so I was not flashing everybody each time our little dude wants to eat.
• Nursing Bra :: Knowing I will be there more than one day with our 48 hour policy, I packed two bras for nursing.
• Real Underwear :: Confession. I hate those mesh underwear. I said it. I have friends that could live up to a month in them post-birth. Not this girl. I need to feel like normal as soon as possible. So I snag some cheap Hanes underwear for post-birth and get into them as soon as I feel like I can.
• Postpartum Band + Leggings :: I honestly have a few of these girdle-like postpartum wear but I cannot wait to try out my new leggings from Bao Bei Maternity. I live in my ProBump Support Band now and these leggings are suppose to be the core support we all need to get  our body back to "normal" faster as well as super stretchy to allow for our postpartum body. Most girdle-like wear are stiff and not very comfortable; however, anything I have EVER worn by Bao Bei is the best ever.
• Going Home Outfit :: Although our home is about five minutes from our hospital, I wanted to go home in something semi-cute... or more so less, I just rolled out of a hospital bed look. I actually haven't packed this one yet because I am really hoping to just know what I want to wear in the moment going out of the house. Plus many of my tanks I wear on a daily basis and could not really give up for weeks on end to put inside my bag.
• Flip Flops :: If you choose to shower in the hospital, you will want flip flops to wear inside of the shower, for obvious reasons. I also am packing my Sanuks in place of traditional slippers. Although many lists state to pack house slippers, I have never been a slipper person, more a flip flop person. My Sanuks do not do well in water (they suds up!), so two pairs of flip flops for me!
• Toiletries :: Toothbrush, Brush, Mascara, Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Hair Dryer, Straightener, Hair Ties, Lotion (and yes, some of this may sound like wants, not needs, but I feel so much more alive with mascara and a straightener that it makes sense for me.)
• Documents :: ID, Wallet, Insurance Card

Daddy's Bag

• Pajamas/Lounge Clothes :: Something that he can change into after birth and as visitors come and go. We packed a few different options just in case we are there longer than expected.
• Slippers :: Something to wear around in place of shoes and/or flip flops, and to keep his toes warm at night.
• Flip Flops :: Same reason. Showering and helping me shower.
• Pillow :: This was a huge miss during our first labor and delivery. A happy and well rested husband makes all the difference... and yes, there is little sleep in the hospital but the sleep you get is important and Dusty does so much better with his own pillow.
• Yeti :: Something for Dusty to drink out of to make sure he is well hydrated.

Breast Pump Bag

• Breast Pump + Accessories :: This isn't something we hope to need; however, there is a slight chance that Lillie may not catch on to nursing 100% from the start and because of that, I want a pump that I am familiar with. This entire bag will actually stay in the car until we need it but again, being further away from home, we want to have want we need close. Additionally, I want to add that our hospital completely supplies this if you didn't want to pack it; however, during Ollie's surgery a few years ago, I had trouble with it and honestly just want the one I am comfortable with.
• Disposable Nursing Pads :: I am a huge supporter of reusable nursing pads; however, at the beginning when your milk is coming in and regulating, I needed the disposable to switch out more easily.

PS I am loving my new breast pump bag from Idaho Jones! I cannot wait to tell you all about it as I get to use it more and more. It was just the stylish bag I needed for post-maternity leave travels with work and beyond. Use the code "BAHORICH10" to get 10% off your own Idaho Jones!

Extras

• Car Seat :: To take our little girl home in! The base is already installed so we do not have to worry about that when we head home.
• Pineapple Juice :: Pineapple juice was a lifesaver when breastfeeding with Ollie. It helped me establish a good milk supply.
• Chocolate Almond Milk :: Again, almonds are known to help with breastfeeding. I am also slightly allergic to regular milk. This option is great because it does not have to be refrigerated until time to drink it and will help with my supply! Plus it gives me a great option during breakfast time... and I have been craving chocolate milk this entire pregnancy!
• Digital SLR Camera + Accessories :: Pictures!
• iPad + Charger :: Entertainment needs. Not that a baby isn't going to take up all of our love and attention, Dusty and I really enjoy our social media. It also houses our e-reader library, Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. Dusty is also enrolled in graduate classes this time around and will need the option to keep up on his classes during our stay, especially if it is extended.
• iPhone + Chargers :: Obviously, a need.
• Snacks :: Along with pineapple juice and almond milk, I packed a variety of protein bars, trail mix, and a few sweets to snack on. We may not eat them all, but everything keeps so nicely for that first week home as well.