Maternity Monday: Packing the Hospital Bag

I've read so much during my pregnancy about "hospital bag essentials" and being 38 weeks, the time has finally come to put to mine together so I wanted to share with you what I'm including, many of the items being “must-haves" from other lists I've seen. I'm sure there are going to be items I don't even touch but in my mind, it's better to be safe than sorry and over pack...I even do this for our weekends at the lake, just ask my husband who can't believe what I deem necessary for a 2-3 day weekend! 

Hopefully my packing plans will help other pregnant Mamas out there or at least give you an idea of where to start. By the way, I'm using this satchel from Sole Society...it's one of my favorite travel bags and has a zippered section on the bottom, perfect for shoes and separates. 

Mama Must-Haves:

• Insurance info & hospital forms - We pre-registered online with our hospital to have one less thing to worry about when we arrive
• A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause - I like this one because it's still pretty while being functional.
• A going home outfit - I think I found this to be the hardest item to plan for, not only because I wear all of my maternity clothes regularly (so I didn't want to pack anything) and I know there's a chance I'll be pretty uncomfortable leaving the hospital so I wanted something as comfortable as possible (without it looking like shower curtain, basically). Enter the Molly Ades nursing maxi dress - I started talking with Molly via Instagram late in my pregnancy, as she resides in Lake Geneva and noticed me trying to keep up with my style during these last few weeks. She told me about her collection which provides comfort, portability, ease of nursing, and the ability to fit and flatter a changing body - YES PLEASE! Her pieces make it easy to nurse when you need to and still look cute. I have been wearing the maxi dress often lately and figured it was perfect for the hospital (along with this tank and nursing poncho).

SHOP MY HOSPITAL BAG:

• 1 or 2 maternity bras (no underwire, I'm told!) and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection). P.S. I also just purchased this hands-free bumping bra which will be waiting for me at home, but I've had many girlfriends suggest it so I figured I'd share!
• Due date playlist (and iPad or something to play it from, obviously). I typically have music on at all times (at work, while making dinner, getting ready, etc.) because it relaxes me and provides the right ambiance for the situation. Labor day is no different...work with your spouse to create a list that will calm you throughout the experience.
• Toiletries and personal items — hairbrush, lip balm, nipple cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup (sorry, but I don’t go anywhere without mascara and there WILL be photos taken!), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lenses, solution, glasses, etc. (I hit up Bed Bath & Beyond for some travel sizes to make it easier!)

• Headband or ponytail holder -- So essential for us long-haired ladies. I sense a top knot in my future!
• Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)
• Pen and paper
• Non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed – I’m a big fan of granola bars and trail mix).
• Cell phone and charger - Dire!
• Light reading - Not sure I will have time or even be focused enough to read but just in case! I am currently reading this book...it's the second I've read by Ruth Ware, pretty good thus far. Anyone else read it?

• Your own pillow - I feel like this is important because you're already so out of your element and having something comforting from home sounds like a nice addition.
• A travel fan - This may only apply to me but I can't sleep without it...it comes on all trips with me and this is no different. Again, comforts of home.

Baby Basics:

• A going home outfit! Of course, this was the most fun thing to pack, especially since he got so many cute clothes at our shower. I packed a cute Summer outfit (see nautical onesie and plaid shorts) but also a few more practical ones (in different sizes) like onesies with a pair of comfy pants, just in case. 
• A swaddle blanket - The Aden & Anais brand seems to be a common favorite
• Pacifier - Think this will give everyone some peace of mind, especially on the car ride home...
• Baby book: If you have some time in the hospital you might want to write down some details about your labor so you don’t forget. I also packed our "letters to my baby" book so we can write him a message about this special day that he can read years from now

• The car seat! Obviously this isn't a bag packing item but definitely needs to be (safely) installed beforehand so your little one can make his journey home. P.S. Our lightweight stroller pictured here is the Graco Breaze Click Connect (in Pierce). It came highly recommended to us and the car seat transfers perfectly to our larger jogger stroller so I think we're going to be happy with it.

My biggest tip for packing your hospital bag is to do it early… just in case! At the end of the day, the hospital has mostly everything you will need but it will give you peace of mind to have your daily items from home since you're embarking on an already unfamiliar situation. 

Mom's - Did I forget anything important? What did you find helpful to bring/leave at home?

Happy Packing! Xo