There's only two (ish) more weeks until I hit my due date, which means it's about time for a hospital bag blog post to head your way. I'm getting antsy for my little getaway (otherwise known as the hospital). Is it just me or do parents with kids look forward to the hospital stay more than anything?! Normally I'm not the biggest fan of places with florescent lights and needles, but the more I think about it, the more I'm looking forward to my hospital stay this time around....Like it's an oasis with food delivery, bed rest, SILENCE, and cable...basically a vacation right?!
I think keeping a bag packed beforehand adds to the excitement and anticipation that is the final weeks of pregnancy. I'm also a big time planner (and childbirth is one of those things that never goes as planned), so having a hospital bag "just in case" keeps me sane. Is there anything you bring that's a must have in your postpartum hospital bag? Here's what I came up with for baby #2:
| for mama |
- rosewater | If you know me you know I'm addicted to this stuff. I put it in a spray bottle and spritz it here and there and everywhere. It makes me feel refreshed and feminine...even if it's just for a few seconds of my day ;).
- dry shampoo (I don't have a favorite...I actually think I'm going to make my own, recipe found here)
- comfy and cute (that's important) robe
- dwell + slumber gown | I bought one of these for early on in my pregnancy and I'm in loveeee...Will most likely be living in this the entire time.
- pajama set
- dr. bronner's lotion
- EO linen spray | I make my own using water, witch hazel, and a few drops of lavender oil. You can use one of these bottles to store it in. I like to spray it on my pillow before I go to sleep and I've found it's a simple way to calm my mind before bed.
- chapstick
- blanket + pillow | you're going to want your own bedding...hospitals aren't hotels, ha!
- nursing friendly going home outfit | Something you feel yourself in. My pick is this beauty.
- shoes | a pair of flip flops for the shower and a pair of shoes for going home in are all I plan on bringing
| for recovery |
Mainly this is a nursing related list...those first few weeks of breastfeeding were brutal for me whenever I had Pier, so I'm going to be more prepared this time around!
- soothing gel pads
- snacks | a few gotos: freeze dried fruit, granola, sea-salt chocolates (duhhh), mixed nuts, and lactation bars. I'm crossing my fingers we get the suite with a fridge so I can have some fresh fruit on hand.
- diffuser + lavender essential oils
- nursing pads
- nursing salve | this is a new one on my list...I wasn't crazy about the lanolin cream they gave me in the hospital, so I'm excited to try this out!
- postnatal vitamins | these are the ones I like
- water bottle | the hospital provides you with one already, but I'm terribly high maintenance when it comes to drinking water. I have an emotional attachment to insulated water bottles because it keeps my cold drinks cold and my hot drinks hot.
- bottom spray | ahhh...for the more glamorous side of childbirth ;)
| for baby |
The hospital provides everything you could possibly need for your baby. They don't need much!
- cute clothes + outfit for going home | we're having a girl this time around so you bet there's going to be multiple wardrobe changes just for the fun of it.
- newborn bonnet
- nursing pillow | I actually used this to sit on too...your derriere is sensitive those first few days
- baby sleep essential oil roller blend
- co sleeping baby bed
- baby hairbrush | just in case she has a full head of hair like her mama did
- baby blanket | I'm such a goner for a soft baby blanket.
- pacifier
- swaddle
- hand sanitizer | to use for any visitors
| extras |
- brad's stuff | don't forget about dad! Extra bag of clothes, blanket and pillow, and toiletries for him
- technology stuff | camera, phones, computer and chargers. I was so enamored by new motherhood that I kind of forgot to take nice photos of Pier in the hospital. We have a few, but not many...they're only that tiny once! I'm going to try to make more of an effort this time around.
- prayer stuff | I'll leave my Bible and prayer books at home. Hospitals aren't really conducive for leisurely reading. I'm most likely just going to bring my rosary and use a few prayer apps on my phone.
- weekender bag | to pack it all in!