what’s in the [hospital] bag

I’m due with my third baby in less than ten days and to be honest, I am just packing my hospital bag now. This completely goes against all recommendations that you should be ready to go around week 36-37, but somehow time just got away from me this pregnancy. Maybe it was my two toddlers who unpack everything I put in a pile, or the time of year, but in any event I’m working through the stack of things I’ve been collecting on my dresser to “put in a bag” and telling you what I’ve always needed and (more importantly) found comforting to have with me:

Clothing (for you)

• First and foremost, a robe or open sweater. Hospital temperatures are unpredictable and these are an easy way to layer up both before and after labor!
• Cozy socks – there is a good chance your feet will be swollen. This is an easy way to keep warm, too!
• Hard sole slippers – no one wants to bother with shoes while in the hospital, but if you leave your room (I like to push my babies around the floor), it’s ideal to have something more durable then a slipper sock or soft-bottom slipper.

Post-labor clothes

After the birth of my first daughter I had no idea that I would one, not fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes immediately; and two, be so eager to put something on besides the hospital gown.

I recommend dark colored clothing, specifically post-partum leggings or a relaxed pair of joggers to put on after you’re able to take your first shower. (For my followers, you already know I’m obsessed with blanqi leggings – this obsession carries beyond pregnancy and into post-baby; get yourself a pair. #notsponsored)

If you’re planning on breastfeeding …

Another thing that makes me more comfortable is nursing shape wear. The most foreign my body has ever felt to me has been the sudden change it undergoes after birthing my daughters. Having the shape wear to hold everything in instantly made me feel better. I tend to wear this under everything the first few weeks post-baby. It is also provides coverage of your tummy if you need to nurse and are not wearing a top specifically designed for nursing. 

That’s not to say it is for everyone. If you fear this will make you feel confined, just bring some nursing bras and flowy tips. My favorite nursing bras are from Lively. I highly recommend you check them out and that you also try out a nursing sports bra.

While on the subject of nursing, a few other items that have proven to be life savers for me at the hospital:

• Hydrogel packs for relief. Don’t let anyone fool you, breastfeeding, especially in the beginning is painful AF.
• Nipple cream
• Nursing pads
• Boppy pillow – while not a necessity, it has served many purposes during each of my stays in the hospital.

Toiletries 

That first shower is the best feeling! Make sure you bring whatever toiletries you desire as I’ve found what is available at the hospital is laughable. This includes the towels – bring your own! Nothing worse than getting out of the shower to find what they’ve provided is barely more than a hand towel. The standards:

When it comes to other personal items, pads, underwear, etc. the hospital provides that for you – so save yourself the hassle and leave it at home.

For baby

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Don’t bring any diapers or wipes! Again, the hospital provides these items (and I’m sure you’re paying for them.)

• Your baby will be swaddled the majority of the time you’re in the hospital – so if you’d like to pack blankets outside of whatever standard print the hospital provides, I’d recommend doing so! My favorite swaddles are copper pearl and Posh Peanut. Added bonus, they’re both available on Amazon (prime) and my three year old and 23 month old still use theirs!
• I always bring a couple of sleepers (and in a few sizes) as it’s hard to know how big your baby will be.
• A going home outfit – I LOVE dressing up my peanut(s) for the first time!
• Any weather necessary items; I can thank the Chicago winter for allowing me to purchase a pink newborn sherpa this go around!
• Any outfits you want for pictures. (We’re doing a photo session for when the girls arrive to meet their new sis. If you plan to have photos taken in the hospital, I highly recommend planning outfits ahead of time. Truth be told, this is probably why it’s taken me so long to pack!)
• And most importantly, don’t forget your car seat! Northwestern requires you bring it into the room and have them check it out before you’re discharged. 

Miscellaneous 

• Whatever you’d like to have to entertain yourself in the event you have a long labor. (In other words, iPad and or other reading/browsing device/materials.
• Camera – I know everyone’s phone has a camera these days, but I still like to bring my DSLR.
• Bluetooth speaker and/or headphones. It can also be a good idea to make a playlist ahead of time in the event you want music during your labor and delivery.
• Any items you want to use to capture memories. (In the past I have brought letter boards, banners, personalized onesies, etc.) 
• Your own pillow.
• A list of who to notify. Nothing worse than forgetting to tell someone and being called out when they hear it second hand. If you’re planning any professional photos, be sure to include you photographer on the list!
• And, make sure to pack any charging cables you need! I always bring an extra long phone charger as the outlets in hospitals tend to be inconveniently placed.

SNACKS!

This should probably fall under miscellaneous, but I can’t stress this one enough. What you can eat is limited until baby comes (often restricted to water) but depending on the time of when he or she arrives – what you can get your hands on may not be appealing at all. I had kedzie at 12:05 a.m., the only thing they were able to offer me was a turkey sandwich (presumably a day old), and I hate lunch meat. Best to bring some items you know you’ll be able to get down! I tend pack nuts/trail mix, protein bars, chips and candy!

what your partner should be sure to bring 

• Items for entertainment. Depending on your plans (and the way things go), your partner may spend time in the waiting room.
• Comfy clothes – the couch they’ll be sleeping on is not comfortable at all, they should be sure their clothes at least are.
• Pillow/blanket – again, the hospital isn’t doing much to make you want to hang around when it comes to amenities. 

I should also note, I have never made a birth plan. I have always just told myself that whatever is going to happen in that room is going to happen – that said, if you have one, be sure to bring a few copies!