What’s in my hospital bag

Can’t believe we’ve made it this far and D-day is right around the corner. With my last pregnancy, baby was exactly 2 weeks early. So, I have prepared for to deliver anytime after 38 weeks, meaning it could be any day now.

Packing for the hospital shouldn’t be stressful and we can easily fall into the trap of over packing. I know I’m guilty of overpacking for vacations but with a hospital stay you only really need a few items.

Generally, a large overnight tote/bag should be big enough for your hospital essentials. I am using this bag from Lo & Sons. The bag is a perfect size and after packing all my items and babies I still have room for dad’s stuff. For reference, the bag is the small in organic canvas and is also perfect as a carryon.

Plan to be  in the hospital 2 or 3 days, depending on the type of delivery, assuming there are no complications. With my previous two deliveries I only spent one full day in the hospital, which was the day after delivery and then I was released the following day. So here is what I’m packing for myself and baby.

My Hospital Packing List

Tech

• Phone + Charger
• Laptop/Tablet + Charger
• Camera + Charger – I’ll be bringing my Canon 6D as well as a cute camera for sister and brother
• Watch + Charger (if needed)
• Multi-plug Adaptor – With so many electronics I always carry a multi-plug adaptor with USB charging  when I travel.

Toiletries

• Glasses/contacts with solution + case
• Toothbrush + paste
• Deodorant
• Dry Shampoo
• Curling iron
• Hair Ties
• Travel size shampoo + conditioner + body wash + lotion – The hospital will have some on hand but if your picky like me pack your own.

Face

• Makeup – For me eyeliner, mascara, highlighter, blush, and a nude lippie. I never leave home without highlighter 😉
• Skin care + Face Spray – Hospitals can be very drying so I’ll be packing my night and day creams as well as a face spray.
• Lip Balm

Other

• Robe – Hospitals get cold and they will have you get up and walk. A comfy and cute robe to throw on over your hospital gown will be good for walks, family visits, and pictures. This robe is a lush velvet and it is incredibly soft and warm.
• Slippers/Non-Slip Socks – As I just motioned they will have you walk after delivery so these will be good to walk around those hospital floors and to and from the bathroom. You can find my slippers here.
• Going Home Outfit – Choose something that is comfy non constraining. I opted for a relaxed maxi dress from Pink Blush (featured in these pictures) and I’ll also be using it for hospital pictures. The dress is comfy and fresh and the pop of color is perfect. Shoes will be a simple slip on sandal.
• Garter/Belly Band – In my opinion this is a must. It helped my tummy stay tucked and overall helped with feeling tight around the belly area. Which feels loose after being stretched. I used the Belly Wrap from Belly Bandit with the first two pregnancies (worked great) and this time I got the c-sec undies also from Belly Bandit, which can be used for both normal and c-sec deliveries.
• Nursing Bra – I opted for something comfy and affordable bra from Target since I’m not sure who long I’ll be nursing.
• Nipple Cream – You’ll want to have it if you plan on trying to nurse.
• Sibling Gifts from baby* – My youngest one has not warmed up to the idea of new baby coming home. So for the first time I am choosing to do “Sibling Gifts” on behalf of baby.
• Delivery Gown* – Since, I have a Gownie delivery gown from my first pregnancy, I will be using it again as I did with my second born. Nice alternative to the hospital gowns and also looks good for pictures.
• PJs* –  PJs came in handy with my other two pregnancies and they worked great while I was there. You can find the PJs I’m packing here.

Pink Blush Dress

Like I mentioned earlier I opted for this relaxed maxi dress from Pink Blush which I’m wearing in these pictures. The dress is comfy and fresh which perfect for this summer weather. I also love the pop of color in fuchsia. Fitting to bring our baby girl home.

Pink Blush has may other options for maternity and non-maternity clothes from dresses, tops, robes, and chic swimsuits. Check out their site here and the dress here.

What NOT to pack

• Undies + Feminine Products – Hospital will provide these
• Towel – Towels are bulky and take up space unless you want to lug it to and from home, don’t bring it.

Packing List for Baby

• Going Home Outfit – I created a tradition with my other kiddos in using the same going home outfit but after moving two times I misplaced it. I was able to find the shop who made it the gown the first time and she recreated it so I can continue my going home tradition. You can find her shop, Tiny Sprouts here.
• Swaddle – I’m bringing a couple of swaddles one for pictures and the other just to have. (linked below)
• Hat/bows – For my boy I took some cute hats and now I’ll be packing some bows for baby girl. (linked here and on sale!)
• Boppy – helpful to have when nursing. (linked below)
• Blanket – Using the same blanket I used for my other two kiddos.
• Carseat – You can’t leave the hospital with baby without a carseat. Carseat must be already installed as hospital staff will not be able to help you install the carseat. (linked below)

What NOT to pack

• Diapers + Wipes 
• Formula 
• Paci + bottles

Hospital will have these items on hand

Pregnancy Update // Week 38

One key difference between my last pregnancies and this one is the baby. Baby Girl is currently breeched and seems to have not intention of flipping. What does this mean? It means I am not dilation and she not moving down the birth canal as easily. This doesn’t mean I won’t go into labor as baby can still move down the canal just not as likely.

C-Section Anxiety

My first two pregnancies were vaginal deliveries and for the most part those went well. But with this baby in breech mode I have been scheduled for a C-section. I am going to be honest, I’m low key freaking out about it. Although, I know I’m not the first or the last mom to have a C-sec and most moms go on to lead perfectly normal lives, the anxiety of the unknown is getting to me. The recovery, the pain, my other kids, how will I deal?

Breech Position

As I mentioned this little nugget is breeched, last checked she was in the Frank Breech position meaning her butt is down and her little feet are up by her face. While, we remain hopeful that she will turn it is not certain.

Techniques to help baby turn

I have been trying to help her turn by doing some yoga at home. The downward dog position was suggested by my obgyn (please check with your doctor first) and the Webster technique. The Webster technique is performed by a chiropractor. The technique helps relax the pelvis allowing baby to turn.

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