First off, I want to talk about how my first hospital experience went. I went to the hospital with one night's worth of things. I thought I was going in, gonna have my baby that day, and then leave within a day. I packed for that scenario exactly. Only one nursing bra, one nursing tank top, and like no clothes really. I had a nightgown and slippers also.
Boy was I wrong!! I ended up having Opal the next morning via emergency C-Section. I lost A LOT of blood. I got an infection in my uterus.... I had more problems with my blood.... I nearly had to have blood transfusions... My stay was 5 nights long, nearly a week spent in the hospital counting the day I was discharged. It was a nightmare. I was so unprepared for that experience.
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| Xhileration nightgown and robe. Both from Target. |
This time around I bought a prettier robe and nightgown. I want to feel good and look good. I hate how I look in the photos from Opal's birth so much! I just felt swollen and frumpy.. with blemishes everywhere and messy hair.
I found this really cute (and affordable!) robe and nightgown set from Target.
I really love the nightgown because it has a built in bra. I want to be able to wear this and easily nurse Oliver while at the hospital and at home. It has a low cut front which is great and easier for me to nurse, also.
Another reason why I LOVE this set is because purple has been one of my happy colors. I usually draw to dark colors.. but lately I'm all about purple and bright blues. I want to live in this set already, but I haven't! I just ripped the tags off and washed it and it is going straight to my hospital bag to be my home away from home while staying at the hospital.
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| Gilligan & O'Malley nursing sleep bras. |
I was not a fan of the mesh undies, but I was bed ridden for 5 days and has no option but to wear them. I was not even allowed to get out of bed to use the restroom. I was also swollen from both attempting to have my baby naturally, and from having the surgery. This time, I hope to be able to just have him naturally and be walking within hours. I bought boxer briefs in a larger size to keep myself feeling human.
I'm also taking both washable and disposable nursing pads. I prefer washables at night, and disposables since I can't wash them for day time use.
KNEE HIGH socks are another must have for me. My legs were SO SWOLLEN from not walking, continuously being on an IV, etc. The hospital's compression socks were too small for me, so I'm taking my own socks and will use them immediately.
Slippers are a given, because I will be walking a lot after the birth to avoid painful swelling.
I am taking a refillable water bottle, because while breastfeeding is the thirstiest I've ever been in my entire life.
A loafa because I hope to shower as soon as possible. Not 5 days after giving birth and having surgery.
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| From Target. |
And of course, my glasses because contacts can also get dry and uncomfortable easily. (Especially if you go in later in the evening and have a long labor! You don't realize that you end up wearing them for 24 hours+)
I'm obviously taking more clothing, but I haven't really decided what I'm taking. It's going to be pretty hot and humid here in VA so I am sure It'll probably include yoga shorts (many pairs of yoga shorts) and some loose flowing tops that I can nurse in.
I am also taking stuff for Oliver.
I chose this backpack from Target as my new diaper bag.
I am over the shoulder strap heavy bags! I have two children now. DOUBLE OF EVERYTHING! I love this bag so much because of the look, pockets and how much baby stuff I can fit in here. It keeps everything together, and is easy to carry around.
I also love that Dillon likes it and feels comfortable carrying it around too. He wasn't a fan of the diaper bag situation beforehand, so this works best for us.
I will also be taking some linens for my sweet boy.
I found these PLUM swaddlers at Marshalls for $7! I love them so much. They're huge (110 x 110 cm) and made out of Muslin, which is nice and cool enough for our summer baby.
I found this Munchkin Swaddle Angel at Marshalls also! It was $10 and I love it so much too. It is so beautiful and convenient for me. I am not as great at swaddling as my husband is, so I love these styles.
I also found this 4 pack of Carter's receiving blankets at Burlington's for $10. I normally don't buy receiving blankets, because my mom sews all my baby linens for me.. but I couldn't pass up the adorable foxes on these.
And last but not least- diapers. A lot of people say not to take any, just use what the hospital gives you. I agree with that, mostly because you also don't know what size your baby may be. Some people buy and open newborn diapers... all to have a big baby and those NB diapers were too small and wasted.
Wipes are good to have on hand, I love the Huggie's "Clutch 'n' Clean" sooooo much. It is reusable and straps onto your bag or stroller all while keeping the wipes inside fresh and moist. Love it and recommend it!
Some other things I will be packing that are not pictured are:
- Camera & Battery charger (or spare batteries if you need those)
- Makeup, remover wipes, and face wash. (If you plan to wear makeup for photos.)
- Spare towel(s), body wash, shampoo/ conditioner. You just never know how long you'll be there. Best to be prepared.
- Hair brush, ties, and bobby pins to fix your hair for photos. Straightener if you're going all out!
- Snacks- I didn't need them because the hospital was bringing me food and snacks, but my husband DEFINITELY needed them and ate all of them.
- Phone charger, music, etc. Anything to keep you distracted or busy to pass the time if that's what you need.
- A going home outfit for yourself and your baby.
- Pads- yep. The bleeding begins immediately, and I am really picky about what I wear for period use. I will be taking my personal favorite pads and use those. I don't really like the ones the hospital gives out, but I'll use them as long as I don't have a bad reaction to them. (I'm allergic to most of these products.)
- Nipple Butter- I'm going to use Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter. (I just haven't gone to pick one up yet from Babies R Us.)
