Hospital Bag Pt. 2: What to pack for Mommy.

 

 Hey! So last month I made a general must haves post about packing my hospital bag! You can read that here. But I want to go into detail about what specifically to pack for mommy, baby, and the family over this next week. To begin, lets start with Mommy!

(Obviously you'll need your wallet and things like medications you're taking- if any. All of those obvious items, I am not going to mention here.)

Here is a little recap from the last post:

A pretty robe and nightgown.

I don't care what anyone says! That hospital gown makes you feel so gross and it isn't flattering at all. It doesn't look pretty in the photos, and I don't care if I stain this. I bought it to boost my confidence for the hospital and it really will do just that. Purple is one of my happy colors. I recommend taking something in a color that makes you feel amazing and ignore the "you'll stain it somehow" remarks. Who cares! I want to feel and look pretty while in that bland hospital.

Comfortable sleep nursing bras.

I have some old ones that I had from nursing Opal, but I bought this new set for the same reason as above. New stuff makes me feel special and pretty. I didn't have this style of sleep bras yet, so that is exciting to. It is going to do the job of making my uncomfortable engorged boobies feel as awesome as possible.

Undies.

Personal preference. But the day I go home I am most definitely not wearing those mesh undies. I am going to feel like a normal woman in some normal undies.

Nursing pads.

Washables will stay home, I am only packing the disposable ones.

Slippers.

Walking the halls is a necessity. Pack some slippers! I bought these to match my robe, and I haven't wore them once. I am saving them to add to the "new makes me feel awesome" feeling.

Socks.

The hospital's compression socks aren't all too flattering either- so I'm taking these. Hopefully I wont be as swollen this go-around, and they'll fit.

Glasses.

Don't forget to pack these if you need them!

Lip balm.

You'll need this for sure. Hospitals are dry and if you're like me and lick/ bite your lips while nervous or anxious- you'll definitely need it! Ha-ha!

Water bottle.

Your hospital will have large foam cups that the nurses and your partner or family will continuously bring you full of yummy ice water. 

So what else does Mommy need? Toiletries and Nursing items!

Nursing Pillow.

  I have used a Boppy, My Brest Friend, and those free ones that you get emails about.

My personal preference has been the My Brest Friend- I love the back support, strap, pockets, how wide it is for baby, and how the baby is actually supported and not rolling into or away from you like they can with the Boppy. I have this specific pillow in "Blue Bells".

Nipple Butter and Pads.

I chose Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter. It is all natural and safe for you and baby. You don't have to stress about wiping it all off before each nursing sesh. I'll probably use it as my lip balm too. Babies R Us carries it in stores AND you can now finally buy this in stores at Target, too!

Check out all of their products for:

Breastfeeding care here.

Postpartum care here.

I like these NUK pads because of how thin they are. You can't see them through your tops. They work great, and they don't come apart like some others that I've tried. The price point on them is really great too.

Skin care.

I have a really serious thing about taking care of my skin. I break out and am allergic to a lot of products/ makeup. So I will be taking my face wash routine, some makeup remover wipes, and a facial cleansing wipes to keep my face from breaking out while I am in the hospital.

I am also taking a body wash and small moisturizer for my face and hands.

Deodorant- because duh.

*not pictured- shampoo and conditioner. Take these with you if you plan on washing your hair during your stay. I am taking a shower cap because I will wash my hair the day of my surgery and wont need to wash again during my stay.

I ALSO RECOMMEND SHOWER SHOES. TAKE SOME FLIP FLOPS TO WEAR WHILE YOU SHOWER IN THE HOSPITAL!!!!!!  

Hopefully your hospital is clean, but you just never know with public showers. I don't do germs.

Eye care.

I mentioned above to take your glasses, but don't forget to pack your contacts, their case, and a small solution for them. I love my contacts, so these are definitely going.

Oral care.

 Take your toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. I am taking Listerine in the travel size also, because you just never know if you'll be stuck to a bed for a long period of time unable to brush your teeth properly.

Make up.

Some women will want to wear makeup, others wont.  There are usually professional photographers who will come by and offer to take photos that you can later purchase. Having these items on hand is good if you plan to do this.

 Hair Care.

If you plan on showering (and washing your hair) you'll likely want to pack shampoo and conditioner. I am having a scheduled C-section so I will be washing my hair the day of and styling it. I am taking a shower cap because I only wash my hair every 3 days. :-) If I need these products my house is close enough to the hospital that my hubby will bring them to me.

I am going to try to do my hair and makeup every single day of this journey because that is what I feel will make me happy. I want to feel and look my best. I am going have the professional photos be taken this time around also.

Nursing tops.

 If you're going to be nursing, take a couple tank tops even if you're planning on a short stay. You never know when your milk is going to come in, and you may leak. I hate being in a top that has a bunch of dried milk all over it. It just feels nasty.

Dress from Target.
Jacket is from Gap.
Necklace from Charlotte Russe.

Handbag: gift.
Sandals are from Payless.


Going home outfit and shoes.

 I am having a C-section, so I am packing a light and very loose dress. I don't want to wear anything tight or touchy on my scar. I'm taking sandals the day I go in, and will wear them returning home too.

For the lovely ladies having a natural birth- leggings and a top are optional for you. Definitely pack clothes for a size 5 or 6 month belly. You're still going to have a pretty swollen tummy while your uterus is in the process of shrinking.

I do recommend packing a dress just in case. You never know how your birth will end. 

I had no idea I was going to have a c-section the first time around and had to wear leggings and a tight top home. I was in so much pain and was uncomfortable. I truly wish I packed a dress to go home in just in case.

DRESS: FOREVER 21  SHOES: TARGET

TUMMY BAND: MOTHERHOOD

Tummy Sleeve/ Band. 

I am taking mine with me to hold my belly up. I wasn't a fan of the Abdominal Binder that the hospital gave me last time. It hurt and was too large for me. I am going to use this and if I end up wanting something more supportive I will buy the smaller binder from Babies R Us. Last time though, this did the trick and I could still breathe.

Ipad/tablet with favorite movie(s).

Your hospital should have the option to pay for cable during your stay. I am going to do this again, but I am also taking my Ipad with my current favorite movies. It will help to pass time and take my mind off of things if needed. Especially during the times my hubby may be at home napping or spending time with Opal and I am alone at the hospital. 

Pillows.

I don't think I am going to take pillows from home with me, but I am going to keep two in my car. Why? Because I am totally taking others' advice about hugging one pillow, and sitting on another on the ride home. Having that C-section wound is going to have me all sorts of sore. I remember every bump on the drive home was so painful, so I hope this tip really does help.

I also want to share a link to my Pinterest board that I have been pinning some advice from other bloggers.  

 

        

I'll continue to add to this as much as possible.

Hospital Bag Must Haves.

Hey! So I have been shopping on a budget and gathering things that I think are important for my hospital bag, and some items that I found for him that I adore.

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.

Xhileration nightgown and robe. Both from Target.

So, this time around I decided that I will pack smarter. I don't care if it looks like I am over packed! If I end up in a repeat C-Section I will be totally prepared this go around. I will have multiple bras, tanks, and changes of clothes.

 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.

Gilligan & O'Malley nursing sleep bras.

I also am packing a lot more bras. With my last pregnancy, I bought a variety of styles which I still have and plan to take one of each style. But I hadn't invested in this type of sleep bra, so I plan to go to the hospital in this. I am hoping they will allow me to wear this while I give birth. I was not a fan of being so bare and exposed. I'd much rather have at least this sleep bra on to be comfortable and willing to take photos. I got this set of bras from Target.

OKAY! So another thing I didn't pack enough of..... or think about in case I had a C-section was UNDIES!

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.

From Target.

Chapstick/ moisturizer- because hospitals are pretty dry and you find yourself with chapped lips and skin pretty easily.

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.)

I'll continue to add to this list if I think of anything else.