I was in prep mode today, and started to pull some things together for our hospital bag. I packed so many things I didn’t actually use when I gave birth to Rylie, and remembered a few tips I learned while I was actually in the hospital. Here’s what we are packing, and a few tips I hope will come in handy this time around!
What to pack:
- A comfy going home outfit for baby. We don’t seem to make babies over here that are normal newborn size (Ry was almost 9 lbs at birth and 10 lbs by the time we left the hospital…and this baby has been measuring bigger than she did in utero), so we pack 0-3 months. I don’t know if newborn size fits most newborns, but easier if the outfit is a little big than too small 🙂 This onesie is from baby Gap.
- A comfy going home outfit for you. With Rylie I packed a huge robe and clothes for going home that weren’t the comfiest. I didn’t realize how (ahem) messy post-birth can be, so never ended up wearing the robe. I also didn’t totally realize I would leave looking pregnant still. I’ll be packing some great transitional pieces from Wendy Bellissimo’s maternity line to wear home.
- A gift for your older child. So much attention will be on baby, and so many packages and gifts arriving for the new little one. We decided to get Rylie a few little gifts (2 books and some finger puppets) that would be from her new baby brother. That way, when she comes to see him for the first time, she feels extra special. The gifts were wrapped by my friends at Sweet Paper.
- Pre-written thank you card for your doctor and nurses (oh and chocolate, bring chocolate!) This was some advice we got from a doula we’ve worked with. Thanking your providers, and being THAT room that has chocolate for everyone, is never a bad idea. Mostly because you (hopefully) are being given great care, but also because it provides a positive environment and initiates a great relationship with those that will be caring for you and your baby. This card is Rifle Paper from Sweet Paper.
- Soft organic multi-use blanket. The hospital does provide blankets, but I couldn’t resist these soft organic ones from Numpfer. I’m obsessed with all their stuff, so simple, so soft, all organic. Oh man, I can’t wait for skin-to-skin snuggles with this light blanket draped over us…
(not-pictured)
- Birth plan. If you have one 🙂
- Toiletries. Face wash, toothpaste/toothbrush, hair ties/brush. I never actually took a full shower in the hospital because I had an unplanned cesarean with Rylie, I had a sponge bath 🙂
- Chapstick. Trust me, you’ll need it. We didn’t pack it the first time and I had to have someone go buy me some. For whatever reason, you’ll need chapstick!
- Little security blanket/Lovie. From the moment Rylie was born I introduced her little lovie, an owl blankie from Angel Dear. For awhile I only kept it near her little face while we nursed, and as she grew older she eventually slept with it. It became a great transitional object for her when I returned to work, or when we traveled. We bought a bunch of them, so we never worry about losing it 🙂 She doesn’t need it now of course, but she still loves it.
- Snacks. For you, and for papa.
- Headphones and eye mask (for labor). When you tune out your senses, you can channel your inner cave woman…nothing makes you feel more like a cave woman than labor 🙂
- Videocamera/Non-Phone Camera. Phones are great, but we’ve been trying to take more videos on our camcorder and real camera. You’ll want to capture some of those first few days/nights.
Tips:
- Ask for a lactation consult soon after birth. Sometimes it takes them awhile to come by, and you’ll want as much support as you can get, and the quicker the better.
- Everytime a new nurse comes in, ask for more pads and the mesh boycut underwear the hospitals carry. I found that the hospital pads were my favorite, and I needed the mesh/boycut underwear for quite awhile. I wish I had taken home more. (note* I don’t know how your hospital works and insurance, so see if you are able to request more of these things).
That’s all I can think of for now! What did you pack?! What are your tips?! I can’t believe we are having a baby so soon…I’m starting to really get excited 🙂
