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Hello, friends. It has been a while, and even when I did find myself here last year writing on the Blog, most of my posts were sporadic. Apparently having a second baby in your thirties, while working full-time, and managing a toddler… beat me down. Clearly, it wore me thin.
They just don’t make bodies like they use to. 🙂
We have been home for almost three weeks now since our second child’s birth and a million ideas have run through my mind on things to share – Things You Should Know About a C-Section, My Favorite Third Trimester Items, Top Breastfeeding Must Haves, and so much more. These thoughts usually hit me in the middle of a nighttime feeding, or as I stand over our stove boiling bottles for the 100th time, or when I am tracking how many poops and pees in a 24-hour period, but then it ends there.
Hopefully, I will find the time to share my experiences on the Blog, but the reality is learning to juggle two has been a bit more challenging than I expected, so I take one day at a time. Scratch that! More like hour by hour.
Today I challenged myself to share the items you need in your hospital bag because let’s face it, that bag will be one of the most important bags you pack in your life.
Two nights before our son was born, I was in Labor and Delivery. I was sure I was having a baby that night. I was 37 weeks and needless to say, I hadn’t packed my bag, which was just silly considering our daughter was born at 37 and a half weeks. I should have known better.
We rushed around the home throwing things into my bag, a bag for our daughter who was going to my mom’s home, and a diaper bag for our second born. Once we were sent home, and those bags brought in, I took the next 48-hours to unpack those chaotic bags and really, truly think about what I needed and to pack our bags.
Thank goodness, because our son came two nights later.
Hospital Bag Essentials:
Motherlove Nipple Cream – Right before I had our second born I learned that Lanolin, which is a very popular nipple cream, and a brand given away to new moms at our local hospital, was basically made from sheep sweat. When a sheep has been shorn, a waxy substance – sebum is left on the fur from the animal’s glands. You can read more here. Basically, it grossed me out. So, I went on a mission to find an alternative, and I found it through Motherlove. I am so glad I came upon this product since our son was born with a tongue tie, which caused some pain in the beginning stages of breastfeeding, and this cream was absolutely wonderful! Actually, it was essential for dealing with cracks, and soreness that came from early breastfeeding.
Postpartum Underwear – The hospital is going to give you nice mesh undies, and while it sounds terrible, you are not even going to think twice about wearing them until it is time to shower and/or leave. If you have never had a baby before, please been warned there is a lot of bleeding after, and this goes for both natural and c-section deliveries. Comfortable, high waisted (especially if you have a c-section) underwear are super necessary during the recovery process.
Nursing Tank – If you are planning on breastfeeding, then you are going to need a nursing tank, especially with all those hospital visitors. I used these tanks with our daughter Logan, which I would recommend. However, this round, I could not get them in time online from Target, so I opted to try the Medela brand. It did not disappoint. I like the fabric, removable pads, and the fabric and structure’s sliming feature.
Dry Shampoo / Makeup Remover – There will be guests to see the baby, which means they are also seeing you. Believe me, you won’t feel or look your best, and that is okay, you just delivered a child. Having basics like dry shampoo and makeup remover, along with your makeup, is a simple and easy way to quickly freshen up and also feel better about all those first-day pictures.
Slippers – Hospital floors are cold not to mention, kind of gross if you think about it. If you have a c-section your nurses are going to kick on those florescent lights, remove your catheter, and make you get up and walk around. Actually, walking around is a great way to start the recovery process, but let me tell you, the thought of it after you just delivered a baby and underwent major surgery is daunting.
Pajamas – Depending on the type of labor experience, you will be staying at least one night in the hospital and up to four with a c-section. Having a nice pair a pj’s is just one simple way to make your stay more comfortable. Plus, with each of my babies, I made it a point to buy myself a new pair of pajamas and saved them for the hospital. It was just one simple way to pamper and treat myself during pregnancy.
Hairdryer – I don’t know why but I imagined my hospital room as a hotel room, which is most certainly is not. That means no little sweet-smelling toiletries, or a hairdryer hanging in a bag over the bathroom door. I know, crazy right? Needless to say, I did not pack a hairdryer, and as I stood there with wet hair, I was disappointed in myself and the fact that I was not at a Hilton at that point. Pack the hairdryer.
Breast Pump – This is a must if you are breastfeeding. As you wait for your breastmilk to come in, pumping is a great way to start the process and to capture some of that sweet, sweet colostrum. It is like liquid gold. Seriously. Colostrom is a nutrient-rich fluid that comes in right after birth and is loaded with nutrients. I would breastfeed, and then immediately pump. Any colostrum I captured I would save for our next feeding. I would then breastfeed, bottle feed the colostrum, and repeat the process. I know it sounds daunting but during those first few days and weeks, it is a worry if your baby is getting enough from you, or at least it was for me. Also, keep in mind, your most insurances now cover breast pumps! So be sure to call yours before you buy.
Coming Home Outfit – Not for the baby, you will need that too, for you! Remember you just had a baby, so while you will have lost weight from the baby and all those fluids, you will not be in pre-pregnancy shape. I think I read once that most women will walk out of the hospital looking like they did at around 5-56 months. Be sure to pack clothes that will work for your body, and be sure that your clothes are comfortable. You may also have a birth plan for a natural birth but things can happen, and you may have to have a c-section. With that said, understand that your clothes should accommodate an incision. You don’t want anything rubbing against it. I love these leggings, and I lived in these leggings during pregnancy and postpartum!
Nursing Pads – This was another item I truly regretted not packing. Once I started the breastfeeding process, my breasts were tender and soar. Nursing pads would have been beneficial, especially after pumping. These and these are some great options.
Some additional must-have items:
- Cell Phone Charger
- Hair Ties
- Makeup Bag
- Chapstick
- Toiletries
- Gum and Snacks
Clearly this list doesn’t include what to pack for the new baby. My intention is to share that list in a separate Blog post.
Hopefully, my experiences and this list will be beneficial to you. The biggest advice I can give is do not over pack! You are in and out before you know it and most of your time is spent enjoying the sweet new life that you have brought into this world!
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