So here's a breakdown of what I'll be bringing to the hospital this time around. It's pretty simple and everything (labor stuff, postpartum, baby stuff) fits into one small suitcase. There are a few changes from my Max bag (and one particularly hilarious one) but overall it's the same.
For labor
Off the list:
Pillows from home These ended up not being used at all. The hospital of course had plenty. Maybe they weren't as "fluffy and soft" as my home ones, but who cares? There was too much going on for me to notice.
Swim trunks for the mister to join me in the tub or shower A tub might've been nice but my hospital didn't have one and I ended up not being interested in a hot shower.
Water & hard candies This sounded soothing and spa-like but during early labor, I instinctively avoided food and water and kept my stomach empty (digesting while laboring is kind of like digesting while sleeping...simultaneously the body can't do either well). And during active labor I probably would've been more likely to do my taxes than eat something.
Throw Away Slippers Instead of buying slippers to toss out later, this time I'll just wear uggs or if it's too warm, slip on flats. As long they're easy to put on and take off getting in and out of bed they'll be fine. And since they are street shoes anyway (and we leave our street shoes at the door) I won't worry about tracking hospital germs around the house.
On the list:
1. Trash bag & towel to put on the car seat in case my water breaks in the car
2. CDs with relaxing music for the stereo system in the labor room. This was amazingly helpful in creating a relaxing environment for me and others in the room the first time around (Plus it's become a lasting treasure because Max still responds very emotionally to his birthing music.)
3. NEW Headphones for hypnosis labor tracks. I plan to alternate music played out loud with meditation tracks on headphones. I think the tracks will be helpful during the early stages and on the way to the hospital.
4. NEW Coconut lip balm because it reminds me of childhood summers at the beach which always ends up being a huge part of my visualization
5. NEW Solid perfume from Auric Blends with my favorite scent to apply to wrists during labor. More aroma therapy that goes back many years as my favorite calming scent.
Things I'll want to have that the hospital will provide:
Birthing ball & stereo system
For postpartum
Off the list
Parenting books (That's right, plural) I actually thought I was going to read about, not just newborn care, but parenting in the first 48 hours of having a newborn. Ha.
On the list
1. Coconut water and fruit to rehydrate and snack on postpartum. Around 16 hours after delivery I wasn't ready to order sushi but I did have a small appetite. I snacked on avocados, oranges, lara bars, and vegan jerky (which is packed with iron, protein and calcium). I loved having my own familiar snacks, so I'll be bringing the same selection this time around.
2. Comfy clothes (PJs with easy nursing access, and for going home 2 dresses to choose from, leggings, and some layering pieces)
3. Nursing bras I use these instead since they are comfy for sleeping and typical nursing bras have thick high straps that always seem to sneak out of even the most modest necklines.
4. First Years Organic Lanolin-free Nipple Butter made from organic edible ingredients. I used this following every feeding the first time around and it helped noticeably with the pain. You can get it here.
5. Toiletries All of the usual, but I do want to mention stretch mark oil (it's good to apply it for at least 2 weeks following pregnancy as the skin recuperates), and prenatals (fortify your recovery and should be continued as long as you nurse)
6. Chlorine-free maxis At first I'm sure I'll use what the hospital gives me, but I want to switch to the chlorine/dioxin free ones as soon as possible.
7. Last but not least: purse, phone, camera, chargers, paperwork, etc.
[Wool & cotton baby basics by Engel]
For Baby
1. Organic cotton basics for going home (a onesie, a kimono wrap top & pants, and an extra going home outfit just in case)
2. A light wool fleece bunting & matching pilot cap for the trip home
3. Organic cotton no-scratch mitts
4. Natural muslin cloth (great for nursing, swaddling or as a light blanket)
5. Organic cotton wash/wipe cloths
6. Wool fleece blanket to cover up in the car seat
7. A few chlorine-free disposable diapers
For Max
I also have a bag packed for my mini Max with snacks he loves, coloring books, sticker books, clothes, pajamas etc. in case I go into labor before my mom is here to help and our plan to have a friend come over to watch him falls through, in which case we'd have to drop him off to hang out with friends. My mom is coming Thursday morning, so hopefully we won't need it, but the goodies in there will still be a fun distraction once the baby comes.
