Hospital Packing List!

When I was preparing to pack for the hospital, I wondered what I would need to bring, my sister did a great post about what to bring to the hospital on her website, Baby Specialist that was very helpful for me! I’m going to do one as well from a little different angle, hopefully they will both help!

1. Your husband/and or labor partner: make sure they are well slept and prepared so they can be of utmost use to you!

2. Yourself and your ginormous belly, don’t worry it will be deflated soon. Unfortunately it won’t go away completely for a while though… big bummer I know.

3. Your purse with your cell, lip gloss, gum and whatever else you might like handy at all times. We all know you want a little mirror with some powder, a hair brush, etc. (what woman doesn’t want to at least ATTEMPT to look decent during this most indecent moment?). Oh and don’t forget your insurance card, make sure your hubby can handle all of the hospital paperwork so you don’t have to deal with it.

4. Whatever you happen to be wearing at the time, it really doesn’t matter, you’ll be in a gown pretty quickly once you get there. If you are getting induced, you might as well just wear some of your comfy jammies that you plan to wear at the hospital, then you have to pack less.

5. The diaper bag you plan to use: 1-because it’s fun and you know you’re excited to use it. 2- so you can have things for your baby of course. 3- so you can have as many things as possible to stuff all those diapers in you’re going to steal from the hospital!

6. The car seat and warm blankets for baby.

7. Your overnight bag with the following things packed:

-Treats for your hubby, you can’t eat but he will need to so he can be able to focus on your needs. Bring treats for you for after in case you don’t like what the hospital has or in case they take a while to feed you.

-Make sure you have a Diet Coke (or whichever drink you prefer) on hand for after, either have someone bring some for you or bring it yourself, this is a must!

-A book, magazine or movies to entertain, for both you and your hubby.

-Your cute new jammies you bought just for post labor (after you’re showered of course)! Buy a bigger size than you think, I know this is tricky because you can’t really try them on and get an exact idea of how they’ll fit without the baby belly, but at least try on the bottoms because your bum is bigger than you think now… sorry but it’s true! It is recommended to get a button down top if you’re breastfeeding, however, I went for just a cute soft t-shirt style instead and never had a problem, you’ve got to get used to that at some point, why not sooner rather than later!

-Cash for vending machines, or maybe even to tip a nurse to hook you up with free stuff if they are unwilling.

-Robe and or slippers.

-A going home out fit for you and baby.

-Maxi pads! The hospital will give you some, take as many as you can, it’s insane how many you’ll need.

-If you’re breastfeeding, breastfeeding pads.

-Regular hygiene and shower items (for you and your hubby if he is staying overnight).

-Your own pillows if you prefer them, use them for your head, use the hospital ones anywhere they might get dirty…

-A blanket for your hubby, the hospital has some but they aren’t very comfy or warm.

-Anything that inspires you or will comfort you while delivering; a picture, music, etc.

-Massage lotions and oils so you’re hubby can help you relax.

-Be prepared with anything that might help if going naturally (and if your epidural doesn’t work!). I’d recommend a birthing class especially if going natural, they will teach you techniques that will help you get through it.

-Your camera! With extra batteries!

Other tips I found useful:

Take advantage of everyone that is there to help you, you might just automatically say you’re fine and don’t need anything but the nurses are paid to help and your friends and family want to help and be involved, you’ll get used to accepting things after a while!

Enjoy the quiet time with your hubby while in labor (much easier if you’re getting an epidural!). Don’t freak out on him if he isn’t reading your mind, tell him what you need and want and most husbands are more than happy to help. Let him know in advance that your mood/wants might change instantly and to understand if something you wanted a second before you don’t want a second later (like cuddling, or distance).

Relax! Don’t try to do too much after, let your body heal, there will be time to do everything when you feel up to it. Let others take care of things when they volunteer. Hopefully you were able to leave your house somewhat in order when you left but if not, oh well!

DON’T try on any of your pre-pregnancy clothes for at least a month after (the longer the better). Don’t be surprised if nothing fits, sweats are completely acceptable for quite a while after having a baby!

Don’t stress about the “oppenness” of delivering a baby, it really isn’t a big deal once you get used to it. Be prepared to feel like a toddler again and having no privacy (especially after).

Be mentally prepared for any surprises; a C-section, a NICU baby, etc.

Make sure to empty out the cart of all diapers and wipes when it comes from the nursery to your room, hook yourself up! When checking out, don’t be afraid to have your hubby flirt with the nurse a little to get some more free stuff, they have free diaper bags (with formula, etc.) and they can always get you more diapers and wipes, you’ll need them!

Good luck, remember to read my post about Post Pregnancy Bliss so you don’t expect too much normalcy after…

For the love of the belly

My hubby loves my belly and says he never wants it to go away, I told him to be careful what he wishes for because he just might get his wish…

This doesn’t make sense…

The whole cause of pregnancy is from one sexy night right? Why is all of the pregnancy and post pregnanc y a long, steep downhill journey getting unsexier and unsexier… ? Answer me that…

Seconds

I have developed a bad habit of “seconds”… Wherever I go to eat, I don’t even hesitate to get seconds, sometimes thirds. The bad thing is I have no shame because let’s face it, I’m not in a position to lose weight… Once I ordered the regular 3 cheese enchilada meal and another enchilada on the side, didn’t embarrass me for a minute! I hope I start having more shame post baby… Is this normal or is there a pregnant woman out there who isn’t embarrassed to eat her fill..? Please comment if that’s you, I want tips!

Doc called me skinny because I only gained 2 pounds in a week…

That’s depressing…

Maternity clothes are so overpriced!

Months ago I looked at Ross Dress For Less for a maternity section, never found one and  so I’ve only bought 2 shirts my whole pregnancy and mooched off my sisters for my maternity wardrobe… I’m a bit of a cheap skate and can barely justify $20 on a regular shirt, let alone a maternity one (they are all way overepriced and most are too mommyish looking!). Well fortunately enough, I finally found a maternity section at the ross at Fort Union, Utah, a week before my due date! Seriously? What good does that do me? Of course they had lots of hott preggo shirts under 10 bucks, I only bought one though! Anyways, go to Ross if your in the whole selective weight gain program like me…  (Oh wait, selective would only be my belly, what happened to my butt?!)