In My Hospital Bag

In My Hospital Bag by oykristen 
// 1.  Anthropologie Peach Blossom Robe // 2. Target Expandable File // 3. Gillian O'Malley Nursing Cami // 4. Gillian O'Malley Nursing Bra 
// 5. Kate Spade "Stevie" Baby Bag // 6. Hanes Women's 10-Pack Cotton Bikini // 7. Gilligan & O'Malley® Women's Tee Shirt/Crop Pajama Set 
// 8. Annie's Homegrown Cheddar Bunnies Crackers // 9. The Honest Company Organic Nipple Balm // 10. C9 Core Fitness Ball //

In My Hospital Bag. 

I spent the last few weeks of my pregnancy gearing up for  "the big day". Each morning was strangely thrilling, waking up and wondering if this would be the day that my body would encounter a whole host of sensations I'd never felt before and ultimately, unleash my baby. I spent those last weeks of pregnancy in mega prep mode: finishing the nursery, laundering onesies, and packing (and re-packing) my hospital bag.

I might have taken the "preparing" a bit overboard when packing my hospital bag. I say bag, but lets be honest... it was BAGS. Plus a cooler. Unfortunately, we forgot to throw it in the car when I actually went into labor (I know, how could we NOT be fixated on the cooler during our, "This is it! GET IN THE CAR!"-moments of labor transition?)  I went three days without my beloved La Croix. The worst. Well, actually, I wish that was the worst part of labor.

So here's what I had packed in my hospital bag, along with a few side notes of what I actually used and would recommend to others.

For Me:

* These Nursing Tanks (#3 above) - Oh, Gillian O'Malley, since becoming a mommy I am LOVING everything this woman makes. You can find her maternity/nursing line at Target. These camis make nursing so much easier. I have been really happy with them and bought several more over the past few weeks. Worth the investment.

* 2 pairs of Yoga Pants - You will live in these pants, so make it something you could comfortably fit in around week 25 of your pregnancy. You won't be squeezing into your pre-pregnancy pants quite yet. I preferred black and gray pants, just in case of leakage. Ah.

* These Nursing Bras (#4 above) - Again, Gillian O'Malley is knockin' it outta the park. I think part of my adoration for her nursing line is the exceptional quality for the moderate price.

* These Pajamas (#7 above) - They're cute. They're comfy. And I never ended up wearing them.

* These Gigantic Undies (#6 above) - I say "gigantic" because you should buy a bigger size than you think you will need. Also, make sure these are something you don't mind tossing after a few weeks, they are strictly for the postpartum experience. You don't want to ruin your good stuff :) Note: The hospital will give you some incredibly sexy disposable underwear - stock up on these. Not only are they so attractive you will find yourself walking the catwalk in your recovery room, but it's awesome to be able to toss them after each wear.

* Lightweight Robe - Ahhhh I love my robe. I have a bit of a robe fetish. However, I also didn't wear this in the hospital at all. There just wasn't time for all these costume changes.
* Belly Band - I wore this in an attempt to keep my tummy smooth under my clothes. I've heard rumors that it actually helps shrink your stomach postpartum, but who knows?

* Socks/Slippers - Cuz hospitals skeez me out. Protect your tootsies.

* Flip flops - For the shower (don't judge me... I never ended up using these in the shower. I just sort of forgot. DON'T JUDGE.)

* Bathing Suit - For water labor (which I totally didn't end up doing. Womp womp.)

* Going-Home Outfit - Keep it simple, you just need something comfy for the car ride. NOT your old skinny jeans that you hope you will fit into. Because you just won't.

* This Milkmaid Nursing Pillow - I have been really, really happy with this nursing pillow. The design and material just makes it so easy to nurse! But I know there are a lot out there on the market - bring whatever seems comfortable for you. Just make sure you have something to use in the hospital for nursing, because hopefully you will be doing that a lot!

* Honest Co. Nipple Balm - Don't use that crap the hospital gives you. This stuff is the bomb. And you don't have to wipe it off every time before you nurse (can you believe they make stuff that you put on, only to wipe off? So dumb.) Seriously, this balm is just so soothing.

* Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, razor, soap, contact solution, contact case, lotion, belly balm, deodorant, makeup bag, hair gel, hair ties, glasses - do I sound high maintenance?

* SNACKS: Kind Bars, Pretzels, Annie's Fruit Snacks & Cheddar Bunnies (#9 above - the best!) Remember, these snacks aren't just for you. Whoever is in the birthing room with you will also need to keep up their strength, so make sure you pack some good stuff!

For Stevie:

* Comfy Outfit/PJs

* Hoodie - It gets super chilly in the labor/delivery rooms for everyone except the lass in labor, understandably.

* Socks/underwear/t-shirts - Or whatever else your man wears.

* Toiletries

For Everett:

* Hospital outfits  - He didn't need these, as the nurses dressed him in hospital clothes the entire time we were there.

* Going Home Outfit - I packed two, a NB size and 0-3 month size. Yes, he was a hefty baby, but he still wore the newborn outfit home :)

* Receiving/Swaddling Blanket - Again, not necessary. The hospital provides receiving blankets (AND teaches you how to swaddle that babe. Score.)

* Nursing Cover - Ha, I also didn't ever use this. I just whipped out my lactation devices whenever he was hungry. All modesty goes out the window after having a baby. Believe me.
* Diaper Bag (#5 above) - Make sure its stocked with all the baby necessities! Or you know, whatever you guess might be a necessity.

* Car seat - Just make sure it's installed!

For the Labor:

* Expandable File (#2 above), Including: 4-6 Copies of Birth Plan, Copies of ID, Copies of Insurance Cards (Guess who forgot her birth plan? Yeah, that was awesome.)

* Water Labor Certificate - My hospital required this for a water birth. Surprisingly, I remembered to bring this and then never used it. The IRONY.

* Music Playlists - Never listened to any music. I sincerely did NOT want extra noise when I was in labor.

* Headphones - Nope.

* Fan - I literally forgot I packed this.

* Birth ball (#10 above) - THIS THING WAS AWESOME. I bounced my baby out.

* Pillows/blanket - Nope, don't even think about bringing these with you. If you bring these into the hospital room... you won't want to keep them.

Other:

* Extra tote bag (for all the hospital goodies, like free diapers and economy-sized maxi pads.)

* Laptop + Charger (yeah, I never got on my laptop at the hospital. I mean COME ON.)

* DSLR + Charger

* Phones + Chargers

That's what I brought! It seems like a lot, huh? All I can say is... having a baby is the hugest transition of your life. You will want to come to the hospital (or birth center) as prepared as possible. Oh - and one more thing. Make sure you actually tell your family and doula that you packed snacks for them. I forgot to mention that to my birth team, and after 36 hours... well, they were starving. Oops.

Seasoned mamas, any items that you packed in your hospital bag that made all the difference? Feel free to comment below!