What I am packing in my hospital bag

With my first baby - Jacob, I brought so much stuff, literally two suitcases and a huge yoga bouncing ball. When my husband (carrying two suitcases with one hand and holding a giant ball against his head with another hand) and me screaming from contractions rolled out of the elevator and stepped into the delivery reception area, the nurses could not hold the smirk on their faces. First baby ? Yeah, we can tell! I was in labor for 3 days, and did not use a single thing that I brought with me. Once in the recovery room, there was barely any place for my husband to move or even sit down because of the amount of useless things I brought with me. The baby in a bassinet on one side of the bed, and the huge ball that I actually never used was on the other. So you get the picture. Second time around I only brought one suitcase. Third time I will try to get away with a weekender bag or carry-on size suitcase and rely on the hospital to provide the majority of the things, as they did the first two times. Here is what I am planning on taking:

MINIMAL ESSENTIALS FOR ME:

1. Pjs for sleeping and to hang in the room. Find similar here.

2. Yeti Cup - Literally the best cup there is. Be it coffee, that stays hot all day long or just water, I do not leave the house without it.

3. Scrunchies - Definitely want my hair up and out of the way for the labor part.

4. Toothbrush - well, obviously.

5. Flip Flops - for the shower and to walk around the room. These are only $2.50 and come in a variety of colors.

6. Robe - for photos and room. These robes are super comfortable and soft.

7. Sleeping/nursing bra - I like Calvin Klein cotton bralette. It is not necessarily a nursing bra, but its simple and its very easy to pull it up or down during feeding. I size up in these for extra comfort during breastfeeding.

8. Deodorant - I recently discovered Urban Oreganics and I absolutely love their products. Family owned business and all of their products are organic, vegan and 100% natural. Their sugar scrub and make up remover are the best!

9. For going home I am bringing a simple pair of black leggings (mine are non maternity but are high waisted for support and a white t-shirt. I love Universal Thread brand from Target. It’s very simple and good quality cotton that doesn't get ruined after many washes.

POSTPARTUM CARE

10. Nursing pads - I used lancinoh brand the first two times, so planning to do the same this time as well.

11. Earth Mama Nipple Cream - They do give you a small tube of Lanolin in the hospital, but it’s not organic and is an animal (sheep ) grease. So I am not a fan of it. Earth Mama products are organic, non GMO and made with ethically sourced beeswax.

12. Dermoplast Spray - a must for soothing and relieving the pain down there (if you are delivering vaginally).

13. Cooling pads for boobies- they were a lifesaver during the first few days of breastfeeding.

14. Postpartum Underwear - Depend or Always postpartum underwear (they look like diapers, so super fun! ) and a simple black pair for going home.

ESSENTIALS FOR BABY:

Boppy Nursing Pillow - I am only bringing it because I struggled with finding proper position and support with the hospital pillows the first two times. That contributed to a bad latch and very very sore, bleeding nipples. So I am hoping to avoid it this time around.

Swaddles - I love to use these adjustable velcro swaddles for the first month or so. They are lightweight and breathable and are much easier to swaddle the baby in compared to blankets (mine get unwrapped all the time). Check out Ely's and Co Store on Amazon. They have a few options for both boys and girls.

A few baby clothes - I picked this set from H&M because well number one its super cute, but it also has everything the baby will need for the first few days + a hat and a blanket.

Pacifier - Although lactation consultants do not recommend using a pacifier in the first two weeks in order for the baby to get used to the breast. A nurse whispered in my ear last time that if this is what it takes for you to get rest after the delivery, then go for it. I am not a fan of it myself, but it did give me 2 hours of rest during the first night in the hospital with Olivia, so I'm bringing it just in case. I used MAM before, so this is what I am going with now.

Car seat - We were lucky and got Doona as a present when my first daughter was born and it has been a total #momwin and a game changer. It was so easy to roll the baby out of the hospital and simply put in the car. No adaptors, no extra gadgets and most important no carry a heavy car seat around. We enjoyed it for over a year with Olivia and planning to do the same with the new baby girl. It will stay in the car until we are ready to check out.

Going home outfit - a simple footie. I try to pick mine with two way zippers for easy diaper changes. Old navy has a few good cotton options.

ESSENTIALS FOR HUSBAND (mine is super simple):

- A simple cotton T-shirt and a pair of shorts.

- Toothbrush.

Since we are still in the middle of the pandemic and I am not sure if my husband will be allowed to step out to get food whenever we want to, I will be bringing a few snacks for us. Oh, and of course a phone charger!