I’ve given birth twice. It does not make me a master mind of the entire experience, because for those who have been through it know that anything twist or turn can be tossed your way. Brody was an 18 hour labor fest, ending with a recovery that was one for the books. Owens delivery was much different, super intense contractions until I hit 7cm and just couldn’t take the pain (aka – give me the drugs!). They both had me go from 5cm to 10cm within 30/45 minutes so the end goes wicked fast. With this next little addition I am keeping my mind open – really not setting myself up for thinking it’ll go one way or the other. All I hope for is a healthy little babe and a safe delivery, great recovery for us both.
I’ll have a 48 hour stay in the hospital after having him because I tested positive for group B. Oh joy – I never did with the boys. So I want to make sure I’ve got what I need!
Onto what I pack! I do not think I packed much of anything for Brody, I can hardly remember. What I do remember is that the recovery was so ridiculous (they said he should have been a c-section) that I could hardly leave my bed to pick him up. So combing my hair or looking like anything but a train wreck wasn’t on the game plan. With Owen, my recovery was wonderful, I was up and moving and had my act together.
I do remember wishing I had a few extra things in my bag – so this time, I am going to pack with a purpose. Not too much, not too little.
Here’s what I’ve got so far –
The bag I love! It’s a weekender bag from Target – you can buy it HERE.
First off – the beauty side kicks. If you can even call these that. I am obsessed with these Yes To face wipes from Target to remove my makeup at night – they leave my skin feeling so clean! Dry shampoo is a must if you have hair. PERIOD. It’s that important to me. It will help me freshen up in the morning if I cannot scramble for a shower in the a.m. The obvious other essentials, and my makeup bag awaiting on the side just incase I have a second to put a face on.
For me! COMFY clothes. I am off to impress no one. I’ll throw in my maternity leggings once the day nears, but for now they are one of the two pairs of pants I can fit in. Keep in mind post baby bleeding is REAL – and a lot. So comfortable pants that you can rock a giant pad in are an essential!
I always only brought a “coming home” outfit. This time I’m tossing in a swaddle for pictures, and second outfit since our stay is a bit longer. Ooh these tiny clothes you guys – the cutest!
And THIS. Not your average cell phone charging cord. This one is the mother load. It is 6 feet in length! If you’ve been in a hospital bed before, you know darn well that your cord is not nearly long enough to reach the bed, nor table side properly. This little gem will come in handy when I just want to lay in bed with the little guy, but have total access to my phone with comfort to stay in touch with Dan when he is with the boys.
Of course there are little tid bits not shown here – the hair ties and brush, socks, a robe. Snacks, camera, video camera…
What are some of your favorite things you packed for your birth??
Help a momma out! Countdown is 10 days until he arrives!
(or earlier if he wishes)
Toilet paper, because hospital TP sucks! Good luck!
My own pillow was a must! Also brought the boppy pillow for the babe with a double pillowcase cover so I could strip it easily and put on the fresh real cover once we got home. Baby book with the footprint page marked so that the nurse could get those sweet little toes inked in there when they were so tiny, fresh and new!
Best of luck, you look fab!