I’d like to take this opportunity to re-introduce myself, my name is Melissa and I’m the creator of LatchPal. I’m a mother to a beautiful little boy and our family is expecting a second child very soon. I see pictures of your beautiful babies on a daily basis and I’m eager to welcome another bundle of joy into our family!
With a very pregnant belly and 2.5 weeks until my due date, it’s time to pack a hospital bag and embrace the final weeks of pregnancy. As I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but feel a bit sentimental knowing the end is near but I also feel a flutter of excitement whenever I see the tiny “coming home outfit” neatly folded on my hospital bag.
I guess you could say, a hospital bag, is the final step of preparation before a baby’s arrival. Like many expectant moms, mine has been packed with great care and contains items to keep me comfortable, confident, and includes a few items for Dad (pillow, blanket, and snacks). While labor and delivery is different for every single family, here are my top “hospital bag picks”. I hope you find this list helpful as you prepare for your new addition!
Night time necessities
Hospitals can be be a sterile and impersonal place, so it's nice to bring a "touch of home" to make your stay more comfortable. I love bringing my own pillow, blanket and important accessories that keep me sleeping soundly. Even if I don't use these items, there's a good chance my husband will. While hospitals supply these items, yours will always be more cuddly and comfortable!
Personal items.
Don't forget your personal care items to keep you clean, refreshed, and feeling like yourself. A tooth brush, hair bands, and facial wipes are a few must haves. You may also want to bring your own pads for postpartum bleeding for your trip home. While the hospital will provide some, if you'd like a thinner and more comfortable version, consider your own.
Featured items:
Always Maxi,
Burt's Bees Lip Balm,
G.U.M Toothbrush,
Goody Hair Bands,
Yes to Cucumbers- Facial Wipes
Keeping you comfortable
One of the first signals of labor is nausea and vomiting. You might consider bringing your own care bags and washcloths to keep you clean and at ease. A warm fresh-smelling washcloth can sooth your forehead and keep you calm if you experience chills.
Pack helpful breastfeeding accessories to help initiate nursing with your little one. I've packed a Nursing Pillow, a Breastfeeding Clip,
Nipple Balm, and a Nursing Bra. Oh and don't forget lactation cookies or treats!
Take your routine medications to the hospital with you. While you may not be able to injest the ones you bring, it will make it easier for the hospital pharmacy to fill the appropriate prescriptions during your stay.
Comfy Clothes
Pack some comfy clothes for your trip home. I recommend some full coverage undies, a loose fitting shirt (your cup size may increase once your milk comes in), some snuggly socks, and some stretchy comfortable pants.
Make sure to bring your camera to snap those first precious moments. It's also common to have newborn pictures taken 3-10 days after delivery, so remember to bring your photographer's phone number to alert them once your baby is born!
If you need tips & tricks on preparing for a newborn shoot look no further....check out these hints for a successful photoshoot from an acclaimed Chicago Photographer, Regina Burnett.
Don't forget a few essentials for bringing home your baby! You can't leave the hospital unless you have a car seat...and be sure to bring a "going home outfit" including socks! You should also bring your car seat's infant insert, a blanket, and perhaps hats, gloves, and booties depending on the season. Infants are very sensitive to temperature changes, so be sure to keep them dressed warmly to help regulate their core body temperature.
