I just finished cutting the boys’ and Nathan’s hair which was the last thing on the ‘preparing for baby’s arrival’ to-do list. Whoo-hoo! I did want to clean the windows, but it can be done when baby’s here (or this week!).
I’m entering week 39, which means that the big surprise day is getting closer. Every morning when I wake up, I’m grateful for one more restful night where my energy is renewed. During the day, I do try to stay active, although I sit and sometimes lay down if my stamina is really lagging.
This afternoon is a restful one. So while I sit on the exercise ball and sip hot caramel apple tea, I’m going to share everything that’s currently packed in my hospital bag. Disclaimer: I’m not an over packer. I rather do without than pack it just in case : )
There are a few things for mom during labor and post-partum as well as for baby. Dad has a couple things in there too.
During labor and delivery:
With light support, it doesn’t feel tight around the torso or constrictive. I have been wearing it for the last few weeks, and love it so much I got two colors.
This tank is for wearing over the sports bra while laboring in the birthing tub. It’s long and light and will keeping me modest. I have been wearing this tank through late pregnancy, and it’s comfortable.
A good friend was sweet to give me a roll-on bottle of Comfort Blend. She said the lavender, peppermint, and orange help ease the discomfort of the intensity of labor. It smells so good!
During my first deliveries, I wore the hospital gown and then another one over it as a robe so one had the open back and one the open front (for decency purposes). But the hospital gown still made me feel a lot like a suffering patient and frumpy. A simple, stretchy, lounging outfit is far better after a hot shower!
It’s enough support while comfortable to sleep in. I also like having my belly covered when I nurse.
The support has enough stretch that I can wear it all day while smoothing and holding everything in for me to feel comfortable and discrete.
Covers the bum with the leggings, but also light in case I get hot.
This is easy to throw on or take off if I’m getting cold or want to walk the hallways.
If my feet are cold, I can’t seem to get warm, so these are packed in the bag because the hospital ones are like slipper socks with rubber bottoms and tube-like (one-size fits all).
Toiletries – travel size shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, makeup remover wipes, travel size hairspray, hair elastics, bobby pins, razor, q-tips. Actually, my toiletry bag stays packed all the time in my closet.
It’s my favorite, but it does stain. I always use it with nursing pads.
I always get so large, that the thinner the pad, the better. These are the ones I have used for many years.
The style of this shirt is flattering for post-partum and long in the back to cover the bum. I plan to wear over the nursing tank with leggings for going-home outfit.
I have never used these before, but it’s been recommended to me, and I can see the ease of slipping on and tossing after use. I hear they will stay in place so much better than the large pads the hospital offers. I will try anything to make the first few days post-partum a more comfortable recovery.
For Baby:
I packed two of these. I love dressing the baby in clothes from home! I’m always surprised at how they end up fitting.
We have a couple of new ones, and I love the color of this one.
Just in case it helps.
I think it will be too big, but it’s in the bag.
For Dad:
If we’ve labored all night, sometimes he’s liked to just change undershirt and brush his teeth to feel a little more refreshed. From previous experience, I know he won’t shower at the hospital and usually will head back home to the other children once everything is settling down and baby and mama are resting.
Electronics – phone, phone charger and laptop (will grab when we leave for the hospital).
with love, Damaris
FirstFruits Family 