We are officially on baby watch. Mid week 38, no contractions yet, but any day now could COMPLETELY change our lives. It’s a crazy time, walking the line of having it all together and not knowing whats to come next but I couldn’t be more excited for this next phase of life. About a month ago, I got a pre-natal massage which turned into me having some serious Braxton hicks contractions because I was not hydrating well that day and the massage further put my body into dehydration. Having never had Braxton hicks before, I freaked out, basically thought I was in labor until I googled everything I could and realized I should just try drinking some water. One full hydro flask later and I was feeling much more normal. That scare put me in some serious reality that this baby could potentially come any time and I needed to do all I could to prepare – i.e. pack my hospital bag. I’ve been planning my bag for months because I’m crazy, so I’m excited to finally have it all ready to go and to share some of the great ideas for things to pack that I found while doing #ALLTHERESEARCH.

WHY I PACKED TWO BAGS AND NOT ONE

When I started my list for what I thought I wanted to pack, my first thought was, how the heck do I even pack all of this in one bag? Do I use a suitcase? Is that crazy? Am I trying to take too much? Then I stumbled upon the glorious idea of packing not one but TWO bags and once you listen to this rationale I think you’ll probably pack two bags too.

BAG 1 – BEFORE THE BABY

The first bag you pack is all about making yourself comfortable during labor – and I love this idea. You take this bag in with you when you arrive to the hospital (leaving the other one in the car for later) and it has all the things that once you get situated in a room you can set yourself up with the things that will make you feel (and look) your best during labor. When I was reading some tips someone recommended having your own hospital gown to wear – who knows where the last one has been – and I loved the idea of being in something that is mine and I feel more comfortable in during a time that is mostly uncomfortable. When I started to look up gowns, I found a set that had a pillow case too, again another element that you can wash in your own detergent, get a little bit of home and comfort in a setting that can often be a little intimidating. Some other things I’ve packed in my “Before the Baby” Bag:

• Slippers – wanted these for years and finally treated myself for the occasion
• Robe – this one is SO freaking nice and cute, I’ll be wearing this just generally around the house after baby for sure!
• Head Bands 
• Hair Things
• Nursing Bra
• Deodorant
• Chapstick
• Amazon Echo Dot – read lots of recommendations to have playlists to either calm you or get you pumped, whatever you need and want to hear that will help you and we had bought the extra for the nursery
• Headphones
• Baby Girl Bow (in case its a girl)
• Baby Boy Cap (in case its a boy)
• Hospital Paperwork – can’t forget this!

BAG 2 – AFTER THE BABY

This bag comes in once things…. calm down – though that doesn’t quite seem like the appropriate way to phrase it because I’m sure at this point everything just got real REAL. This bag is for after baby arrives, once you’re settled in your new room post labor, to freshen up and help you with the things you need to be comfy as you and baby recover, and eventually go home 🙂 This bag stays in the car when you arrive and once you get all settled after labor, hubby can grab it from the car and swap out the bags (grab anything you’ll need from the first though – I’ll keep my robe, slippers and deodorant for sure). This helps to not bring your huge suitcase to the hospital and even makes it a little easier to manage all the things you’ll bring. In this bag I packed:

• Shower Shoes
• PJ’s
• Comfortable dress/robe to nurse in and comfortably greet any visitors
• Towel from home
• Wash cloth
• Blanket
• Necessary post labor full coverage undies
• Tucks Pads 
• Frida Momwasher
• Face Wipes
• Dry Shampoo
• Toiletries to freshen up
• Motherlove Nipple Cream
• Foaming Hand Sanitizer – for you and guests who want to hold the babes (great for diaper bags later)
• Swaddle for Baby
• Baby’s Going Home Outfit
• Mama’s Going Home Outfit
• Burp Cloth (probably won’t need just nice to have for the ride home)
• Baby Wipes and a few diapers – especially if you’re particular about the type
• Boppy Pillow and Cover – make breastfeeding easier on you in the hospital

A FEW REMAINING TIPS

• Wash everything before you pack it – in baby safe detergent
• Think about how you want your experience to be and anything that might help calm you/make you feel the most comfortable
• Make sure hubby packs his bag too – he doesn’t need as much stuff but he should be comfortable too and looking good for baby’s arrival!

Anything else you’ve packed in your bag or are planning on? Comment below and tell me!

XO,

JESS

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