Well, I went to the doctor yesterday and I’m happy to report that I am now dilated to a 2 and 40% effaced. If this one goes anything like the last 3, I’ve got mere days before this pregnancy is in the bag.
(Let’s just all cross our fingers that she’ll wait to emerge until my mom flies in to town a week from today…)
In either case, I spent yesterday gathering the last of my essentials and packing them up in preparation for the impending delivery.
Here are my must-haves for both during and after labor:
1. Chicer than the traditional duffel, not as stuffy as a suitcase, a large weekender tote is a much better option for the hospital and the soft sides make it stuff anywhere easily which can be nice in a tiny hospital room. This one is large and not over-priced.
2. A super soft knit robe is a must have, as hospitals are chilly and those awesome gowns they make you wear don’t have a back. I was in dire need of a new robe (I’ve had my old terry one for 9 years) and this lovely cream one from Target was perfection. I can’t imagine a softer fabric, and the price is great.
3. Cute pajamas. About 30 seconds after I’m done delivering a baby, I ditch the required hospital wear, (you know the stuff stamped “property of”) and slip into my own lounge clothes. And since it’s hard not to feel like a zombie after giving birth, I like to bring something that’s both comfy and pretty, thus maintaining some amount of dignity. I love this gray set from Gap. Plus, polka dots.
4. Slippers. Just yes. Hospital floors are cold, and gross and don’t feel good on your feet. This pair (that just happen to match the pj pants) are perfect.
5. Socks. You’d be surprised how cold your feet can get while you’re trying to deliver a human into the world. Socks are a must-have and these are beyond soft. (Can you tell that how soft every thing is that touches my skin is a big deal for me?)
6. I know that right after I have a baby, I sort of look like the waking dead, but I don’t really want to see exactly how pail and beat-up I look every time I happen to catch a glimpse of my reflection. I love Bare Minerals foundation because it’s quick and painless and not messy. Plus, I recently switched to their new “Ready” foundation and it’s amaze. Feels like heaven on your skin.
8. Aveeno blue. AKA:World’s most amazing lotion. Seriously, I used to deal with eczema after I moved to the desert, and no amount of prescription steroid cream would cure it. Then I tried this and it was gone, never to return in a matter of days. It’s also neither chalky or oily. So yeah.
9. Nursing pads. Guys, I have nursed 3 babies. And I have tried every brand of nursing pad out there. These are the best. Trust me. And we’ll just leave it at that.
10. The Boppy is by far the most ingenious thing ever invented for a nursing mother. Especially for right after birth, when you’re exhausted but you still need to feed another human. Also, it adds extra support for your abdominal region which is pretty much shot for the first few days postpartum. I picked up this pretty pink cover at Target yesterday. Stripes and polka dots, don’t mind if I do.
11. Swaddling blankets. Guys, I am a jedi-master at the baby swaddle. I can burrito up a baby like it’s no body’s business. This has come in handy since all three of my littles loooooved to be swaddled when they were babies. When I saw these ones from Pottery Barn, I died right then and there. I mean, chevron? They were practically made for me.
12. The new little Miss needs something darling to ride home in. I almost died when I found this little bunny onesie in Old Navy a few weeks ago. Even Mr. Ethan couldn’t help but get excited about it. And if a 4-year-old boy thinks an infant onesie is cute enough to stop playing with his action figure and give his opinion, you buy it.
GREAT essentials!! Olivia had that boppy cover, SUCH a cute cover!! LOVE LOVE the robe, pjs and slippers!! Might need those just because they are cute and soft!! :)
if i’m being truly honest – i wish it were me packing my hospital bag. but eek, this is so fun anyway :) i’ll keep a note of these for when my time comes. i’m excited for you!!!
Have you tried the Brestfriend nursing pillow? I love the boppy for my older infant but when she was a teensy weensy newborn she would slide in between me and the boppy – the Brestfriend fits snug against your belly, straps to stay in place, and has a lumbar support which was CRUCIAL in that horrible hospital bed. Even has a pocket for nipple shields, lanolin, whatever. I can’t say enough about it, it was amazing during those first few weeks. Not to insult your baby knowledge but I wouldn’t have known about it if my nurse hadn’t mentioned it. I thought the boppy was all there was.
I loved the breastfriend!! It worked way better for me than the boppy. My daughter kept sliding between me and the boppy. The breastfriend was a life saver and I highly recommend it! Although, if you’ve already nursed three little ones, I think you have it down! Obviously the boppy works for you :).
Good luck during the next week or so!! Very exciting!!
That’s great advice ! That’s pretty much what I had in my hospital bag ! one life saver for me was evian water mist, for when you’re not feeling so fresh ! Wish you the best ! My Blog – A Pretty Nest
Good luck Cori, hope it goes well.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com
I want those blankets for myself! Chevron seems very you! :) Congrats ahead of time – I hope everything goes smoothly and safely!
GREAT essentials!! Olivia had that boppy cover, SUCH a cute cover!! LOVE LOVE the robe, pjs and slippers!! Might need those just because they are cute and soft!! :)
that bag is great! so much better than a small suitcase.
if i’m being truly honest – i wish it were me packing my hospital bag. but eek, this is so fun anyway :) i’ll keep a note of these for when my time comes. i’m excited for you!!!
Oh I’m getting so excited for you! Can’t wait to meet your new little one.
Loving your pyjamas, they look soooooo comfy
Good luck for when baby comes.
Have you tried the Brestfriend nursing pillow? I love the boppy for my older infant but when she was a teensy weensy newborn she would slide in between me and the boppy – the Brestfriend fits snug against your belly, straps to stay in place, and has a lumbar support which was CRUCIAL in that horrible hospital bed. Even has a pocket for nipple shields, lanolin, whatever. I can’t say enough about it, it was amazing during those first few weeks. Not to insult your baby knowledge but I wouldn’t have known about it if my nurse hadn’t mentioned it. I thought the boppy was all there was.
Ah I’ve never heard of it! Thanks for suggesting it. I’m going to go Google it right now. I love brilliant products.
I loved the breastfriend!! It worked way better for me than the boppy. My daughter kept sliding between me and the boppy. The breastfriend was a life saver and I highly recommend it! Although, if you’ve already nursed three little ones, I think you have it down! Obviously the boppy works for you :).
Good luck during the next week or so!! Very exciting!!
Oh boy, I wish this was a giveaway- I love everything in your bag! ;) I have baby fever so bad- working on it!!
That’s great advice ! That’s pretty much what I had in my hospital bag ! one life saver for me was evian water mist, for when you’re not feeling so fresh !
Wish you the best !
My Blog – A Pretty Nest
Lady you are ready to go! Best best best of luck!! xoxo
Thanks for the list of must haves! We are expecting our first this December so I am at a loss as to what I should pack! :)
dont forget flip flops or crocs for the shower!
Amen on the nursing pads! This is my 4th baby and I have literally tried every brand. These are my favorite by far. Good luck on the new baby!