Since Kevin will be at the hospital just as long as me, it only makes sense that he have a bag of goodies too. I'm not sure if he'll want to put it all in my bag too, God knows there's room. He's responsible for all the electronic devices for recording the big day.
Cheers!
1. Point n Shoot Camera - for fast pictures
Update: I think we used our big camera for all the pictures...
2. Camera charger
Update: yes
3. Tablet and charger
Update: yes
4. Change purse full of coins - for the vending machine. I'm sure we'll both get hungry at some point.
Update: The maternity ward actually had snacks for free for moms and dads
5. Mini tripod - for family photos, so we don't drive the nursing staff crazy.
Update: Was a good idea, we just didn't have time to use it
6. Phone chargers - (not pictured) because this is the worst time to have your phone die!
Update: yes
7. DSLR camera - (not pictured) we'll be bringing the big camera too, mostly to use when we have some time to get really good shots. I kinda wish I had the nerve to hire a professional photographer to take pictures the whole time. I just don't think I'd be comfortable with that..
Update: We took a lot of pictures with this
8. Change of clothes (not pictured)
Update: Kevin was able to go home when he wanted, but it was nice late at night to have something to change into
9. Pillow (not pictured)
Update: Kevin used his pillow every night for 4 nights
10. Swim trunks - (not pictured) there is a Jacuzzi tub in every room to help with labor. Might make use of that...
Update: My epidural made the jacuzzi tub not an option
11. Toiletries (not pictured)
Update: Used this to freshen up
12. Laptop - (not pictured) for homework
Update: Kevin used the laptop a lot. He did homework, real work, uploaded and send pictures, checked his email, and did the insurance paperwork for my breast pump.
This new person we will be bringing home from the hospital requires some things too. Mainly clothes. I'm sure he'll love nakey time like all kids love nakey time, but I don't think that would be appropriate for the car ride home. :)
Here is the breakdown of Little Man's hospital bag (which I just put in my bag).
1. Blanket - I was told that we won't get to keep the blanket from the hospital. I'm going to try anyway, but if I fail, here is what he will come home in.
Update: We ended up with two blankets from the hospital. They gave us them.
2. Going Home Outfit - I've been told lots of different things about how big he'll be when he is born. I don't want to not have something that fits him, so I got six different sized onesies. One of these has got to work. But after our baby care class, I'm not sure I want to deal with onesies right away. I'm hoping to find some of those shirts that cross over with snaps. If I do, those will replace the onesies.
Update: I'm glad I brought different sizes. Gunnar was a long baby for a newborn and I had to try a couple things to get something to fit.
3. Shorts - to complete the outfit and protect his legs in the car seat.
Update: He did wear these home
4. Scratch Mittens - these probably won't be used, but just in case...
Update: He should have worn these but they were kinda big. He had the longest nails at birth and scratched his face. I ended up sending Kevin home for his nail file.
5. Socks - they're just cute.
Update: He wore these home too
6. Vaseline - I read on a blog that if you coat the baby butt right away with this stuff, it really helps with cleaning up the meconium (first poop).
Update: We didn't have a problem with cleaning the meconium off his butt, so we didn't use the vasoline
I was going to bring some pacifiers too, but I decided against it because I really want to establish breastfeeding with him. I hope he's not super fussy and requires one...
That's it for the little guy. We have about a 10 minute ride home, so I think he'll be good until he gets to his room.
Cheers!
One of my goals this past weekend was to finish packing my bag for the hospital. Since I'm 37 weeks, I can go into labor any time now. I have a tendency to over pack, and I'm sure this is no exception. It all fits in one bag, including the baby's stuff. I think I can even fit Kevin's things in there if I really wanted too...
After reading a bunch of blogs about what other mommies packed, and suggestions from my mommy friends and the nurses that taught our baby classes, this is what I decided to take. Not sure if it will all be used. I'll be sure to do an update of what I actually needed and what I didn't.
Cheers!
Lets start with the big stuff first.
1. Mini Fans - it's been 90 degrees here in Florida and I doubt it will cool down in August. These fans might come in handy for mommy and daddy when labor gets really tough.
Update: used a little at the beginning of labor
2. Socks - I'm thinking these are thick enough to double as slippers. And the ones with the face will make me smile when I am in pain.
Update: wore these as slippers after I had the baby and was walking around
3. Tennis Ball - The nurse that taught our Lamaze class said this was good to use as a massager if I have back labor.
Update: Didn't use this, had an epidural
4. Nursing Bras - two sizes. Wearing one of these home.
Update: I did end up wearing these home
5. Sports Bra - bought a cheapo from Walmart to wear during labor and toss after. I'll have access to a jacuzzi tub, so this will be helpful there. Not planning on wearing a lot while in labor.
Update: Didn't wear this. My labor moved quickly to an epidural, so I didn't use the jacuzzi tub
6. Nightgown and Robe - not sure if this will stay in the bag. It was a gift from my MIL and I really like it, it's so soft. The light color doesn't seem post pardem friendly, since I'm told I'll be a bloody mess after the baby is here...
Update: I just stayed in the hospital gown the whole time. It was easier for nursing.
7. Going Home Outfit - loose fitting black dress. Cuz, you know, the whole bloody mess thing.
Update: Wore this home. It was too short because I still had a big belly. I was a little self conscious.
8. Journal/ Pen - I journal. A lot. I want to be able to write down everything I remember about Little Man's birthday. I'll be telling him the story every year. It's tradition.
Update: Wish I would have taken the time to write, but I was so tired
9. Shower Shoes - just some cheapos from Old Navy
Update: I didn't take a shower
Now the little things...
1. Pads - I know they will give you these at the hospital, but I am picky. Just wanted to make sure I have something that I like.
Update: I used the hospital ones
2. Toothbrush and Toothpaste - bought a new one so I for sure won't forget it. At least I'll have a clean mouth at the end of the day.
Update: yes
3. Tums - I've had such bad heartburn this pregnancy, I don't go any where without these things now.
Update: Didn't need these after labor
4. Cocoa Butter - I've been using cocoa butter twice a day for months to help with stretch marks. Can't stop now, unless they tell me to.
Update: Didn't use because of the c-section
5. Shampoo and Conditioner
Update: Didn't take a shower
6. E.L.F Face Mist - I can't be without this. It's very hydrating on the face. I think it will be nice to spray when I'm exhausted or gross during labor.
Update: Yes! This was amazing after being in bed for two days. It was all I could do to move to the bathroom, so freshening up with this was amazing
7. Cleansing Clothes - I'm not bringing my face soap because it's a pain. Just get these guys wet and you have a soapy towel ready to go! These are amazing on long flights too. Just saying.
Update: Yes! It was easy to use when I was in pain and couldn't bend over to wash my face
8. Breast Pads - in case my milk comes in right when he gets here.
Update: nope
9. Chapstick
Update: Yes!
10. Deodorant
Update: Yes!
11. Q-Tips - I hate wet ears.
Update: Since I didn't take a shower, I didn't need these
12. Hair ties and clips - I have really long hair. It drives me crazy when it gets in my face on a normal day. I can't imagine the rage I would go into if I had to fight with it while in labor.
Update: I did end up using these for labor and after. Once I ran a brush through my hair...
13. Cleansing Towelettes - another thing to help refresh me during labor.
Update: Used after labor
14. Face Lotion
Update: yes
15-18. 5-Minute Face Kit - I want to look some what good for the first pictures with my baby. This is the bare minimum to give me some confidence. Loreal BB Cream and concealer for my skin. Mascara to look awake and some tinted lip balm and gloss. Not too much, but still pretty. :)
Update: I used this one day for pictures, but the photographer never came
19. Plastic Bags - (not pictured) to put dirty clothes or shoes in. Or to carry things out to the car. It's always nice to have some extra bags in case you need them.
Update: Both Kevin and I used these
20. Prenatal Vitamins - (not pictured) specifically with DHA for breastmilk.
Update: Nope
21. Brush and Comb (not pictured)
Update: Yes!
I was also told to bring the breastfeeding pillow I would be using at home by a bunch of friends. After doing lots of research, I decided to go with the My Brest Friend pillow. It didn't hurt that Babies R Us put it on sale a few weeks ago...
Update: I did used the nursing pillow a lot while trying to get the hang of breatfeeding
I'll also be grabbing some pillows to bring for me and Kevin at the hospital too. I was told that hospital pillows aren't that comfortable and that the one I'll be delivering at has a shortage. Kevin will get to spend the night, so he'll need something. Not that I think we'll be getting a lot of sleep...
