Hello Lovely!
It’s only Tuesday and I’ve already had a crazy mom week.
This post is completely honest, and I want everyone to know that I struggle. Like a lot, some days. I am human and hormonal.
So here it goes —
Lewi is so crazy lately. I’m fairly positive he knows something is up and we are getting closer and closer to change.
He also knows it’s something about me because he is only this naughty with me! I’m not even kidding. Justin watched him the other night and said he was a superstar. Like what? No way!
He is getting into absolutely EVERYTHING!
I have to close all the doors in the house and watch him like a hawk. I can’t even clean up his messes (yesterday was laundry detergent out of the carpet) without him throwing pizza at me from his highchair! Today it was pouring out all of my root boosting powder as I tried to use the computer. (Last week he got into my lipstick for the second time this month and stained the carpets.)
I’m absolutely exhausted and stressed to the max.
Justin has been really busy with work lately, which is a great thing! Only, he doesn’t get home until late and therefore misses putting Lewi to bed and supper. That really adds to the emotional stress.
Saturday ended with an unforeseen trip to the hospital. All tests came back negative, and we were sent home. The only thing I learned was that the contractions I keep feeling (not rhythmically) are there. So, I mean I’m not going crazy.
Anyway, if anything practical was learned from that scare it was that I am NOT prepared! I had to rush to pack my hospital bag and realize I didn’t even know what to bring. I don’t have everything I need, and I am not prepared to leave at the drop of a hat.
So today, I am sharing a guide of what to pack in your hospital bag!
My first advice for new mommas, check with your doctor what will be provided for you by the hospital before you make your list!
So many things are provided that I won’t bother to pack because why spend money on things that are given to you?
Some ladies prefer their own pads and underwear. I had a little bit of a rough recovery after Lewi due to tearing, and I had to use the large pads the hospital provided until I ran out! I was wearing maxi pads for my entire 6 week recovery, and know that I would rather just use the pads they provide.
With underwear, I really encourage others to make use of the mesh panties they provide. They’re flimsy so I doubled and even tripled up on pairs at a time to keep the pads in place.
When you’re leaving the hospital, ask your nurse if she can score you a bunch of extras because if you’re in the big pads for a week you won’t be able to fit them in any underwear you own. Also, I like to avoid ruining my own underwear.
If you plan to breastfeed and introduce a bottle right away, don’t forget to bring a breast pump! Otherwise, if you’re EBF (Exclusively Breastfeeding) you won’t need to worry about that.
I’m not actually sure how formula works because I pumped with Lewi, but that is definitely a question to ask your doctor!
Other frivolous things you may want to include in your bag have to do with pictures. We will be doing a Fresh 48 session and will take a Christmas Card picture while at the hospital, so I will have to have our outfits for that. If you’re into the letter board announcements, definitely check this one out! (The large size is back in stock too, so check that out!)
All in all, just remember what time of year it is and pack according to your state and season. Bring the amount of clothing you will need for a 48-hour stay in case you have to stay for testing of any sort. Some people will go home as soon as they are cleared, and that is perfectly okay! I will be soaking in the time I get away from dishes and laundry. (The stuff I neglect to do anyway.)
REMEMBER: Not all babies will fit into size NB clothes! Be sure to pack a couple preemie onesies and 0-3 month outfits just in case!
And babies are messy people. They may need a spare outfit or two just in case of a blowout or spit-up. So be prepared for that.
I hope this list helped someone out! I remember how oblivious I was the first time. And for real, don’t forget the chapstick. I don’t know what it is, but your lips get so dry. Drink lots of water, babe!
Have any questions or comments about packing for the hospital? Let me know in the comments!
xo Tay
