What's in my hospital bag(s)

For all you mom’s out there who are close to delivering or have just found out the good news, this post is for you.

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More than likely you’ve spent the past several months like I have, planning and dreaming of the day you’re holding your precious bundle of joy in your arms. You’re stocked up on baby gear, the nursery is all decorated and you have the car seat already installed waiting for baby’s arrival. But don’t forget one of the most important things to do before baby comes into the world. Your hospital bag, and all the essentials that go in it. WHEN I DECIDED TO PACK MY BAG Again Consult your doctor as each woman is different. Especially for those who have high risk pregnancies and your OB feels you may go into labor early, for example, if your expecting twins.

I started thinking about it around 34 and 35 weeks right after my baby shower so I knew what all I had and if I needed to pick up anything that needed to be in my bag but I would definitely recommend no later than 37 and 38 weeks. This way you’re prepared if you happen to go into labor early. Of course when to pack a hospital bag is up to you! It’s just a good idea not to leave it for later. You’ll definitely be glad to have it ready whenever he (or she) decides to make their arrival. HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR ME This is what I have in my bag for myself. Again it may differ from what you will want to pack but a general idea. • my purse and wallet with my photo ID, insurance card, and my birth plan • Chargers for my iPhone, iPad, and iWatch. (Yes I’m an Apple nerd) • A loose robe to walk the halls with. Also, I don’t mind getting ruined possibly • Lip balm • Headband or ponytail holders. Yes multiple ponytail holders as you know you will only leave with one even though you came in with 5 LOL • Granola bars, mini candy bars that rhyme with “nickers” lol and fruit snacks also change for the vending machines • 2 of my favorite maternity bras and nursing pads. (You’ll appreciate the pads even if your not breastfeeding)

• My small overnight bag with my hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, all travel-sized. As well as basic makeup. • Loose, lightweight clothing (so in other words, my husbands T-shirt’s or any maternity clothes I have) • Going home outfit, and my flip flops or flats. (You have no idea how happy I will be, to be able to wear my boots again soon lol) • Earbuds to listen to music on my phone or the new podcast that maybe my husband isn’t really into • One of my bath towels from home as the hospital ones are very small. • My pillow from home with pillow case that can be ruined as it’s possible. • My breastfeeding nightgown. I know they provide gowns but sometimes it makes you feel more at home. • Breastfeeding pillow • My small wick-less candle warmer with lavender scent, as it’s supposed to make labor more relaxing. •Last but not least. My camera, batteries, SD cards and battery charger. You know as a photographer that’s coming with me. With a few simple small props like a special blanket and blocks. HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR MY BABY BOY As a newborn you don’t need much, so I’m just keeping it simple. Also the hospital usually provides most of the essentials for the first few days. • Already installed car seat. • His coming home outfit and a few other first day as a newborn outfits in different sizes just in case. •A small blanket (even though it’s currently hot outside, you never know the weather in the Midwest lol) • A few different pacifiers (I call them binkies) • Booties or socks. HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR MY HUSBAND So now that you’ve gone through the hospital bag checklist for yourself and your baby, don’t forget about your significant other! I’m sure my husband will need a few things to keep him occupied during the times I am not actively pushing or need his support (last time my labor was 21+ hours.) Here’s what I put in my husbands hospital bag.

• Chargers for iPhone and iwatch • A few shirts, gym shorts, socks and boxers. • His toothbrush, deodorant, face wash and shampoo all in travel sizes. • His own snacks (we sometimes have different tastes in food. Like his vinegar chips he loves, yuck!) • the latest Disc Golf magazine, or honestly just his phone to watch Disc Golf videos • His daily prescription medication •Photo of his dog (his 4 legged son) kidding...maybe. And I think that’s about it. Whether this is your first or your fifth, I hope this helped you if you were either clueless or wasn’t sure what to pack this time around. And again yours may differ from what I put in mine but it’s a good starting guide. Now that you have your bags packed go ahead and either put your hospital bag by your bed, by the front door or even better already in your car, and get ready for baby to come! Also Congratulations on your pregnancy.

-Tanna Marie

Now my bag may differ from what you want in your bag but I’ve listed the common essentials along with what’s going in my bag for my hospital stay. Also it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor or hospital about any questions or concerns about your stay and what’s allowed, what not to bring and what’s already provided.