What’s your plan…?

Since becoming pregnant, it’s funny how often I get asked “what’s your plan?” 

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This question has been in reference to a myriad of things, including birth plan, postpartum care, breastfeeding, disposable versus cloth diapers, postpartum fitness (no, I’m not kidding), baby’s college plans (and yes, I’m kidding…sort of)…and my standard answer is, I don’t know, I’ve never had a baby before. Not trying to be a complete smart-ass here, but seriously, how can you really plan for something you have so little experience with? Much less, how can you truly plan for anything that is a seemingly unique experience for everyone?

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Sure, you can read books and articles or talk to friends who have more experience than you (ahem, people with kids…) but you can’t really formulate a full fledged plan. You can try and prepare. You can even strategize and come up with some if this, then that’s, but a full formed plan? I just don’t think so. Sorry.

So while I’ve thrown planning for most things pregnancy, labor and delivery, baby, and even parenting almost entirely out the window, I’ve planned one thing – my hospital bag.

I decided I’d rather suck it up, and attempt to plan what I might want in the hospital (and actually pack a bag) so that I could avoid having to walk out of the hospital, baby in my arms, both of us only wearing diapers.

After consulting with the internet, mom friends, and even my doctor, here’s what I’m going to be toting to the hospital while I’m bent over in contractions, getting ready to hit eject on this baby boy!

The essentials

Freshly Picked Diaper Bag

I’ve been looking for a good sized, fashionable “diaper bag” that will also double as a backpack, and I found this amazing vegan leather bag from Freshly Picked.

It’s the perfect, slightly oversized backpack that also doubles as your new best friend (ahem, diaper bag!). It’s 100% wipeable, spill resistant, and it has all the pockets, compartments, and versatility (you can wear it as a backpack, cross body, or even use it as a purse!). And as a bonus, Freshly Picked was started by a mom – a fellow female entrepreneur – which of course, makes this bag even better.

For hospital purposes, I’ve got it ready and waiting to go alongside my hospital duffel bag as my laptop, books, and other personal items carrier.

“Nursing” Bras

I’ve tried an assortment of maternity and “nursing” bras, and ultimately, I’ve found that the only thing I truly want to wear is this super comfy, and oh so soft bralette from Gap Body. I’ve found that these are comfortable enough to wear all day, plus sleep in, and they come with removable pads (which I hear is a must for nursing purposes).  I also packed a couple of pairs of comfortable underwear that I don’t care about – aka will never have to wear again if I so choose.

Comfy Footwear

I’ve heard from almost everyone – doctors, friends and even the internet – that having comfy footwear is  a staple in your hospital bag. I’ve packed a pair of moccasin style slippers (which I literally just ordered off Target.com).

…and my favorite “shitting rainbow socks” (seemed appropriate).

While a lot of people recommended “hospital socks,” I decided to just go with a pair of some of my favorites that would make me feel happy. Oh – and let’s not forget flip-flops. I keep hearing these are essential for showering in the hospital.

Bathrobe.

While I’ve never in my life been someone who wears a bathrobe (unless of course I’m at the spa or pretending to be fancy in a fancy hotel room), I hear that bathrobes are a must while you’re nursing. And I kept hearing that they’re an essential part of your hospital bag (I guess we’ll see…). I ordered this lightweight, kimono style robe from Target – of course in black as I keep reading that you should bring dark colored items of clothing (I’ll leave the reasoning for your own imagination).

Comfy Pants

Since I don’t want to go home in just a diaper, I’ve packed a couple of pairs of my most comfy pants. For going home, I’ve packed one of my very favorite pairs of pants that have taken me through this whole pregnancy – which I hate to admit are from Lululemon – the Align leggings from Lululemon (ughhhhh), to be exact.

They’re so soft, lightweight, COMFORTABLE, and literally have worked pre pregnancy, and all throughout (I might be wearing them right now). Of course, I also packed a pair of of lightweight, loose fitting, and of course BLACK joggers (aka glorified sweatpants).

Comfy Shirts

Since I really can’t just leave the hospital with my bottom half covered, I’ve also packed an assortment of shirts. I have one of my favorite (and oh. so. affordable) maternity tanks (thanks Amazon ….and Alyse for the recco), a comfy and flowy “nursing” t-shirt from Gap, and after so many tips from friends…a button down shirt.

Going home outfit for Baby Danger.

The little dude wants to leave the hospital in more than a diaper too so I’m bringing him a cute little sleeper outfit (complete with a hat) – thanks mom…

 

And an adorable, warm little snuggle suit (I have no idea what you actually call these things but snuggle suit seems appropriate).

Toiletries and Thangs.

I’m assuming everyone has a travel toiletry bag, so I won’t list them everything out here, but I will say I’m pretty basic about this stuff. I’ve got travel sized shampoo, conditioner, lotions, face wash, and toothpaste type things and a hairbrush and a blow dryer (I highly doubt this will get used as it doesn’t get used much at home…but hey, whatever makes you feel more human, I suppose).

 

The fun stuff.

AfterShokz

Since I have Strep B (I know, I know, lucky me), I don’t get to dilly dally. I’m instructed to go to the hospital the minute I start laboring, which means I might be there for a long, long while. To keep my sanity, I’m packing my AfterShokz (of course) and have been busily building up my podcast library so I have all the good distractions ready and on hand.

Books

I’m packing some fun, light reading to keep me entertained pre and post baby.

Phone Charger

People keep talking about how far away the outlets are from your hospital bed in the delivery room so I purchased an extra long phone charger and also fully charged and stowed away my most powerful (ahem, 4 full charges worth) portable phone charger (you know, just in case I want to live cast the birth….I kid, I kid…).

SNACKS. SNACKS. SNACKS.

I’m not one to travel without snacks, and I’m certainly not going to the hospital empty handed. I’ve got a bag of peanut butter pretzels (thanks to Nicci), and an assortment of RXBARS ready to go. I’ve even packed a fizzique sparkling protein water (in strawberry watermelon) for a little extra energy boost (post baby, of course).

If you want to try some fizzique sparkling protein water, you can use the discount code LOVEYOURFIZZIQUE for10% off your first case order through 7/31/18.

The less fun stuff.

 

 

Depends

MANY of my mom friends said grab some Depends instead of using the mesh undies and diaper sized pad that the hospital provides, and while this will certainly be a first for me, I picked up a pack of Always Discreet Depends and have them ready in my bag.

 

Body Wipes

These don’t really deserve to be in the “less fun” category alongside Depends, but here they are. I am obsessed with Goodwipes Body Wipes for when you need to freshen up between (or, ahem, instead of) showering. They’re portable, easy to pack, and and made with natural ingredients. Plus, each wipe is huge (it’s good for a full body scrub down) and they are very soft and easy on the skin.

Motherlove Nipple Cream

I can’t help but LOVE that nipple cream now regularly comes up in my day to day conversations and blog posts but alas, here we are. This has come up time and time again from mom friends – and I’m jumping on the bandwagon and packing my little 1 oz tin of Motherlove Nipple Cream, which is a lanolin-free, organic nipple balm you can apply after feedings that doesn’t need to be wiped off before baby feeds again.

Earth Mama Perineal Spray

I think one of the great joys of motherhood is discovering that there is a need for things like perineal spray. I am….really freaking scared….of the pain component of this whole baby making thing, so I bought some for my bag, for you know, just in case.  There are lots of perineal spray options out there but I went with this natural, herbal spray (based on good reviews and feedback from other mamas).

Well, now you know what’s in my hospital bag? What did I miss? What do you recommend? Or not recommend? Where have I gone right / wrong? 🙂

Stay sweaty (and plan sparingly)!

XO

Jamie

Disclaimer: I was provided with free products from Goodwipes and fizzique but was not required to review either of them (or pack them in my hospital bag). All opinions, words, thoughts expressed, boring packing lists are my very own. I truly appreciate being a part of the Sweat Pink influencer community.