What’s In My Hospital Bag
As I inch closer and closer to my due date, I can’t help but look back on what it was like the first time around. One of the things I’ve kept thinking about is how many unnecessary things I brought to the hospital in my bag! I’ve put together a great list updated with COVID19 relevant items that I think are must haves for the last time you leave the house as a pregnant woman.
Diffuser
During pregnancy, you're super sensitive to smell, and the hospital and childbirth come with their distinct scents. I like replacing those scents with one that keeps me calm and centered. I run a diffuser when I meditate, and the smell can help me change states when I want to harness a state of calm during a challenging time, aka labor!
Mask
Since wearing a mask for the past three months, I've gotten to know my likes and dislikes with them. I'm obsessed with this mask I got for Mother’s Day, along with my robe that I'll also be bringing.
Formula
Though I plan on breastfeeding again, I'll have a bag of formula in my bag. When Liam was born, we had some complications and could not regulate his blood sugar. It was stressful, and we had to give him formula to supplement what I was able to produce. It was a tough decision, but one I felt was the best for our family.
One thing that bothered me was having to give him the brand of formula the hospital had on hand. I wish I had been prepared with what I had planned on giving him in the case we needed to use it. For me having a bag in my bag gives me some comfort, even if we never use it.
My Pillow
I have crazy allergies, and so does Liam, so bedding from the hospital can irritate my skin. I like having my pillow from home, so I know I can lay my face one something that won't irritate it. One thing I learned while in the hospital is that you can ask for sheets washed in hypoallergenic soap (if you have time for a bed change.)
Birth Plans
When it comes to birth plans, I subscribe to Erica Cohen's thinking. "I don't believe in birth plans. A plan is a prescriptive, rigid outline based on a predictable outcome. Birth is nothing like that; it's unique, fluid, and unpredictable. For this reason, I like to think in terms of preferences—essential elements you'd like to implement or exclude if things go as expected."
Having mental flexibility during the entire pregnancy is a crucial practice of being able to enjoy it. Being mentally flexible allows us to pause, be curious, and take stock of the moment we are in. I also encourage you to take the time to establish excellent communication and relationship with your birthing team. That way, should anything unexpected come up, you all know how to effectively communicate your needs and values while having trust for the people supporting you. Take accountability for the things in your control and let the rest go.
Odds & Ends
My toiletry bag (toothbrush, hairbrush etc,) and a going home outfit for the baby and myself. This outfit will typically be the thing I arrived to the hospital in (plus some super sexy postpartum panties) since I’ll change into a hospital gown the second I get there! Lastly, I love the Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra. It’s fantastic because you can nurse and pump and not have to change bras at all!
That's it; they have everything you could need. I completely overpacked last time and didn't use half the stuff I brought with me. Ultimately, just bring what makes you feel comfortable. Everyone is different, but have the reassurance the hospital has what you need to have a baby! Everything else is just an extra.
<3 BJS