HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST

Gearing up for baby to arrive, and I am finally in prep mode! So. I wanted to share what a fourth-time mama brings to the hospital. Many of the items below are time-tested items. Items that I use to make the hospital feel more home-like and cozier. Things that will keep me comfortable. Things that will keep baby comfortable.

I try my best not to overpack. After all, babies are pretty simple! That said, I do like to make the experience special and cozy. Sure! I love bringing my special blanket from home. Yes! I love bringing a custom swaddle for baby. Labor should be something that is memorable, and sometimes being prepared helps you achieve that even more.

Below is a list of items I bring. Please comment and share what you can't live without!

FOR MAMA

• Nursing Tanks - My favorite are Cake Maternity Nursing Tanks. I bring two. I prefer tanks over bras because I can wear them without feeling exposed. Bras you still need a shirt over, so it kind of defeats the purpose!
• Silverettes Nursing Shields - TMI but my boobs get super sore from breastfeeding and these things have been life savers! They help you heal faster and protect you from sticking to your clothing and painfully having to remove yourself.
• Haakaa - a pump that saves the milk from the breast you aren't using to nurse. You'll probably want storage for this too. Not sure if the hospital can refrigerate for you?
• Nursing pads - in case of leakage and you don't want to get your clothes all grimy.
• Leggings - Something comfy after baby arrives. Usually maternity leggings! (Use code: BROOKE for 10% off)
• Sweats - one pair of leggings / one pair of sweats. My favorite pair are linked!
• Lounge shorts - depending on how hot it is, shorts are nice after delivery for sleep or to lounge in.
• Pajamas - nursing friendly.
• Barefoot Dreams Sweater - open sweater to throw on over nursing tanks. Linked my favorite. It's not cheap, but if you nurse your baby you will LIVE in this.
• Slippers - these are my fave. Nice for walking around the hospital room.
• Socks - my feet get freezing during labor!
• Flip Flops - nice to shower in and walk around hospital in (when you don't want to wear slippers)
• Laptop - I love the recap my labor story and it's nice to feel connected when you're alone at the hospital. I send Ryan home to be with the boys and to get a good night's rest. So the comfort of connection is nice!
• Phone Charger - some people get the ones with long chords. I just plug it in to a shorter one and take breaks!
• Snacks - I get hungry during and after labor. So hungry! It's nice to have snacks for both Ryan and I. Cliff Bars, suckers, cashews, nuts, crackers, etc. Probably wise to google what you can eat during labor. Often times, they don't let you eat. And the time they had a slushie / ice machine, it was broken!
• Pillow from home! - Perhaps one of the most important items. I hate hospital pillows. They are so stiff. Nothing makes it homier than having your own pillow from home. Bring a pillowcase that you don't mind getting dirty. Could be blood, breastmilk or spit up.
• Blanket from home! - Again, I love feeling cozy after birth and the hospital can feel quite sterile. Having my own blanket makes the world of a difference! I love Ugg and Barefoot Dreams.
• Soft toilet paper - I've given vaginal births in the past, and if it happens that way again I love having my own SOFT toilet paper. The hospital toilet paper is not pleasant.
• Toiletries - I bring makeup and of course all of my face (toothbrush, toothpaste, wash and moisturizer), body (wash and razor), hair (shampoo, conditioner, brush, hairbands) supplies. I only feel fresh after I shave and wash my hair after labor. It's a must!

FOR BABY

• Dr. Brown's Nursing Pillow - it's nice to have support while nursing your little one. Any nursing pillow is great!
• SewMine Name Swaddle - Personalized swaddle for baby. I love using my own new swaddles for the little one. People often recycle swaddles from time's past or use the hospital swaddles, and yes, those certainly get the. job done. But, there is something nice, identifying and memorable about baby having his or her own, new swaddle(s) in the hospital. I remember each of the patterns of swaddles my boys used and have saved them. I will do the same with this baby! I bring two.
• Hat for Baby - babies get cold. Nice to have a cute little hat for him or her! These are my favorite personalized name hats.
• Going Home Outfit - haven't picked this out. But something cozy and cute! I love Kyte Baby and Angel Dear.
• Socks - I prefer the hospital room cold because I tend to overheat with all of the raging hormones. That means I need to keep baby extra warm.