Updated for what I actually ended up taking & used, as well as postpartum!
Here we are! Week 37 and I’m a ball of emotions. Excited for sister to get here, trying to soak in all the time with little man, and just reflecting on ending a chapter and beginning the next. LOTS OF EMOTIONS!
I think that is where nesting comes in for each momma. If we were to just be idle during these last few weeks, all of the thoughts and emotions could easily overtake us, even more than they already do! LOL! Getting my hospital bag ready has helped with a part of the nesting/anxiousness that surrounds a new baby’s arrival. Plus, my water broke with Cason at 11pm right as I was getting in bed and I felt like I didn’t have half of what I wanted or needed.
I have been purchasing random things that I knew I would want for a couple months now. Any time you can plan ahead like this, it helps lessen the blow of buying multiple things at once. I knew I wanted a new overnight bag. One, because I didn’t have one that wasn’t torn to shreds or that was the size I was looking for. Things I was looking for; perfect overnight size, cute print, no extra pockets, good price, not a roller, and multiple uses (roller bags to me can only be used for travel, not a random trip over to a friends where you need to haul something, etc.) This leopard bag is PERFECT! I wish I could remember who posted it to give them credit, but I found it on, SHOCKER, an instagram story. I really love it! Then, her backpack that I’ll be using a diaper bag was an Amazon Prime day grab. It’s not very wide, but has plenty of room and inside pockets. Great gold zipper detail on a pale pink all over color. Plus, I got it for under $30! Between the backpack and the overnight bag, I was able to fit all of our packing cubes for Shelton, myself, and Calynn.
First, I’ll start with everything we are taking for her.
- Going Home Outfit: gown that ties, bow, and mauve swaddle blanket to match.
- Two hospital hats (both off Jane.com)
- 2 swaddle blankets (this includes the one that matches her going home outfit) – all gifts but the posh peanut mauve one linked above is one of our favorites!
- carseat cover (gift) but I have loved the prints Target has had!
- 2 bows – These ended up being a little big. Here are my favorites off amazon for her small head!
- gripe water
- travel noise machine – I have used this every day since she was born! It’s seriously good. So loud & the charge lasts! We use it in her carseat and stroller.
Next is everything I took for Shelton & I. Mind you, Shelton wears Magellan shirts and wrangler shorts and jeans. Period. Nothing else. LOL! So I didn’t link them. We take travel toiletries for the size and if we leave it, we aren’t missing anything when we get home. But here’s everything else:
- Cardigan – wear over tanks for nursing and to go home in. I have had this exact one for YEARS and I still love it and wear it regularly. Worth the price.
- Blanqi Leggings
- Always “Underwear” – I didnt take these with Cason and honestly didnt think I needed them this time. SO WRONG! I am so glad I had them at the house and my mom brought them up there after I delivered Calynn. Game changers.
- Robe – This one has the ties built in so you won’t lose them with nursing.
- Pajama set
- Nursing Bras – not tight and very comfortable. Not much support but I wasn’t too worried about that. Wore these straight for the first week.
- Nursing Cami – This didnt unhook but was so comfortable, long, and seamless. I wore it over my nursing bra.
- clear packing cubes to organize everything
- Travel Toiletries
- Cheap toothbrushes instead of our Sonicares
- Toothpaste and mouthwash
- NYX butter chapstick
- Eye drops – not much sleep happening, we wanted these so bad with Cason
- Hairspray
- Dry Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Soap for Shelton & then for me
- Contact solution
- Nexium
- Face Lotion
- small hairbrush
- For weeks, I had been keeping my makeup bag in my purse so that I could take that with me when it was go time.
- 2 phone chargers with long cords
- 2 blankets – one for each of us
- Nursing Pillow – mine is this shape. I haven’t ever seen my exact one and it was a gift at Cason’s shower, but I love this shape.
That’s it! Simple and nothing too elaborate.
Update:
I wanted to add my postpartum items in here too! These are my definite need to have after giving birth!
- Girdle – I received this one from the hospital when I had a c-section with Cason. I wore it again after Calynn and I know it helps with my back and just overall shrinking of my uterus and recovery.
- FridaBaby PostPartum Line – I didnt have this whole kit but only half of it and wish I would have bought the whole thing. The peri bottle & cooling pad liners were AMAZING.
- Tylenol & Ibuprofen
- Plexus slim, probiotic, bio cleanse, X factor, & vital biome – I will do a whole post on just these products alone soon, but these are what keep me from absolutely losing it with the hormonal swing post baby. Helps my system bounce back, etc.
- The always underwear mentioned above
- Essential oils: Joy, stress away, frankincense, or any of others that keep your mood lifted. Stay clear of peppermint if you are nursing as it could hinder milk supply.
Hope this helps you have a peace of mind while packing for labor and healing during the post partum window!
Love you, peaches! At the end of the day, all that matter is momma and baby being healthy!
