How To: Prepare Your Hospital Bag

Preparing for the hospital for me was exciting but nerve-wracking. When I was preparing my bag and baby bag for Elizabeth. I was asking everyone and anyone I could about what they packed in their hospital bag. That was a big mistake. I would have ended up not using over half of it. A week before I had gone to the hospital I had three bags for myself and two bags for my new baby. I may have gone a little overboard. I remember I was talking to my older sister and I told her how many bags I had and she exclaimed "What did you pack in there? Do you plan on moving to the hospital?" I laughed and I rattled off my list. Needless to say by the time I was done talking to my sister she had me down to one bag for each of us. They were really simple lists. She assured me that the hospital would have everything that both the baby and I would need.

The lists contained:

For me- big water bottle to keep hydrated, chapstick, face wash, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, nail clippers, a few magazines or books, a journal to write in, 4 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of sweats, 3 big shirts, baby book for Lizzy's first hand and feet prints, brush, hair elastics, 5 pairs of socks, picture of Kyle and I, phone, phone charger, iPod, iPod charger, tons of snacks, wallet with cash and cards, a big package of your favorite go-to sanitary pad that is ultra absorbent, and camera. This was exactly everything that I needed. You may get a few funny looks but its okay. My mother always taught me to always be prepared while on the other hand my mother-in-law said that I was too paranoid and I would only be in the hospital for maybe 2 days at the most. We were there for almost five because of Lizzy's need to go to the NICU. The iPod was a HUGE lifesaver, especially during labor. I had books and soft music and it helped me focus less on the pain and helped me focus more on listening to the nurses and pushing. It kept my husband calm too. It was amazing experience. You'll understand when you are in the delivery room.

For Lizzy-  2 small 4 oz bottles (for storing breastmilk in after pumping), diapers, wet wipes, diaper rash cream, 5 onesies, 3 pairs of mittens, 5 pairs of socks, 3 burp clothes, 3 blankets, 1 take home outfit, 2 binkies, and 3 hats. This was all able to fit in her diaper bag. She required very little because she was sleeping most of the time and so was I.

Pieces of advice:

1. Remember to let your significant other hold and help care for the baby. It is just as important for them to develop a bond with the baby just as much as it is for you. Remember you are both in this together and as equally as important to the baby.
2. Sleep when your baby sleeps. Your baby will benefit from a rested mommy, especially if you plan on breastfeeding. The rest will help replenish your milk supply.
3. Utilize your significant other, friends and family for getting you water and food. Get food from outside the hospital. It'll help fill your stomach. The hospital food is not all that well prepared.
4. Make sure to swap off shifts watching the baby with your significant other and walk the halls of the hospital. Have a nurse, family member or friend help you move carefully through the hallways. Do not stay in your room the entire time. You WILL go stir crazy.
5. Have fun bonding with your baby and significant other and bonding as a family.

Thank you for visiting my blog today. If you have any questions, comments or have a topic you would like me to write on, leave a message in the comment box or email me at ferguson.sabrina15@gmail.com. I'll be more than happy to reply to you.

Until Tomorrow Then!