I think I had my bag packed at 36 weeks when I was pregnant with Harper…. and to be honest, I don’t think I ended up using half of what I brought. I didn’t know what to expect (well, I had friends who gave me a heads up) and therefore it was hard for me to really anticipate what I was going to ultimately need… so I packed way too much. I guess my mentality was that it was better to be over prepared than under prepared (well, I guess that’s how I always live….. #ChronicOverPacker). Yet this time around I’m hoping to just stick with what I need, and crossing our fingers we will only need to stay over one night… I’m not a huge fan of hospitals, and would like to get on with getting situated to our new life as soon as possible. So while my bags might not be actually packed yet, I do have a concrete list of what I am planning to bring and thought I’d share it for all my pregnant mommas today (and if you’re not pregnant, considered this just a post with some of my go-to items…. well the non-pregnancy related ones at least)……

MY BAG

Since publishing this post, I actually decided on using this weekender as my hospital bag…. it worked really well for me…

Buttoned Pajamas: I brought along a nightshirt the last time and didn’t account for needing to nurse. That being said this time around I plan on bringing along a cute set that can easily button and unbutton. I haven’t decided which pair to get yet, but I’m going between this striped shorts/top combo + this super soft ivory set (it’s cropped + short sleeved).

Slippers: These Emu Australia slippers are my favorites and will be heading with me to the hospital. I’m not a huge fan of socks, so slippers are my go-to when it comes to my feet being warm and protected from the ground….

Robe: I prefer a robe for post shower, or in case I get cold. I actually bought this Honeydew Intimates robe when I had Harper, so I plan on bringing it with me again. It’s super soft, and lightweight, which is exactly how I like it.

Nursing Bra: I remember driving home from the hospital with Harper and realizing that I didn’t actually have an appropriate nursing bra (I think this was partly because I didn’t fully understand the need for one). I needed one fast, so I did the whole order on-line + pick up in store option at Nordstrom and had my mom go pick it up for me…. it ended up being this Natori nursing bra, and while it wasn’t cheap, it helped me feel normal. I purchased two and wore them throughout my entire nursing journey (which was around 10 months)…. and saved them for this time around (they held up that well).

Nursing Bralette: While I still plan on wearing my Jockey bralette during nursing as well, I am considering purchasing this bralette… and one of them will be coming with me to the hospital. I think having a non underwire option is important…. who knows how I’ll be feeling and I want to have options to make myself feel comfortable in my postpartum body.

Full Coverage Underwear: Something I brought the first time around, but didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of their importance…. I bought this seamless full coverage underwear (since I own it in a thong) and they will likely be my best friends, postpartum, for several weeks. I mean, the thought of a thong after giving birth is just painful……

Going Home Outfit: This needs to be an outfit I’d be comfortable wearing when I was 6 months pregnant. I plan on bringing these fold over joggers (they’re seriously so soft and comfortable…. worth every penny) or these joggers (both are incredibly soft + comfortable), favorite basic white tee (not tight at all, very comfortable), and this super soft cardigan (are you noticing a “soft” theme here??). Weather permitting, I’ll bring along slip on sandals to wear home as well.

Toiletries: Aside from the obvious everyday products I use, I’ll be bringing along this nipple balm (used it the first time around and it was amazing) as well as hemorrhoid cream (not the nicest topic, but one that should at least be addressed slightly…). I do also plan on bringing my own towel from home…. just because I’m kind of weird like that. Oh, and also a cheap pair of shower flip-flops. I didn’t need these the last time, since I went into labor in the middle of the night, so I wasn’t wearing any make-up, but make-up remover cloths are always good to have in case you go into labor with make-up and don’t have time to remove it (I can’t stand having make-up on my face longer than necessary).

Phone Charger: I guess this is more of a given, but actually writing it down ensures I remember it…. since we use our camera phone so much!

Camera: I don’t really like the idea of having a professional photographer come around the delivery room, or the hospital room (too much pressure), so I bring my own camera along so I can snap our own, more personal, photos.

Healthy Snacks: Where I’m giving birth the food isn’t particularly disgusting, but I prefer to bring along my own healthy snacks for post delivery….. TJ also doesn’t function when he’s hungry (he’s basically the epitome of the “Snickers” commercial) so these are for him as well….

Ear Plugs: Not that I plan on getting much sleep, but I bring these along to drown out the beeping noise of all the machines. Don’t worry, I can hear a baby crying…..

Book: I didn’t bring one the last time, but the day after I gave birth, when Harper + TJ were sleeping… and visiting hours were over… I found myself so bored (I couldn’t nap…..). So this time around I’m going to bring along a book, or a magazine, just in case.

BABY BAG

Swaddle: Since I’m horrible at swaddling, we’ll be bringing this swaddle along….

Pajamas: I also plan on bringing these floral footie pajamas for her to wear….

Soft Blanket: I bought this chenille blanket… obviously not for sleeping…. but for holding her….

Two Outfits: I have this leopard print bodysuit + this gown in my cart to bring….

Head Covering: I’m obsessed with this little mauve top knot.…

Tiny Mittens: Not sure if I’ll actually use them since we’ll be swaddling her, but I do plan on getting these adorable little scratch mittens.