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As I look at the calendar and realize that it is time for this newborn photographer to get ready for baby boy to arrive soon, I am struck by how despite this being my 4th baby, I still find myself thinking “what in the world am I supposed to be bringing to the hospital”. I think that this a feeling is super common to mamas-to-be regardless of if they are preparing for their first or fourth baby…
A while back, a good friend was preparing for her hospital stay with her first baby and asked for advice on what to pack. I will admit, I had to reference a list to even get my brain thinking in the right direction! But once I sort of got myself back into the mindset, I came up with a pretty good list and this morning I pulled it back out for myself. And since so many of my clients are mamas-to-be, I thought that some of you might like to see what this mama thinks about some of the often recommended items to bring!
So first off, I have created a pinterest board on my personal account to help me prepare and save things as I think of something I might not have included:
If you are not on pinterest already, get on it now for sake of motherhood! And to ignore all the crazy pretty things that super moms try to do for every party and event. Do them maybe once a year and enjoy baby the rest of the time. đ
And a few tips on what to pack and what not to pack:
– almost all lists will say to bring underwear. Ignore that. Hospital will provide disposables and while that sounds horrible before using them, they are glorious. In fact, stash them and get them to restock them because you will want to wear them for the first week at least.
– donât bring diapers. For that matter, donât buy them before the baby is born. Most hospitals use Pampers swaddlers. They were great for all of mine but arenât always the right fit or make up for all babies. You wonât know what works best for her babies tush or skin until he/she is born and will just waste money. If whatever the hospital provides is working, then stash and bring home those too. If not, have dad or another family member/friend bring you a different kind to try. Start with the small packages in the trial stages and then order in bulk from diapers.com. By far the cheapest place to get diapers.
– IÂ like to buy fresh pajamas that are either meant for postpartum or maternity and wear those for people coming to visit. I always find a set at Pea in the Pod that has multiple ways to combine (tank, short sleeve shirt, long bottoms, short bottoms, gown & robe)Â and get enough to mix and match for three days plus a fresh robe. I never feel like being in real clothes but always want to feel fresh and cute. Think of them like the pajamas you would wear around the dorm in college to be cute. And this time around, I am planning to get myself a set from Plum Pretty Sugar and I cannot wait!
– for baby, I bring a going home outfit and three(ish) meeting guests outfits. I leave baby in the hospital tees until I hear that the visitors are on their way up and then change baby into the cute stuff for their arrival. That prevents the outfit from being covered in spit up or a diaper leak when they arrive.
– since babies lose heat through their heads and heads are often a little cone like for a day or two from delivery, some hats to match the outfits are a good idea.
– I make sure all least one set of the clothes I bring in duplicate in a premie size. My girls were full term but only 6 pounds and newborn size is based on about 7.5 pounds. That is a huge difference in baby size. Gowns (even for boys) hide the too big size a lot better. Of course, lots donât care about that but it looks better in photos when the clothes are snug and you are reading a list from a photographer. đ
– Aden and Anais swaddle blankets are by FAR the best our there. Definitely at least one set of their silky soft line! It is incredible. I usually bring 2 or 3 individual swaddles to the hospital to allow for leaky newborns.
– On the topic of swaddling, have EVERY baby nurse that comes in teach you how to swaddle EVERY time they come in. Way worth it! Same with asking for breast feeding tips every time someone comes in if you plan to breastfeed.
– And I highly recommend these for mom: Aden & Anais Daydream Blanket
– I am big on music soothing and distracting me during labor so I always bring a portable Bose and playlists created for all my potential moods.
– TV at the hospital usually is very basic so I bring my iPad with movies to watch during the slow times and while nursing.
– Comfy slippers and shower shoes are a must
– Sports Bra style or âsleepâ nursing bras, breast pads and lanolin cream are a must have! While most hospitals provide lanolin cream for mamas, I have been there when they are out(!) and trust me, you do not want to be stuck without that over night waiting for someone to bring it for you in the morning!
– An open mind. Seriously. The most issues I have heard about with L&D occur when mom has a rigid plan of some sort. I never plan on an epidural but Iâve had them twice and not been able to get one once. Honestly, the time I didnât have it was the easiest. But it was also the only time I did not have pitocin to induce labor. There is nothing to prove in labor. Listen with an open heart and mind to the recommendations of the doctors and take it in and make decisions. Have ideas of what youâd like in a dream world but understand that things can change and quickly and be prepared that anything might be necessary. If you’ve educated yourself fully on all the different procedures involved with labor (daddy too) then if it comes up you will have the right questions and not feel overwhelmed or rushed to decisions.
– Your best camera… Come on, you knew I wasn’t leaving that off the list! But seriously, those early days in the hospital are when your life together starts and what better way to remember all the tiny details. And, just so you know, I definitely offer a package to document your time in the hospital. Email me about the Life Begins package and I will be happy to share the details! đ
XOXO
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