The birth prep struggle is real!
I've been obsessing over what is necessary for labor and birthing. Trying to decide WTF I need for recovery and what to pack in my hospital bag! There is so much info out there and it is VERY overwhelming. I mean for the love of God, you are only there two-three days! Ay caramba!
I've been doing some online research, talking to other experienced mommas and just recently took a class at Hoag Hospital, that I found to be very informative. I'm compiling all this info into one place to help you prepare! I'm a "planner" so yes, my list might be a bit "extra" for some people, but it helps me feel sane!
And, damn it, I'm extra.
Labor & Birthing Essentials:
Here are some things I plan to use at home to help me labor at home as long as possible.
Dr. Christopher's Birth Prep vegetarian capsules. I started taking these around 32 weeks. They are supposed to help with a smoother, faster delivery, and HOLY SHIT, I gave birth in under 2 minutes, so….. Oh, and they don't taste great going down, but if it helps things coming out the coot coot, I'm all for it!
Water bottle with straw so that you can sip while bent over. Leaning back to take a drink when you feel like you are dying is just to complicated. Nobody ain't got no time for that! This comes in handy postpartum too. If you breast feed you will want it with you every where you go!
Hair Tie for when shit gets real and you are whipping that pony like Magic Mike.
An ice pack for your neck, your back, your neck and your back! (sing it with me now!)
Earphones & a relaxation/breathing app or calming music to help through contractions. I really like the Calm App. I use this for my severe case of road rage too!
Essential oils for relaxation or massage oil for your partner to rub on you, and for you to diffuse and breathe in. Lavender is my favorite!
Preparation "Extras" for my "Extra" ladies:
This is list is for my ladies that are a little "extra" like me. It's super hard to predict when you are going into labor, so I decided to scratch these things off my list for a week prior to my due date.
Schedule a Mani/Pedi, because it might be a while before you have time to do this again.
Make time for a fresh blowout to have clean, smooth hair for photos, but also because it's too much work to wash your own hair at this point. Amiright?
Sugar that Coot Coot gurl! Sugaring is a natural hair-removal technique. Unlike traditional waxing, sugaring does not require paper strips. Instead, they use a special paste made out sugar, lemon juice, and water. AND you know you have no idea what's going on down there, so that's why I hired a professional to #handleit. More importantly, you are gonna want it cleaned up for healing after the baby. Cooter stitches and a jerry curl bush whacker just don't go together. AND don't forget the numbing cream, that shit hurts more when you are pregnant and on swole! But sooo worth it!
DIY FROZEN PADSICLES! Put some maxi pads with witch hazel, lavender oil and aloe vera in some freezer bags in the freezer so they are all ready for you when you get home. Or order these Reusable Cooling Pads. I did both! Preparing for worst case situation!
Clean your breast pump and have it ready to go! When yo titties need relief, nobody ain't got no time for washing pump parts!
Stock your house with quick meals, snacks, bottled drinks, etc. you might not be leaving for a while and will need some things at your finger tips!
Schedule your house to be cleaned by a professional.
Have a lockbox with a key handy, so if you need anyone to run home for something you are all set! Also, if you have pets, make sure you have a plan for someone to take care of them!
Hospital Bag Checklist:
I recommend using a small rolling suitcase so it's one less thing for your partner to carry!
HERE'S WHAT'S GOING IN Big Momma's Bag:
I'm packing...
Nursing Bra
Aquaphor for when you get dry mouth
Ear plugs & Sleeping mask
Travel size toiletries for showering, hair products, staying fresh and a little makeup touchup
Makeup wipes and/or Evian facial spray so you can feel refreshed without getting out of bed
Disposable toothbrushes so you feel fresh and also don't have to get up
Headband & hair tie
Flip flops (ie. shower shoes), I'm obsessed with these from Reef
Maternity robe to not only to feel comfy but to look cute in photos!
One pair of button down PJ's or a Night gown. I got THIS one from Amazon.
MotherLove Nipple cream
Water bottle with straw (same as above)
Cozy non-slip socks and/or slippers
Going home outfit - either maxi dress or leggings with nursing tank, something comfy
Extra pillow for sleeping comfort
Portable fan for all the Sweaty Betty's like me
Prenatal vitamins and any other medication you are taking
Belly oil or balm
Phone charger
Bellefit Postpartum girdle. It’s great to have this to wear home from the hospital, or the best result! You will feel so supported wearing this, and feel safer holding your baby. For a discount, use EXPECTING30 promo code to get $30 OFF!
Postpartum Essentials to have at home for recovery
Mesh Undies (ie. adult diapers for after birth) although, the hospital has the best kind and to steal as many as you can! OR A pair of granny panties to wear with a couple maxi pads if you want to forgo the mesh undies. Yes, this is your life now.
Tucks cooling pads for potential, or in my case, raging, hemorrhoids. Oy!
The MomWasher to keep that coot coot feeling good! Just fill it with some cool water.
Mothers Milk Tea if you plan on breast feeding.
Cooling Nipple pads if you plan on breastfeeding.
I also think it’s a good idea to have some formula at home, even if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding. My favorite is Lebenswert by Holle.
Baby's Bag
Before you pack anything, get that car seat installed, this is your number one priority!! Leave it in your car, you don't need to bring it in the hospital. Momma will be carrying baby in her arms as she is wheeled out to the car.
Packing the baby bag is the fun part!
Here's what I packed...
Newborn & 0-3 mos size Onesies with mitten cuffs in case they scratch, although, when breast feeding leave those little soft hands free. The special touch of a newborn hand on your breast will get that milk going! I got THESE.
Swaddle sleep sack unless you plan on swaddling the old fashion way
Warm baby blanket depending on weather for bringing baby home
Going home outfit - something cute for pictures!
Diaper Bag
Diapers - Newborn and Size 1
Butt Paste or Diaper Rash cream
Wipes
Lovie
2 burp cloths
Swaddle blanket
Changing pad
Pacifier
Nursing Scarf
Hand sanitizer
Bottle
Your Partner's Bag
Pillow and blanket for sleeping
PJ's with extra layers, big momma was hot AF and need that A/C pumped down low!
Change of clothes
Electronics to keep him/her busy - Laptop, iPad, chargers, etc.
Bottled drinks & snacks for the two of you and maybe some extras to have when guests visit you. Sour Patch Kids are a MUST!
Gopro Camera to set on table side to film the birth! (cuz I'm crazy like that!)
Gum/mints for when your breath gets real stank!
Extra cash/change for vending machine snacks
List of people to text/call when baby is born
Booze for celebrating and perhaps a cigar (you gotta sneak in booze, but I didn't tell you that)
The Paperwork & Important Stuff
Social security cards - for both parents
Drivers licenses - for both parents
Insurance Cards
Pediatrician Info
Birthing Plan (if you have one) my plan was to deliver the baby!
What are you packing in your bag? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
