Mom ( @adventures.of.dre ) in the Cozy Nursing Hoodie after giving birth to her son.

Are you almost due? Here's what's in my hospital birth bag!  At 38 weeks pregnant, I will suggest starting to pack your bag by at least 37 weeks since everyday that passes you may be more tired and overwhelmed with many more things you will want to get done.  Not to mention, at 38 weeks you never know when your little bundle of joy will want to make his appearance!

Use this list to help you along the way in deciding what essentials you will need and maybe a few optional items to help your experience be more comfortable. Remember, even if you forget some items, don't sweat it mama!  You're sure to have plenty of help, support, and resources around you to ensure you have all you need for D day.

Try not to overpack because clutter or not being able to find what you need can be more stressful than helpful.  See if the things below will work for you and add any additional items as needed. 

Pack your Hospital Bag Checklist:

• ID, forms, insurance card, pocket money, and birth plan.  Note: Many places will allow you to be pre-registered so you won't have to worry about forms and such. If you do this, they'll have your information in the system so it's less to worry about. Also, some hospitals/centers will have a board where you can mark off your birth plans, or you've discussed this previously with your doctor.  Its just less to worry about and less things to bring.
• Phone charger/electronics
• Nursing Bra(s) wireless; 1-2
• Nursing pads
• lanolin/nipple cream
• Disposable/ruinable undies for big pads and/or disposable mesh undies. Note: Check with your hospital to see what they provide for you. Most likely they will give you this, but nonetheless, you need to be stocked with extra pads and you might like having your own undies for when you are at home.
• Toiletries such as hair shampoo/dry shampoo, conditioner, body soap, face cleanser, face moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash. Use all Travel size as possible.
• Natural oil such as 100% shea butter to stay moisturized. This doubles as your go to for lips, neck, hands, etc. This way you don't need to pack multiple moisturizers and also if it gets on the baby it will be okay.
• no skid comfy socks
• Eye stuff for contacts or eye glasses
• BB Cream, concealer, mascara, and lip stain. All these are quick and easy to apply for when you need a pick me up and may want to take a few pictures.  Just a touch of each can freshen you up and make you feel good.
• Perineal washer such as the "Mom Washer" aka Fridet by Frida Baby. Witch Hazel and hemorrhoids cream as necessary. 
• Nursing tank tops and Relaxed Nursing Hoodie.  These make nursing as people are coming in and out of the hospital room easy, comfortable, and keep you covered and warm.  The nursing hoodies are comfy enough for skin to skin with baby for extra bonding love. The fit of these items will work for postpartum recovery as you will still be "pregnant looking".
• loose clothing like big sweat pants with tie (not tight elastic) or nightgown
• soft towel
• robe

Optional items can include music (probably on your phone already), reading material, snacks, aromatherapy oil, and your own pillow.

Use zip lock bags for easy viewing, storing, and disposal.

Be sure to not forget the baby's CAR SEAT and a going home outfit.

Have your partner also pack a light bag with an overnight outfit and toothbrush.

I am using very inexpensive bag(s) to pack my items or you can use any easy to zip open bag you already have. No need to buy a special bag for this. You can also bring an extra reusable bag to include the items the hospital is going to be giving to you to bring home. 

Good luck mamas and remember, you got this!! This is what a woman's body is meant to do and if you miss a few things, no big deal, you're little love bug is all you really need. 

Share with a mama to be!

SHOP currently trending cute cozy nursing tank tops, shirts, and hoodies here!

What to bring to the hospital is on the minds of many mothers to be in that last stretch, the third trimester.  Packing your hospital bag for birth is a pretty important element when that week 35 starts to come about.  The last thing you want is to have forgotten important needs for your big day to come!

Many factors go into preparing for the birth of your baby, from stocking up on supplies to reading parenting books. One practical task is packing a bag that has all of the essentials that you and your baby need during your hospital stay.

Smart packing maximizes your comfort during your stay and ensures you have the supplies you need to thrive during those first few days of motherhood. Follow this handy guide when packing your hospital bag.  We will be focusing mostly on the must haves, while adding in a few optional comfort items. 

The Essentials for Mom

Soon after you give birth, you'll be ready to slip out of that hospital gown, take a hot shower and wear your own clothes again. Packing comfortable clothes is a must for postpartum mothers. However, many other items are also essential and will come in handy during your stay. Don't forget to add these items to your hospital bag:

• Nursing tanks and nursing shirts, with easy snaps and openings like the anekantsquick ribbed tank or Cozy Hoodie, to simplify breastfeeding and skin to skin with your new baby
• Paperwork including health insurance card and driver's license or other identification
• Chargers for electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops (you'll want those first pics!)
• Toiletries, including toothpaste and toothbrush, face wash and body wash, moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner (trust...fresh breath will make you feel refreshed)
• Nursing bra and pads in case your milk comes in during your stay
• Feminine napkins and anekantsquick underwear (disposable anekantsquick undies are great)
• Glasses, contact lens solution and contact lens case
• Lanolin for application after breastfeeding to minimize any discomfort
• pocket money 

The Essentials for Baby

Don't forget to pack for your newborn before you head to the hospital. The hospital will likely provide some basics, including diapers, wipes, receiving blankets, pacifiers and shirts or onesies. However, you might want to bring some special clothes for your little one to wear soon after his or her birth. Add these items to your hospital bag:

• Onesies, sleepers and a going-home outfit
• Socks and mittens
• Hats for warmth, or headbands for those first family pictures
• Baby fingernail trimmers for those often-sharp baby fingernails
• Breastfeeding pillow for mom and baby's comfort
• and have that CAR SEAT good to go

Comfort Items

While the essentials might be your focus, comfort items ensure that you feel relaxed during your hospital stay. After all, you'll likely be there for at least two nights, so you want to settle in. Consider these items for use during labor and after the baby is born:

• Your favorite pillow or blanket
• Music player with a personalized playlist to help you relax during labor
• Lip balm, mints and hair ties
• Camera to document special moments
• Cozy socks or slippers
• Laptop or tablet to communicate with family and friends during your stay
• Healthy, energizing snacks, such as trail mix, granola bars or dried fruit

Preparing for Your Hospital Stay

A smartly packed hospital bag ensures that you have everything you might need during your stay. Get ready for your little one's arrival and pack your bag with this list by your side.  Recruit hubby or a partner to go over the list with you.  You'll be in your fourth trimester in no time, and feeling much more at ease knowing you're set.

Keep going mama! You're doing great!