With the final stretch before my due date approaching, reality is beginning to hit me. In just two short weeks, I will be full-term and know that now, baby can actually come at any moment.
What worries me most, is that there is still so much left to be done before then. The nursery needs a few finishing touches in place, including curtains, a rug, fresh crib sheets and a final clean-up. All new clothes and blankets that baby will be using in first few weeks need to be washed and stored away. And, I still need to make some final baby registry returns/purchases.
But the one thing that I need to tackle ASAP (before it’s too late) is packing a bag for the big stay at the hospital. For some reason, I’ve delayed this seemingly simple task. A part of me feels that I still have plenty of time, but I’m beginning to realize it’s best to be prepared!
So where do I start? Pregnancy books and resources suggest a variety of items to bring during the stay, but it’s best to simply contact your hospital to check what they actually provide. I was ready to pack everything until I learned my particular hospital provides baby with a change of clothes and diapers, for instance.
Knowing this makes my task less daunting — so I’ve prepared a checklist of the items I plan to bring with me to make for a comfortable stay:
- Id, insurance card and pre-registration paperwork
- Birth plan (a.k.a. epidural request)
- Eyeglasses
- Toiletres
- Sonogram picture as focal point
- Book or magazine
- Change of clothing for me
- Take-me-home outfit and receiving blanket for baby
- Camera
- Phone and charger
- My Brest Friend (pillow for breastfeeding support)
- Nursing bra
- Robe, slippers
- And car seat!
Not too bad when I put it in writing, I see :)!
More Pregnancy/Parenting Posts:
- Mommy & Me Yoga
- 7 Things I’ve Learned as a New Mom
- 3 Things New Moms Should Never Leave Home Without
[…] Although most newborns make it to the full-term mark, you never know when baby will actually make his or her debut. Having your hospital bag prepared several weeks in advance helps reduce last minute jitters. If you need some tips on packing a bag, you can check out how I prepared. […]