The Hospital Bag

I have this giant Andy Warhol tote that I adore. It's been perfect as a emergency gym bag, as a day trip bag, beach bag and even a camping bag. But my favorite use for it thus far has been as my Hospital Bag. I used it when K was born, it held my laptop, my lucky pj pants, a going home outfit for me, a pair of Uggs, two going home outfits for K, and her blanket, my shower kit, my hand held breast pump and a bunch of other random things I never used.

I can't even remember now the other stuff I packed. Except for socks and my robe. I bought special socks for this special occasion that matched a special robe that I bought for the special occasion. I packed the super fluffy robe and special socks. I never once took them out or used them. I remember looking at them post birth, while sweating away 15 lbs, wondering why in the hell I'd want to layer up at a time like this. It was also mid December, in the middle of a cold snap.

Funny how those little things are over looked when talking to soon to be moms. No one mentioned to me that I'd be sweating hard enough after birth that one could assume I was practically going through menopause in the Sahara.  

PSA: Hormonal detox is nothing to just skip over ladies. Do your part, and fully inform the next generation of the entire birthing process. Moms don't let new Moms freak out unnecessarily for to long, no matter how funny it is.

Anyways, now with some experience under my belt here's my list. Now bare in mind I'm you're favorite neurotic mama, so realize how hard it is for me to not plan for every contingency, but keep it to simple necessities.

The "Pretty Me" Stuff: 
It's all contained in this pretty green and purple make up bag, because I'm all about organization remember? Going counter clockwise:

• Arbonne Face Kit: Scrub, toner, wash and face lotion
• Tooth Brush & Tooth Paste
• Hair Stuffs: Comb, Bobby Pins, Head Band, Hair Tie, "Clippy"
• Chapstick: EOS brand, lemon flavored. LOVE this stuff, better than crack- not that I would know.
• Jewelry pouch: So I can easily keep track of my rings and necklace! 
• XL-With-Wings-Overnight-Pads: For the trip home, in case this new hospital has crap not worth hijacking. 
• Shower stuffs: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Deodorant, Loofa and Lotion

The "Dress Me" Stuff:
When packing I've been taught to keep with a consistent color code so it's easier to mix and match as needed. This is basically it, minus one more tank top and a pair of maternity jeans.

• Striped "Lucky" PJ Pants 
• Blue Dress: With K I wore a dress over some yoga pants home. I plan on doing the same with maternity jeans, unless it's exceptionally hot or I have a C-Section.
• 4 Tank Tops: 2 with built in bras, and 2 thicker ones to throw on in case of company. Don't want to put an eye out.
• XL Panties: For going home. Nuff said.
• Socks: Because this time, I very well may change my mind. 
• Not pictured: A sweater and shoes! I'll hopefully be wearing some slip ons when I go in, in case they're to tight or ruined (ick amniotic fluid) I'll have a pair of flip flops packed, and if I'm as swollen as I was last time, I always have the option of sending someone to my home for slippers! Basically the same applies for a sweater. 

The "K2" Stuff:  First, I know that is not a real boppy, but it's the same concept, except more comfortable, I love it. Second, no that is not going int the bag, obviously it will not fit. 

•  S's going home outfit(s) One in newborn and one in preemie sizes. K came home swimming in a newborn outfit, we had to go out the next day and buy her some clothes to wear for those first two weeks! Also included are Hats and Booties
• "Boppy"
• Formula some people will tell you to not even let formula into your house if you plan on breast feeding. To each their own. But based on my decision and my experience, I rather have it on hand. With K she lost so much weight the first few days that they simply stuck a bottle in her mouth without asking, if S is going to be bottle fed I rather start her off with the exact bottle and formula I wish to use, rather then having to adjust her to it a few days later.
• Not shown: Blanket, Car Seat, Bottle. Blanket and car seat are to be kept in the car until time to go. Bottle isn't in there because, well, I haven't bought any yet! 

The "Last Minute" Stuff: Basically the stuff I use to consistently to pack away already. There's no picture because I'm using it. Some of it as we speak!

• Laptop & Charger
• Phone Charger 

Along with these things I'll have a towel and a trash bag set out next to my bag just in case my water breaks and I end up having some one random driving me to the hospital. I may put a spare dress with that stuff too, so I can change into something dry before the drive.

Well there you have it folks, my hospital bag. Want to know the best part? It all fits very nicely with plenty of space to spare. Space that is perfect for stealing all those hospital goodies you hear about.

Tell me, what's in your bag? And what do you plan on leaving room for?

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