We’re days (cross your fingers!) away from welcoming our second baby. This time, I am feeling much more prepared having experienced labor and newborn life once before. I have really been nesting with this pregnancy from setting up his room to preparing all his newborn needs. Here’s a look at how I am packing for the hospital, prepping easy dinners and my necessities for labor. There is also a video about it on my IGTV.

The Hospital Bag

This is the bag that is hanging out in my closet, ready to go with us once I am in labor. It’s full of items for laboring, postpartum, me and the baby. We are planning to stay one night in the hospital, so this bag is set for about 48 hours away from home.

For laboring: I packed lots of comfort measures for my labor, since my plan is to have a low-intervention birth. The room at the hospital has a jet tub, shower, and a birthing ball. In addition I packed a speaker for music, peppermint essential oil, massage lotion, and a swim suit to wear in the tub.
Also, giving birth is a marathon, so I pack lots of snacks. I froze some almond butter power balls and packed granola bars in my bag. On the day of, I will add coconut water and whatever fruit we have on hand.
After labor: Once the baby is born comes the most magical shower of your life. I know it’s ridiculous, but something about this moment was refreshing and grounded me after giving birth. I pack my own soap and moisturizing oil to avoid the hospital provided options. It’s important to choose options that can touch a newborn’s sensitive skin, since I plan to do skin-to-skin and nurse while in the hospital.
I also pack a few postpartum items to use, in addition to what the hospital provides. I pack my own super soft underwear (seriously, it’s so soft) and perinatal spray and will use the pads they provide. Spray / soap / oil.
Clothing for mama: Post-delivery, I plan to put on a comfortable dress that I can rest in while we stay at the hospital. I am also packing a light knit sweater so I can stay cozy. To travel home, I packed high-waisted leggings and a button down shirt or a thermal t-shirt. Other necessities include socks, a nursing bra, nightgown, robe, sandals for the shower, a headband if my hair looks crazy and comfortable underwear. dress / sweater / underwear, socks, nightgown and robe / nursing bra / leggings / button down shirt / headband.
Coming home outfit: Perhaps the most exciting thing to pack is the baby’s outfit to come home in. I packed him two soft and cozy onesies, two hats, and a swaddle. The hospital will provide diapers for his first hours, and I plan to use those. dot onesie / green onesie / swaddle / bonnet.

Postpartum Care

This time around, I prepared my postpartum items before heading to the hospital. I put all of my items in a basket, and leave it in the bathroom so I can easily access it once I arrive home.

For healing: These are some of the items I like to supply myself for my postpartum recovery. The hospital will supply everything you need for the first few days, but you’ll want to build your own stash, as well. perineal spray / freezable maxi pads / cooling pads.
For nursing: I remember learning to nurse with Fiona and how important it is to have a balm to aid in healing during those first few attempts. I am using Earth Mama’s nipple balm and have read great reviews for the product. I also snagged some booby tubes that I popped in the freezer if I get sore.

What’s in my Freezer

One of my strongest postpartum memories was how HUNGRY I was once I began nursing. I would make myself a huge bowl of oatmeal with all the toppings at 5AM every morning, after feeding my daughter. This time around, I wanted to prepare for this hunger by stocking my freezer. Still on the list to make: a few batches of overnight oats.

My freezer is full of plant-based, hearty, nutrient dense foods full of healthy fats. I prepped a lasagna with nut cheese and vegetables, enchiladas, veggie curry, power balls (which I plan to bring to my delivery), and frozen bananas and fruit for smoothies. I also popped my freezable maxi pads and booby tubes in the freezer so they’re cold to calm swelling postpartum. I am actually dreaming of the moment we’re home, settled, and digging into this lasagna with a glass of red wine to celebrate our new arrival.

I hope this post is helpful to any expectant mommy’s. Let me know if you have any questions!

xo

Chrissy