What I Packed in my Hospital Bag

It's been two years (!) since I was in the hospital with Noah but I can still remember like it was yesterday what I so desperately needed (and didn't) at the hospital. Noah was put on a sepis watch bc my temperature was .1 degree too high whilst pushing, so we were there a day extra. Here we go! I'll split it up by categories :)

I assume if you're reading this blog, you've read every other one that has pretty much the same damn list. These are items/specifications of things NOT included on the whole internet, everywhere.

Electronics
Phone (duh) but also your charger and an extension cord, because you will run out of battery and the outlet will be very far from you. I wish I had a power bank (get higher mah so you can use it for a couple charges) so I didn't have cords on cords! I also took my iPad with movies and books loaded, but I honestly can't think of a time that I took it out.

Camera, be it a point and shoot or a uber fancy dslr like Matt brought to get the cutest pics ever.

*Addendum: Matt added a surge protector, so you have many outlets!
Also, a Roku Stick or Chromecast because the tv situation sucks in the room.

A photographer - We are a photography family, we love pictures and so we tossed out the thought of having a photographer like I had seen on Pinterest. We posted to a local photography board to see if anyone was interested and got a bite. So we met, exchanged numbers and set a plan that we'd call at about 7 cm. We told our parents, the thought it was weird and then quickly forgot about it, which made a surprise for them when she showed up at the hospital lol. Anyway, the reason I recommend it to anyone who can add that to their budget is that I didn't remember everything that happened and those are my favorite pictures of Noah, of all time. I love seeing my family waiting, everything that happened when I was pushing, and the pure joy after Noah was born. Then there is the final shot, Matt had gone to get dinner and everyone had left to give us time. Noah was breastfeeding before while we waited to transfer to the recovery room. It's the most magical picture that brings tears of joy to my eyes every time I look at it. That was a moment, was us, just us, and perfect.

Toiletries 
This is obvious, don't forget body soap, the hospital may or may not have that. Don't take anything too strongly scented; the rooms are small and you have a newborn with brand new skin that irritates easily. I recommend asking guests to not wear perfume for the same reason. Also, I read everywhere to use the hospital mondo pads and I did for like ever. When I ran out, I used some a friend had given me Oh.My.Goodness. the difference was comparable to wearing hiking boots vs. no shoes on a mountain hike. These are where it's at :) They are thinner so they don't press on your delicate area and super absorbent <3 them!

Clothing
I read all the blogs and took yoga pants based off recommendations. I don't know if it's bc I have a little more to love or something else, but yoga pants made me so incredibly uncomfortable. They were too tight and constricting, plus I couldn't really get them over my weird mesh undies. I also took a nursing tank top and that sucked. I recommend taking things that are super comfy. I didn't realize I would essentially sit on a hospital bed for two days straight and had I know I think I would have packed differently. Next go at (hopefully) I'll take those new cool joggers and a loose t-shirt and belly band to wear in the room. I nursed Noah until he was 2 and did it everywhere without a cover and I thank Madewell pocket slub t-shirts for that. They stretch nicely and are loose to give coverage.

Headband
This episode of "Up All Night" (Time 12:26) perfectly sums up everything I need to say on this matter. Except make sure your stupid headband stays on your stupid head before packing it. Otherwise you look like you're birthing a child and your face from your body at the same time. Don't ask questions, just make sure it stays on.

Not This => <= This

Baby Clothes 
Everyone knows to bring their take-home outfit, in preemie and newborn. BUT no one told me in their blogs to bring clothes for the baby BEFORE you take them home. Take other baby clothes, just onesies or something comfortable you've already washed so your kid looks like he/she belongs to a loving family and not the state. They have clothes at the hospital if you don't take any, but you're in a fragile state and if you are a consumer (let most Americans) you want your baby looking fly like all the others and not in a baby hospital gown. Don't go crazy though, this kid's been in water for 9 months, leave the suit or ballgown at home :)

Lumbar Pillow
The hospital will give you all the pillows you could ever want, but they are soft and pliable. The beds don't really let you sit up straight  and so it's really uncomfortable. My mom brought me a lumbar pillow and it was nice and firm and a perfect little wedge to put against my lower back to give me the support I needed.