Milan Maternity: August 2010

"Is your bag Ready?"
"What Bag?"
"The Hospital Bag."
"What? The Hospital's have bags?"
"No. When you go to the Hospital to have your baby.... YOU will need to bring your own bag."
"Oh? A bag for the baby?"
"No... a Bag for you!"

Does this conversation sound familiar? Or maybe your having a panic attack right now with the thought of one more thing you need to get together before this baby gets here.

OK, maybe that was a little dramatic I know.

But everyone always tells you the things you need to get ready or in order for the baby... no one thinks to include the things you're going to need for yourself.

No worries.

I got you covered.

Today's Lesson in Bringing Home Baby 101...

The Hospital Bag! (For Mom)

(Go Here for this French Bag.)

Let's get the serious stuff in their first...A picture ID (driver's license or other ID), your insurance card, and any hospital paperwork you need. It's also a good idea to have a few dollar bills for any vending machine runs you might send the husband on.
Eyeglasses, Even if you usually wear contact lenses, you may not want to deal with them while you're in the hospital.
OK, let's face it. You just had a baby and unless you're the 3% of women who look amazing right out the gate, you're going to feel like crap, you're going to have some pain, and the last thing you're going to want to do is put on those skinny jeans you have been dying to fit back into... DON'T PACK THOSE! Instead... pack some DRAW STRING sweat pants or shorts, preferable cotton and comfy. If you cant find draw string, go for something loose, your stomach doesn't want to be touched for a few days after child birth... do you blame it? It has been through enough already!

(Click Here for lots of Old Navy Options)

(Click Here for Target "Hoot Hoot" Options)

And The Shirt. Let's think about it. A t-shirt has to be pulled over your head and snugs against the girls, then all day your lifting and pulling to gain access... let's just be smart. Find a great button up shirt, or zipper jacket, nothing fancy, cotton preferably, that you can have some easy access whenever needed.

(Victoria's Secret, Lightweight Robe)

A lightweight robe, so visitors don't get any sneak peeks of "off limit" body parts!! You're most likely to be in the hospital for a few days so don't worry about packing too many items of clothing... just one for leaving. The other days they are going to make you wear their gowns... deal with it, there are worse things.

(Here for Target Cosmetic Bags)

Makeup... forget the caboodle. There is no need for all that stuff. Pack a mini tote with the essentials, mascara, lip gloss, and some foundation if you must... who are you going to impress? They have all seen you at your finest so the last thing you should worry about is your eyeliner!
Also in this mini tote you're going to need some NECESSITIES... toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, hair tie, bobby pins, and the most important... a mini shampoo & conditioner. (Those Hotel ones you took a few months back and saved will work perfect!) Believe me, you're not going to want to use hand soap in those locks after all you have been through. (I say mini tote because you aren't going to want to be digging in the bag looking for these things, save yourself some time and keep them all together.)
A few things you will need, but the hospital should provide you with a few, Panty Liners, Heavy Pads... yuck I know, but for real, these will become your best friend. Also some awesome grandma panties will work wonders. Don't worry, your man is not going to be looking at you like that for at least 6 weeks!! So take advantage and wear them because you can, and they hold a lot in too!!
Some people prefer to bring something to keep them occupied while waiting long hours for something to happen, if this is you then you might want to slip in a good book, IPAD, IPOD'S, Magazines, whatever... but don't count on even getting them out!

Lifesavers... Yes, the candy. You're going to go a while without eating and when you can eat your going to be Starving. Lifesavers or mints or any hard candy is a good way to satisfy your stomach in between meals or just to keep you occupied for a little while.

(Zappo's Slipper Collection)

Slippers or Socks. One thing you are allowed to wear at all times is socks... and you don't want to be walking around on those floors with out them. Pack at least 5 pair or better yet, go get you some cute slippers.
A CAMERA. Very important! Don't count on your significant other to remember it either! And before you just shove it in there check the batteries, make sure your card is empty, and wipe the lens really fast... you will thank me later! Did I say this one is very important already?!
I know you are worried about the baby too... What am I supposed to bring for the baby? The hospital will provide you with the necessities... but you will need a going home outfit, socks, and a blanket... and the all important car seat! (We will go into this more another day! For now its just about you!!)
And last if your like me you have to sleep with your own blanket and pillow no matter where it is your sleeping. So keep a blanket folded and close and a pillow too, your going to need to sleep as good as you can because once you get home... it's over!!

Just Remember you are at a hospital and if you do forget something they probably have it. Don't worry about the small things, this little bag is just a small part of this HUGE journey your beginning...

YOUR GOING TO HAVE A BABY!

Oh, and it doesn't hurt if the bag is super cute either!....