35 weeks along and 35 days left :)

35 weeks!

Some good news for us: we have our hospital bag packed! We got all our little ducks in a row and decided to kick it into high gear finally. The house is clean, the baby's room is anxiously awaiting his arrival, bags are packed and our basement freezer is FULL of yummy meal and crockpot recipes for the weeks following babies birth. We're starting to feel slightly more prepared for Baby's arrival!

Here's what went into our hospital bag (yes, there's really just one!):

For Mommy & Daddy:

• Wallet: And don't forget your ID and insurance card, just in case :)
• Camera AND batteries/charge cord: Seriously. You have no idea how many people forget. Don't be one of them.
• Birth plan: You definitely don't need one! The biggest thing about birth plans: you need to remain flexible and realistic, and understand a birth plan is simply way of communicating preferences to your hospital staff. It should never be seen as the be-all-end-all for decision-making. Birth plans won't be followed in the even of an emergency, so always stay flexible and remember: it's meant as a guide, not a law, for your healthcare team.
• Your POA or Living Will: Got it? Bring it. Things happen, and regardless of the fact that it's the most depressing thing ever, it's a good resource to have on file so your loved ones don't need to go crazy over what you wanted in the event (heaven forbid) all hell breaks loose. Some hospitals have social workers on staff to make these with you, but your best bet is going to your state's government website, printing a copy, filling it out, and having it signed by two witnesses (it's free). Bring a copy (not the original) with you to L&D.
• Prescription (if necessary) or Contact information for Breastpump Provider: If you're getting a breastpump from your insurance (insurance plans are now required to cover electric breast pumps under the new healthcare act), don't forget to keep the number handy on who to call when you deliver so you or a family member can pick up your breast pump for you from the DME provider on your way home from the hospital.
• Mesh panties and pads: The world will tell you they are amazing, and they are. But my personal preference: Depends. They stay on better and don't leak when you reposition (and you will bleed- a lot. It's uncomfortable, awkward, and feels gross). And Depends don't show through going-home pants the way the massive pads do.
• Tums: Your tummy and throat will thank you just to have some on hand if you need them quick and the orders aren't in. As for other meds, you will most likely have standing orders for ibuprofen, tylenol, hydrocodone, witch hazel (Tucks for hemmorhoids), and stool softeners for constipation. You will also likely be offered the flu vaccine and Tdap, among other vaccines, if you are not up to date. Baby will also be expected to be given the Hepatitis B vaccine prior to leaving the hospital, unless you refuse it. The hospital will also have Lanolin cream on hand for you, as well as every other breastfeeding supply known to man.
• Shoes: Non-slip socks and non-slip slippers so you can walk if you want to through the hallways to get contractions moving if you're having a vaginal delivery. If you're having a c-section: warm socks. OR's and recovery rooms can get VERY cold! And do NOT forget flip-flops for the shower. Tell daddy to bring his too. Your feet will thank you.
• Hygiene: I bought the little travel sizes of my favorite shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, etc. They WILL have all these for you at the hospital, but think about it: you just pushed a baby out and you're stinky, sweaty, and sore. Who wants to use that crummy cheap stuff they give you? Treat yourself a little after you deliver and enjoy that wonderful first post-baby shower in the hospital. It might be the last semi-quiet one in you get in a while ;)
• Books & magazines. Labor can take forever, is not unbearable the WHOLE time, and you might actually get bored waiting for your contractions to get going. Get a favorite book- one that's NOT about babies! Give yourself some last-minute "you" time before baby arrives. You might not get many opportunities for joy-reading romance or mystery novels in the next few weeks, but you will have plenty of opportunities to read about baby rashes and different colored poops. 
• Your iPod/iPhone. Most hospitals nowadays have docks for these in the rooms so you can blast your favorite Jimmi Hendrix songs while pushing, or listen to some calming relaxation music instead. Don't forget the charger too, just in case the dock isn't there :)
• Comfortable clothing in layers: A great thing to remember about hospital rooms: thermostats are pointless. If you set it at 70F, it will either be 55F with the vents blowing or 95F and the heater smelling like burnt. A set of cotton PJ's is your best bet as they are warm yet let your skin breathe. If you're hot, you can always just change into a gown...or go naked, if that's how you roll.
• Robe: Hospitals have robes and gowns galore, but let me tell you- they're ugly as heck. If you've got a favorite snuggly robe, bring it along so you can walk the hallways in something less atrocious and more comfortable than a giant blue sheet of a robe that's 6 sizes too big :)
• Pillows! I can't stress this enough if you will be delivering in a large hospital. Often, hospital pillows 1) suck, 2) are few and far between, and 3) are gross. Bring your favorite pillow or two, and just bring an old *colored* pillowcase so it isn't mistaken for a hospital pillow by housekeeping.
• Blankets: You don't have to, but let me tell you- it's lovely to have your favorite soft fuzzy blanket at your side to snuggle up in with baby and daddy.
• Button-up shirt(s) are the best. I am bringing a pair of button-up cotton PJ's so baby has "easy access" and I don't have to bare it all or feel exposed when family is visiting and I'm breastfeeding.
• Nursing bras: just one's enough. Your milk may or may not show up before you leave the hospital but if it does, you'll be happy you have some comfy bras to wear. Ones I always recommend to my patients: Target. They're ridiculously soft, give you some support, and yet are functional with some extra room for sensitive breasts before and after feedings.
• Tea: I'm personally a big tea lover, so I'm bringing my favorite nursing/lactation support tea along for my own comfort as the only teas they typically have at hospitals are earl greys or lemon. You can also bring your own favorite snacks or drinks along, but just something to make you feel relaxed is a great start- in my opinion :) Also bringing raspberry leaf tea (which is great during pregnancy to prep your body for labor too) is a great supplement for getting your uterus back to where it was before baby.
• Change for vending machines/cafeteria: So Daddy can go get a late-night snack for you from the cafeteria or machine if you need it :)
• Parking: If your hospital provided you your parking pass in advance, don't forget to keep it in the car! I HIGHLY suggest driving to your hospital a month ahead of your due date, with hubby or whoever will be with you, to figure out where and how to park (or figuring out valet), and making your way up to L&D just so you aren't scrambling or adding extra stress to your life the day you go into labor. 

For Baby:

• Carseat: Well, this one won't fit in the bag :) But don't forget it! A good idea is also to make sure you have a carseat that fits in your car easily and snuggly, and also to have it's install checked by your local fire department. Something we also did: we  put Medical Alert stickers on our baby's carseat with information on his name, ours, contact info, Dr & hospital info, blood type, allergies, etc. It's a great thing to have available if (heaven forbid) a paramedic ever needs to know it!
• Going home outfit: Remember, dress & bundle accordingly. Bring layers. Hospitals provide onesies, shirts, diapers, nooks, brushes, combs, washcloths, the works. You don't need to bring those. Another big one: remember that baby WILL have their umbilical cord yet that will be drying, and putting baby in a 2-piece outfit (pants) can irritate their sensitive little bellybutton area. One-piece going home outfits are many times more comfy for baby's ride home.
• Swaddle/blanket(s):  ESPECIALLY if you have a pet. Wrap that baby up all nice and cozy and bring that blanket home early so your dogs/cats get a sniff of baby before you bring baby home. Otherwise, the hospital will also have 5 million swaddles and blankets on hand for you, but who doesn't like to snuggle their baby up in their very first blankie?
• Baby Book (footprints & signatures/notes from MD's and RN's): 95% of people forget this one too. The hospital can always send you home with ink pads, but it's amazing to see those little prints in your book that first big day :)