Bonjour!
As Due Day for le bébé approaches – just four short weeks from today – I’ve been thinking about packing my hospital bag for labor and delivery (and how L’Husband can support me). Today’s post shares some resources and tips as well as my own hospital packing list. (Since I’ve seen every episode of Call the Midwife, I think I know what to do! Le wink.)
L’Husband has been encouraging me to pack my hospital bag for a while now – since “you never know” – and even bought me some fun organic and eco-friendly toiletries for the occasion. But I’ve been blithely and blissfully looking at my mostly empty suitcase, causally tossing in the odd bric à brac when I think about it (a onesie here, a snack there).
To be clear, I love to plan, pack, and make lists. But I’m also trying to be as chill as possible during my pregnancy (si c’est possible!). Not irresponsible or insouciante, but more relaxed, especially in the third trimester, as part of my commitment to mindfulness and joyful living.
And to be even clearer, the last month had been particularly occupé, what with preordering a new car (my mama chariot) and executing an updated estate plan and finalizing projects around the house and yard and dealing with a leaky roof (le sigh). And work (oh, that). My to-do list game has been on point, as it were.
My induction is scheduled for Week 39. I have time. (Right?)
What prompted me into full-blown hospital bag packing mode: When my own maman told me she had a dream I went into labor three weeks early (le yikes!). My suitcase is almost full now.
Pour la Maman
I got ideas and tips for my hospital bag packing lists from seasoned mamans and repeat mamans-to-be. Qualms about Big Maternity’s quest to undermine our confidence and sell us things we don’t need aside, I also found the packing lists from The Bump and Babylist to actually be helpful.
Paperwork
- Photo ID, wallet
- Insurance card
- Hospital forms (check into preregistering before labor and delivery)
- Pediatrician info
- Birth plan, if you have one
Snacks
- Crackers, Belvitas, graham crackers
- Water bottle
- Gatorade
- Gum, hard candy
Necessaries
- N95 and/or KN95 masks (merci, COVID)
- Glasses and/or contacts
- Toiletries
- Towels, washcloths (supposedly, those at the hospital are woefully inadequate)
- Shower shoes
- Jammies, robe, slipper socks
- Sleep mask, earplugs
- Pillow, blanket (yes, I’m a diva [*shrugs*])
- Sports/nursing bra, undies (this is not a lingerie moment)
- Comfortable, flat, slip-on shoes
- Outfit to go home
- Extra-long phone charger
Creature Comforts
- Handheld fan
- Sound machine, charger
- Bluetooth speaker, charger and birth mix
- Aromatherapy (room spray, essential oils)
Pour le Bébé
I’m told most labor and delivery rooms have a changing station stocked with bébé care essentials and the nurses will teach me how to feed, change, etc., a newborn. Since this is my first time (code for “I have no idea what I’m doing”), I’m still packing a few baby items.
- Receiving blanket, swaddle, hat
- One or two onesies
- Outfit to go home
- Car seat! (by law, they won’t let you leave the hospital without this one!)
What essential items do you always take when you travel?
Merci for reading and please subscribe and share!
À votre santé,
Katie
Joie de Vivre 