Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Packing a Smarter Hospital Bag the Second Time Around

Disclosure: I received products where indicated by * to include in my hospital bag; all opinions expressed are my own. 


By this time when I was pregnant with Nia my feet had been propped up for about a month since I was mostly housebound due to the heat advisories at the time, but this time around I'm pounding the pavement right to the end! I saw my midwife yesterday (full 40 weeks update to come next week) and she said everything looks good so it's fine to be out and about as long as I feel fine.

As a result of my busyness, I've had a few panic moments (thank you to Mr. Lovebird for his patience!), but a few partners have come to my rescue helping to make packing my hospital bag so much easier this time around. 

I'm using the same Vera Bradley bag pictured above which I took the first time around (courtesy of the Modern Bride of the Year contest years ago!), and here's what I'm filling it with:

1*//2//3*//4*//5//6*//7*

1. Bamboobies Chic Nursing Shawl: I somehow lost my cover when we visited Nigeria and knew I needed one this go around. What I love about the Bamboobies shawl and cover is that it can be worn stylishly even if not for nursing and goes well with whatever you're already wearing. It's super soft and made of light weight bamboo and organic cotton so I don't have to worry about it being heavy as I nurse during the summer

2. Boppy: We used this well past the infant stage and it still is used by Nia from time to time just as a pillow; it was critical to my breastfeeding success as comfort was key

3. Bamboobies Boobease Natural Nipple Balm: My nipples were super sore for the first 8 weeks with Nia. This time around I'm coming prepared with balm! The best part? It's certified organic and safe for baby

4. Myrtle&Flossie Ready-Go Bag: I featured fellow mompreneur Nia Reid-Allen last year, and I'm excited for her smartly organized, all-in-one hospital bag! I'll be taking a few items from the homemade tote bag which includes the essentials for mom and baby: nursing gown, footies, Ian's Secret organic beauty products, and seamless underwear for mom, onesie, mitts and hat for baby; here are the current bag patterns: 


5. New Mama Bottom Spray: I don't remember how I came across this godsend the first time around, but it really made the difference in my recovery (coupled with getting a Brazilian wax in the weeks leading up to birth); I cherished this spray made with all-natural ingredients, including astringent witch hazel, antibacterial lavender, and cooling peppermint pure essential oils - it became my BFF giving me SO much relief and I really appreciate how it had an inverted sprayer so I could turn the bottle any which way and it would still come out!

6. Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel’s On-The-Go Refreshingly Clean Towelettes: I was introduced to these via Influenster and have started stocking the big bottle of Dickinson's witch hazel in my bathroom, but these towelettes are great on the go; they freshen and cool in one fell swoop! I remember not quite having my legs last go around and it being such a chore to get to the bathroom. Available at Walgreens and Walgreens.com for $5.49, they'll help me freshen up quickly especially as I welcome guests at the hospital 

7. Bamboobies Regular and Overnight Pads: This is another product that was such a blessing the first go around - again I don't recall exactly how it made its way to me, but it surely seemed divine! I was going through disposable pads so quickly and the cost was adding up that these were a much better solution. Super-soft and washable, not only are they eco-friendly, but they are large and very absorbent. The overnight pads are heavy-duty and help keep you dry the entire night! I have a few leftover from the first time around, but am so glad to have extra as back-up for Baby Agbai 2.0 

ANNNNNNND. . .

Bamboobies is offering Harlem Lovebirds readers a special 20% off discount using code HARLEMLB20 through June 30, 2014, and I'll be back with a separate feature AND giveaway!

There are also a few non-glamorous not-pictured items I'll be taking with me:
  • DSLR - my midwife's assistant will be taking pictures and video, something they do for their moms, but I want to be sure to have ours on hand; the cell phone-only pics last time just didn't cut it!
  • A gift to Nia from her brother - wait and see . . .
  • My own pillow with a pretty case - I saw this recommendation on another blog the first go-around, and so glad I did this for pictures and comfort; the standard hospital pillow just didn't cut it
  • A robe - for added comfort and coziness
  • Baby Agbai 2.0's take-home outfit - my mom crocheted it, and it's so adorable; I can't wait to put him in it!
  • Snacks - I definitely will need energy beyond what the standard hospital liquid diet allows, and I'm thankful that having a midwife allows me a more lenient food policy, but I want to have a few goodies on hand
  • My glasses - I could hardly keep myself together let alone put my contacts in last time! 
  • My tablet - with wifi available at the hospital I'll bring it just in case I want to get online (I had it repaired since dropping it, and we'll probably bring the MacBook Air as well if my husband wants to get online too -I'm still searching for a case for it!)
  • Camelbak water bottle - mine just broke yesterday, but I'm running to get a replacement this weekend; sucking out of a bottle (held for me if it gets rough!) is going to be much easier than holding it myself
  • PJs - so I guess this counts as a bit of glamor, but from my Red Envelope post I'm bringing the special PJs I picked out for myself 
  • The regular items - underwear, tooth brush/paste, deodorant, etc.

What are your hospital bag must-haves?