TIME IS FLYING BY, OR IN SOME CASES MAYBE DRAGGING, BUT YOU'VE COME TO THE POINT WHEn IT'S TIME TO PREPARE YOUR HOSPITAL BAG. WHERE DO YOU EVEN START?

Whether you are planning on having your baby in the hospital or in the comfort of your own home, it's always a good idea to have a "hospital bag" ready just in case. I've put together a quick checklist that will hopefully take the stress out of putting it together. That's more time for napping and refolding baby clothes for the 12th time. :) I have also asked the moms in my local mom group what they HAD to have and was able to gather everything just for you!

First things first, when should you pack your bag? As a mom of 3, I always liked to have my bag packed between 36-38 weeks. If you are a mama who has dealt with some preterm labor signs or health conditions, you may consider packing it a bit early. This just ensures that you have all of the things that make you comfortable, ready to go. Now obviously some items will have to be gathered last minute, so it is a good idea to keep this checklist in your bag. Then you don't have to worry about forgetting anything.

Who should pack a bag? Although many women do plan birth at home, it is always a good idea to pack a hospital bag just in case. As a birth photographer, I know that every birth is different and it never hurts to be over prepared. And as a BONUS, all of your items are in once place so you won't be sending your partner on a hunt to find things for you. We all know how well men look for things. LOL Just kidding. But really my husband can never seem to find what I am having him look for. Having all of your items in once place will not only be convenient, it will also allow more time for you to focus on snuggling your precious, new baby.

Now let's talk about some of the items to bring and why or why not they may be important to you. I also left blank lines for you to jot down anything else that may come to mind. Let's start with baby. Make sure you have your carseat clean, sized and the base already installed in your car. Although that isn't part of the bag, it makes transfers and coming home so much smoother. When picking outfits, Choose your favorite and couple more as back ups. The first few hours if not day, can often times be spent skin to skin but there is something so special about that first outfit! Babies, especially little boys, can be messy though and there will be a lot of accidents and spit up. It's great to have a spare or two just in case. I also like having a onesie to put under a long sleeve sleeper when it was winter. Babies have a hard time maintaining their body temperature, so it's a good idea to pack socks, a little hat and hand mitten to prevent scratching. Typically the hospital will have a hat, so if you don't have one, don't worry. Although the hospital provides diapers, I tend to keep a couple in my bag just in case. You will also want to pack a handful or receiving blankets, burp cloths and a warm blanket. If baby is going to be born while there is colder weather, I like to bring a second blanket to set over the carseat. Some moms highly recommend bringing your pump and flanges that are fitted to your nipples specifically. If this is something you are not sure about, you may reach out to a local lactation consultant. There are also some really great informational videos online. The last thing that I find useful is a nursing pillow. Even for the experienced nursing mama, a nursing pillow can make a huge difference in your and baby's comfort and positioning.

For your bag, comfort is key! Many moms suggest bringing things that help you to relax. For some moms that was diffusing baby-safe essential oils. For others it was a speaker or headphones to listen to music. Birth affirmations are also great to help you through the waves! I have a previous blog where you can download and print my free templates if you would like! Hospitals tend to be cold so plan on bringing a robe and a light, warm throw as well as warm socks. Robes make it easy for nurses to access your tummy while also helping you to stay warm or comfortable. I also like to buy slippers from the dollar store. With that, I can throw them away as I leave. Birth can be a bit on the messy side and sometimes you are walking through the halls of the hospital. I, myself like to just throw all of those germs away. Same goes with flip flops for the shower. It all just depends on your comfort level with the hospital. You may also want to grab your favorite pillow. You will need as much rest as possible, so if you have a pillow that helps with that, bring it along! Obviously you will want regular toiletries. Chapstick is very helpful and often forgotten. Some mamas like to bring along a heating pad to help with after cramps. Those can be quite uncomfortable. As far as clothing, make sure to pack clothes that are big, loose fitting and comfortable. If you have nursing tops or nursing bras, make sure to pack those. I like to bring darker colored pants just in case. The hospital does provide you with highly glamorous mesh panties. Some mamas really like them. I personally was not a fan. After my first child, I always bought a few pair that are cheap and can be thrown out. I typically could find the sexy granny, panty cut or booty shorts. Both are great for holding pads. Another item you want to make sure you have is your birth-plan. (I also have another free template for one of these in another blog! ) If you have one written up, it's great to have on-hand for reference. This way your birth team knows what is expected of them and what you are and are not comfortable with when it comes to your and baby's care. And of course the most important thing of all, SNACKS. Some hospitals are strict about what you can and cannot have during labor. I liked to pack good protein packed snacks like jerky, nuts etc. I also like to bring something with electrolytes. Gatorade or body armors work well. Don't forget to throw a little something in there for yourself to satisfy any cravings! You deserve it after all of that hard-work. There is no shame on smashing a king size Reeses when it's all said and done. With all that said, good luck mama! I pray everything goes perfectly for you. I hope that this helps take off some of the pressure for you and remember this is just a guide. Feel free to bring or not bring what works best for you. I also suggest reaching out to a local mom group and getting some advice there. That's always a great place for feedback! Happy Birth Giving!