These are not in any kind of number order, and you may notice that some of the items in my bag are different than what other mamas are packing. I will explain in further detail why I incorporated some of my items. So, here goes nothing:
1. Photo ID, Insurance cards, small stack of cash (for vending machines/parking), gum, and a planner - Why the planner? When I met with the neonatologist (hope I'm spelling that right!), she said that bringing a planner is a very good idea for mamas with babies who will be in the NICU. This way I can easily document what happens on what days with all of his surgeries and development. AND it's super cute!
2. Phone (of which I was using to take the picture at the time), IPAD, and all necessary chargers.
3. Travel-size toiletries, chapstick (apparently it's real dry in the hospital), facial wipes, bobbie pins, ponytail holders (which were more necessary when I had my luscious long locks yesterday.. but I digress), and a stylin' headband of course!
4. This is definitely my husband's favorite part of my hospital bag. Oreos (because what mama who just birthed a baby doesn't deserve oreos?!), fruit leather, Kind fruit/nut bars, honey roasted peanuts, and a HUGE water bottle. I made sure to choose some snacks that were high in fiber to help with getting everything moving again post-surgery. I also wanted to make sure I forced myself to drink water like it was going out of style to help in recovery.
5. Because Ezekiel has an open lesion on his back, he will have to remain on his tummy until after he recovers from his back repair surgery. Needless to say, this breastfeeding mama will be pumping for that first week or so! I was gifted by my mama with a speCtra breast pump, and I am super PUMPED (heh, get it?) about using it! I also have a nursing cover, breast pads, nipple cream, storage bags, and an Itz Been timer so I can remember which side I last pumped and how long it has been since my last session.
6. Here I have a polka dot night gown with buttons for easy pumping access, a nursing tank and comfy pajama pants, a robe from Pink Blush Maternity, nursing bras, and an abdominal binder. I would not have even worried about bringing my own gowns/tanks and pants, but I will not be staying in my hospital room with my baby like most mamas. I will be frequenting the NICU (as soon as my legs can walk again!) and would rather look at least somewhat human. :)
7. Flip flops for showering, comfy slip-on slippers to walk to and from the NICU, and fuzzy socks because they are soft and comfy.
8. My own pillow that is thicker than one centimeter and a blanket that I made on Shutterfly to remind me that God will strengthen my baby!
9. (This one is a doozy. The aftermath of childbirth ain't pretty, people!) Depends Silhouette -- yes, adult diapers -- because I will be walking to and from the NICU and heard RAVE REVIEWS about these from mamas who have been there-done that, some super large granny panties, and stool softener.
10. A diffuser and essential oils because they are essential to healing and to making the hospital room I will be living in for a few days not smell so hospital-y.
11. A Christian coloring book for adults (I'm super excited about it!) and my ESV journaling Bible with markers.
12. I know most mamas are packing a separate bag for their babies, but the only thing I am bringing for Ezekiel is this book that my sweet friend bought for him. He will be staying in the NICU longer than I will be in the hospital so all of his needs will be taken care of (minus the nourishment my breastmilk will provide!) I look forward to being able to read this to him while he lays there all sweet and cute.
Yep. So that's it, folks! It's all getting so real now. I am exactly three weeks out until I get to meet the most anticipated baby of my life thus far! Whom, as of today, weighs approximately 5lb 9oz.
COME ON, JANUARY!!!
