We are days away from little baby Prentiss #2 making her appearance! As excited as we are- we are NOT in a rush given our current circumstance (I shared about that over on my Instagram account @emmaprentissessentials).
I have my hospital bag all packed and ready to go! It’s been ready for a few weeks- just in case. I think packing around 36 weeks makes the most sense. Harper was born at 40 weeks + 4 days so I wasn’t exactly expecting an early labor.
So what exactly did I pack in that bag? I’m glad you asked! I am a minimalist at heart when it comes to packing. I HATE bringing more than I need and find the less decisions I have to make, the better. So I have JUST enough. Now our unique situation leaves us not needing too much because once the baby is born- we will only be at the hospital for 24hours. Being home is the safest place to be- BY FAR.
For Baby:
- Two zip-up sleepers.
- One receiving blanket.
- Three burp clothes.
- One knit blanket.
- Travel Sound Machine.
- Pacifier.
- Paci Clip.
- Boppy + Cover.
- Car Seat.
- Hand Sanitizer.
We’ll leave her bag in the car until we move to the family ward.
For Momma:
- Outfit to wear to the hospital.
- Pajamas.
- Going Home Outfit.
- Black leggings.
- Nursing tank.
- Sweatshirt.
- Extra nursing tank.
- A lot of Undies.
- Nursing Bras*.
- Sleep Nursing Bras**.
- Cardigan.
- Slippers.
*I don’t actually own any nursing bras. I think they’re a waste of money. So I bought a bra from target that is soft, no underwire, and moves easily out of the way for nursing. Now I don’t feel like I’m wasting money- not to mention the fact that if the clip breaks, you’re beat.
**I feel the same about sleep nursing bras. I woke up so many times with my boob just hanging out because the clip came undone in the night. I think a basic sleep bra does the trick just fine. Something soft, stretchy and comfortable.
I also have my toiletry bag with the basic needs in it:
- Shampoo
- Body Wash
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Tooth brush + paste
- Face Wash + moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Makeup wipes
Black flip flops for the shower, a few V8 Coconut Watermelon waters, snacks, and my diffuser + oils!
Oils I’m bringing + WHY:
- Peppermint for nausea
- Valor for bravery
- Release for emotions
- Strength Roller- I just grabbed a few of my favorite oils and made a roller that would make me happy when I’m needing a boost.
- Deep Relief for muscle aches.
- Frankincense for anxious feelings and overwhelm.
- Baby Wellness Roller- Gentle Baby + Frankincense. 1 drop each with some carrier oil and I’ll roll it on her feet.
- Rose Ointment for nipple balm.
- Marjoram + Copaiba roller for afterbirth cramping.
- Thieves + Lavender for the diffuser to keep the air fresh and help support our immune system while we’re there.
I feel like I may have grabbed a few other oils + threw them in just in case. When it comes to oils- I’m an over-packer. I also have my desert mist diffuser + we’ll have that running while I’m in labor and when we move to the family room.
I should probably mention that Joe has his own bag of things- well he will… when he packs it. I have enough things to manage. He’ll probably bring next to nothing because he’s a guy. My guess would be a few pairs of boxers, slippers, something to sleep in + his toiletry bag. I know he plans to wear the same thing to the hospital as he will going home. Dude gives no effs.
I’ll share what things were most helpful for me during labor + recovery as well as if I think this list covers all the bases for a minimalist packer! Whenever that times comes- hopefully next week or the week after. Until then, stay put little lady. <3
