There is something really wonderful about being able to prepare for this birth in ways I couldn’t with Daisy. One of the luxuries I have this time around is being able to pack a bag of things to make our stay more comfortable. I did lots of research and talked to other moms about what they brought (and wished they’d brought!) for their own birth and hospital stays. Here are the lists I came up with - for some of you first-time moms, hopefully these are helpful:

For Me:

• The bag I'm using is the Lululemon Large Fundamental Tote - durable, washable, lots of room! (This is a great carry-on for long international airplane rides too.)

• My Birth plan & notes for my care team

• A birth ball for stretching in positions that help baby descend

• Tiny white lights for the bathroom (see earlier post with best advice from our doula!)

• Materials from our birth class for Nick and I to reference

• A couple of black jersey dresses that will hide stains and are easy for nursing, including this one

• This loose shirt dress for moving around in the hospital room comfortably

• My oil diffuser and lavender and eucalyptus oils for diffusing and massage during labor

• Lip balm and lotion for dry lips and skin

• Kind bars, sports drinks and a reusable Nalgene bottle for all that amazing hospital ice

• Books, magazines & iPad loaded with entertainment, namely Modern Family (to make me laugh) and Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten is the ultimate calming presence) and our birth playlist

• Hairbands and clips for keeping hair away from my sweaty face

• My favorite firm pillow (I will not be bringing my beloved Slip silk pillowcase – last time I was in the hospital it was taken out with the used linens by housekeeping and I never saw it again!)

• This mister spray bottle to keep cool during labor

• A long, loose, breathable dress for going home (like this or this)

• Nursing bras and breast pads

• Toiletries, towels, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste

• Big old undies

For Nick

• Our DSLR camera with fully-charged battery

• Comfortable shoes for pacing the hospital corridors

• A change of clothes

• Deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss

• Phone charger

For Ella

• A sleep suit

• A few onesies

• Socks & hats to keep her feet and head warm, mitts to keep her from scratching her face

• Her baby blanket

• Wubanub

• Muslin blankets/burb cloths – I absolutely love these

• A going home outfit

• Baby car seat - some hospitals won't let you leave by car without one!

Veteran moms, what have we missed with these lists? Send me your ideas!