maternity Archives – Leap of Faye

I Hated Pregnancy – But Now I Kinda Miss It

I hate being pregnant.

And not just a little bit. This is a big hate. A loathe-every-minute and check-off-every-day type of hate. I detest it.

You can’t really blame me. I have pretty awful pregnancies grounded in all-encompassing sickness. The kind of sickness that relegates you to bed for months on end. That leads to depression and apathy. That isolates you from your loved ones and everything you used to care about. The kind of sickness that forces your husband to take over every aspect of your life and the family’s just to keep things going.

I dare say he hates it almost as much as I do.

And yet I’ve done it three times, with my last pregnancy ending just weeks ago. I still can’t believe it. My husband and I toasted to the end of my final pregnancy. The end of the debilitating sickness. The end of my misery. Finally – the start of our lives as a complete family of five.

And I was relieved. And absolutely overjoyed with the three incredible fruits of my labors. Thrilled to be done being pregnant.

Except.

Somewhere, somehow, there is a glimmer of longing. A pinprick ache in my heart for the days of pregnancy.

Am I crazy?

I hated #pregnancy. A loathe-every-minute and check-off-every-day type of hate. I detest it. Share on X

The memories of illness are still fresh in my mind. I got sick yesterday watching a show that I watched while I was pregnant – the association is still that strong.

But there is more to it. More than the miserable physicality of it.

There’s the anticipation. The hours of wondering about this new life. What he will be like. How he will look. Who he will become.

The joy of watching his heartbeat flickering on an ultrasound screen. His little bean-shaped body floating behind the consistent blink blink blink of that busy heart. Grainy pictures that prove he is there even before any symptoms appear.

The fascination surrounding this miracle. This new human being who didn’t exist and now suddenly does. Who is growing independently while at the same time remaining completely dependent on me.

The deliciousness of the secret. A confidence that only my husband and I share as everyone else goes about their business, unknowing. The hushed discussions about when to reveal our news, making it official and real. Putting it out there for better or for worse. Making all of us vulnerable.

The wonder of new baby flutters. Questioning if they are kicks until soon enough there is no doubt that they are kicks and hits and rolls. A baby exploring inside, safe and warm. Knowing this is the only time I can keep him with me and guarantee his protection.

The hiccups. Revealing the baby’s humanity and normalness. Pondering what foods may have triggered the reaction. And counting each hiccup until they slow and ultimately stop.

The doctors. The appointments. The tests. The scans. All monitoring the fragile life that is maturing inside. Reassuring me that all is going well and that development is proceeding as expected. Making me feel triumphant, that I am doing things right, when really I have no control over any of it.

The joy of naming. The excitement of coming up with a lifelong moniker. Will he like it? Will it fit his personality? Is it the right one? Incorporating family names. Saying it over and over until it sounds like nonsense rolling off the tongue.

The fearful anticipation of delivery. Coming up with a perfect birth plan, full well knowing that I have no influence over the birth whatsoever. Compiling emergency numbers and recruiting trusted friends to help with child care. Packing maternity bags and touring hospitals.

The discomfort of false labor pains. Reminding me that the magic hour is coming soon, but not quite yet. That my body is warming up for the big day. Readying itself to help propel our miracle into the world.

That startling moment when I realize that it’s no longer a drill. That this is it. The trembling. The increasing waves of pain. The panic as I face the certainty that there is no turning back. The rush to the hospital and the teams of doctors and nurses attending to me and my fast-approaching baby. The combination of excitement, dread, agony, and anxiety as my limbs are stretched and monitors are beeping and doctors, nurses, husbands are drowned out by the screaming. My screaming. Knowing that I can’t handle it another second.

And then the euphoria. The screams replaced by the cries of a new person not ready for the commotion. The warmth of a perfect baby on my quivering belly. The first suckles. The tears. The never ending tears of joy streaming down my face as I caress a new baby head and cheek and arm and leg. For the first time. The frozen snapshot of a moment in time that will never be forgotten. That can’t be forgotten.

And this – all of this – is what I miss. I miss wondering who is about to join us. When he will join us. I miss the anticipation. The nervousness of meeting someone for the first time. The preparations. The knowledge that my body is creating a miracle. The sweet suspense of the wait.

And I realize that I’m sad we’re done. Possibly too sad. More sad than I would have thought.

But I know we’re done. Our family is complete. My countdown to the end of pregnancy is over. This last time was the final one.

I’m almost sure of it.

My Third Birth Story – Or, Why You Should Get an Epidural

Third time should be the charm, right? Third baby, third delivery, third time at the rodeo. We should be seasoned pros – ready to DO THIS.

And yet, more than a month since I’ve delivered my third child, I’m just now able to talk about the trauma that was my third delivery.

But let’s back up. How about my first two deliveries? They were night and day.

I labored over 24 hours with my first, and pushed for 3.5 hours (yes – a full three and a half hours of pushing). Fortunately, I had pain relief in the form of an epidural… And I swear I heard angels singing once it was administered. The doctors finally gave up on a vaginal delivery and began making calls to schedule a c-section when the baby nudged downward for the first time.

Once he finally appeared, my doctor said, AH, he’s sunny side up – so THIS is why it’s been so difficult. Healing was slow and difficult, and I never imagined I would have more children.

So say we all.

Number two was much faster. I labored for a day at home, and then we rushed to the hospital as the pains became too intense. I was 8 cm dilated upon arrival and begged for an epidural. The nurses fought me: you’re too far along, it won’t work, your blood pressure is too low. But I insisted and forced them to call my doctor who promptly authorized the epidural.

Alas, they were right.

Outside of maybe taking a tiny bit of the edge off, the epidural didn’t kick in until I was being stitched up AFTER the baby had already been delivered. My doctor walked in, took one look at me, and said to the anesthesiologist, um – doesn’t look like your epidural is working. The baby was born within 45 minutes of arrival to the hospital.

This time we were going to be prepared. I was going to get that epidural, dammit! We would arrive at the hospital in plenty of time to take full advantage of pain relief and enjoy a comfortable, albeit medicated, birth experience.

A friend offered her sister’s services as a doula for the delivery. I declined, insisting that I didn’t think I could ever have a fully natural birth. That I simply didn’t think I was one of those women who could “breathe into the pain.”

My birth plan has pretty much always been to receive an epidural as soon as possible.

Which brings me to baby number three.

This time we knew exactly what to expect. My doctor wrote a note to administer pain relief medication as part of our admissions paperwork without me even asking. She warned me that the third baby would come quickly, and that we should head to the hospital as soon as contractions were close together. I agreed and assured her that we would arrive in plenty of time this time. We weren’t taking any chances.

The week before the baby was due, I was still at only 1 cm dilated “but soft.” Baby was in the right position and my doctor said it looked like we could potentially have a baby by the weekend.

She performed a sweep to try to move things along. At my ripe old “advanced maternal age”, doctors don’t like me going beyond my due date. Ladies – the sweep was intense. Painful. Not fun. And it didn’t work.

The following Monday I returned to her office. The nurses expressed surprise that I was still pregnant. I’m surprised too, I told them. I was as big as a house and could barely move outside of an awkward waddle. My husband had to put on my shoes for me.

Now I was 2 cm dilated. Even softer, my doctor said. Baby looked ready to go. This time she performed a surprise sweep. Ouch. But this time it worked.

Came home and spent the rest of the day working and writing. I suppose this is my form of nesting. Long after everyone else had gone to bed, I was still glued to the laptop. Finally around 12:30am, I figured I better get some sleep before the kids would be up in a few hours.

I got to bed around 1am, and started feeling very mild contractions. So mild, in fact, that they were no different than the contractions I had already been experiencing for the past two weeks. I was annoyed as I knew I needed to get some sleep. As it was, I was only sleeping around four hours a night during late pregnancy.

Around 1:30am, my husband woke up and saw me sitting up. He asked if it was time. I responded with a hormonal, how the heck would I know!? I will let you know when it is “time”. He wisely put a lid on it and sat up with me, looking increasingly anxious.

At 1:45am, he asked if we should call the friend who would be watching our other children. She would have about a 45 minute drive and we had all agreed that we would call well in advance so that we could arrive at the hospital early in the process. I told him NO, and reminded him that the hospital would send us home if these weren’t real contractions.

By 2:30am, my husband looked completely stressed out as he began throwing his overnight bag together. He pleaded again to call our friend. I breathed through a contraction and told him, FINE! Call her, but tell her she has plenty of time – I don’t want to stress her out. He was on the phone with her before I could even finish my sentence.

I was beyond annoyed at having my sleep disturbed so of course turned on the laptop, figuring at least I could finish the project I had been working on before bed. The contractions remained manageable.

Suddenly during a contraction I felt a POP inside. As if a water balloon had just popped. I told my husband that my water may or may not have broken, and to get a towel just in case. He checked the time and clocked it at 3:17am. Sure enough, the falls of Niagara came gushing out as I stood up and we rushed to the tub to clean up the mess. Thankfully, I had learned through previous births to have adult diapers ready for these occasions so I put one on, bunched up under my maternity skinny jeans. Sexy indeed.

And then all hell broke loose.

My mild contractions instantly became fast and furious. I screamed at my husband to find out how much longer it would be before our friend arrived. He called her, panicked, and let me know that she was still 20 minutes away. The kids woke up and we comforted them back to sleep. Well, my husband comforted them as I panted and clenched the bathroom counter in pain.

We made it to the car. Hubby called the hospital and asked them to PLEASE call our doctor to meet us there. He reiterated that this wasn’t our first time at the rodeo and that this baby was coming.

The nurse said, we will assess your wife once you arrive. Clinically.

As I was groaning through a particularly bad contraction, our friend pulled into the driveway and we quickly pulled out. The contractions were now less than 2 minutes apart.

Our conversation in the car went something like this:

Me: STOP RUNNING [frantic breath, frantic breath, frantic breath] RED LIGHTS!

Husband: It’s fine! Nobody’s on the road.

Me: [Doing my best to sound as threatening as I could in between contractions] Stop it now! Stop at the [frantic breath, frantic breath, frantic breath] lights! I don’t want to get [frantic breath, frantic breath] pulled over! I am getting [hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, expletive] PISSED!

Husband: We need to get there! I can’t deliver this baby!

Me: [Multiple expletives] ANOTHER contraction already!?!? I can’t DO THIS! They’re not going to [frantic breath, groan, frantic breath] GIVE ME AN EPIDURAL! I feel the head!

Husband: Yes they will! Don’t worry – they will!

Me: NO THEY WON’T! AHHH, another [multiple expletive] contraction!!!! I need to push! I CAN’T [multiple expletive] DO THIS! They’re not going to [hoo, hoo, hoo, frantic breath, groan] give me the EPIDURALLLL!!! I have to have the epidural!!

Basically on repeat. For the entire drive.

At 4:06am we pulled into the hospital parking lot and made a beeline for valet parking.

Valet parking was closed.

My husband started to drive up the parking structure until I stopped him, shouting that there was no way I was going to make it to the top. This baby is coming NOW!!

He parked illegally – I don’t even remember where – and told me to hang tight. He ran off and returned a few minutes later with a wheelchair. Carried me into the chair because by this point I could barely move through the pain – and then started running into the hospital.

Slow down over the bumps!!

We finally got up to the Labor and Delivery floor and, whaddya know, there was a line. A group of people, men and women, gathered around. I was now literally shrieking in pain during contractions and had become a circus attraction for this group of strangers. The men looked at me in a combination of horror and disgust.

The receptionist finished her conversation with one of the women as if she didn’t notice we were there. My husband said, we are having a baby NOW. She replied, I need you to fill out some forms first, then walked leisurely to the printer to pick them up.

Hubby was now getting angry, informing her that we had already pre-registered and that the baby was coming NOW. He threw the pre-completed paperwork on the counter. She didn’t look convinced, and I could swear she rolled her eyes.

I screeched at my husband to at least move me out of the center of this group of strangers watching me writhing in agony. He faced the wheelchair towards a wall.

Finally the door to the ward opened and hubby rushed us over to the nurse’s station. The head nurse glanced over and then continued her personal conversation with another nurse. My husband cut her off.

We are having a baby RIGHT NOW! This is our THIRD.

She looked irritated and then typed something on her computer. I continued to howl during contractions. She spoke up (to whom, I don’t know) and said, take them to Room 6.

Hubby started rushing us over there and then she called out – actually, put them in Room 3 instead.

I couldn’t take it anymore and cried out, you’ve got to be KIDDING me – what the [expletive] is the problem?? This baby is about to be born RIGHT NOW!!! Do you guys NOT GET IT??

We finally ended up in a room and a nurse asked me to put on a gown. There was no way I could even lift myself out of the wheelchair, never mind put on a hospital gown. I think it was around this point that they started to realize maybe, just maybe, the baby really WAS coming.

More nurses (or doctors? or witnesses? spectators??) started piling into the room. Hubby peeled off my jeans as someone simultaneously performed a cervical check. My nether regions had become fair game for all.

The cervical checker looked surprised. Wow, she wasn’t kidding. She’s almost 10 cm. The head is literally right there.

In my head I silently roared, I TOLD YOU!!!

Suddenly everyone kicked into gear. I suppose better late than never. More people filed in (who ARE all these people anyway??) and someone started blabbing on about an on-call OB rushing over. Someone else was going on about me not having a hospital band, an IV, or monitors hooked up. Another person asked, does anyone know the patient’s name?

I couldn’t have cared less about any of that.

My husband spoke up about me wanting an epidural. Sheepishly. He knew by this point there was no way in hell I was getting an epidural. But admitted later that he didn’t want to deal with my wrath for not at least asking.

Someone chuckled. I was told that no epidural would be forthcoming. Then someone dared to speak the dreaded words:

You’re going to have to do this naturally.

I screamed, I HAVE TO PUSH!!

Someone – a brunette – looked at me and said, OK, let’s push. (For the record, there is no “let us” in “let’s push.” Nobody is doing the pushing except me and me alone).

I grabbed onto my husband’s arm and cried, I CAN’T DO IT! I NEED AN EPIDURAL! I CAN’T DO IT!!!! The fear in his eyes was palpable. I don’t know if it was fear for me or OF me at that point.

Someone else – a blonde who had suddenly appeared at the foot of the bed – said firmly, you’re doing it.

By this point, I was bellowing like a crazed animal. My husband looked around at the doctors and nurses as if to ask, is this NORMAL?? He later told me he had never heard such sounds emerge from anyone’s throat… And doubted he ever would again.

My insides were being cut out with rusty steak knives and nobody was helping me. My eyes burned from the sweat pouring down my face. I was horrified as the reality of what I would have to do sunk in.

Someone encouraged me to stop screaming and to instead use my energy for pushing.

I ignored them and screamed my lungs out. I couldn’t have stopped even if I’d wanted to.

I pushed with everything I had, shrieking and wailing, and felt the head nudge partially out. (Turns out my baby’s head ended up being in the 99th percentile for width. Lucky me.) Strangers held my legs and instructed me to stop clenching. Someone told me to focus on pushing the baby out with the next contraction.

Screw that.

I wanted this baby out NOW. Contraction or not. I continued pushing, squealing, crying, and clenching. The walls were caving in and I was losing my mind and I was going to pass out from the agony and nobody could help me. Nobody could help me!

And then – WHOOSH! He was out. Just like that. At 4:17am. Exactly 11 minutes after we pulled into the hospital parking lot.

The baby cried immediately. I laid there, stunned and trembling. Hubby asked someone why I was shaking so badly. They said it was normal – my body was in shock.

Someone, I’m assuming (hoping?) the on-call OB, began stitching my tears. My regular OB walked in and gestured that she would finish. The baby was weighed, measured, and deemed perfectly healthy. Perfectly healthy. The words every mother prays to hear.

A nurse asked for my name and indicated that we would have to now “work backwards.” In the chaos, I never received a hospital band, IV, nor monitors. We began going through my contraction and medical history (which seemed frankly silly after the fact).

Someone congratulated me on my “courageous natural birth.” I corrected her that there was nothing courageous about it. I had been screaming like a banshee and the ONLY reason I delivered naturally was because I had no other option. She indicated that I delivered the way every mother dreams to deliver – fast.

A nurse apologized for not believing that the baby was coming so quickly. She said she was the one who had talked to my husband on the phone. It’s just that every pregnant woman who comes in here says she is having the baby ‘right now,’ and then it turns out she is only 4 or 5 centimeters, she said. I’m sorry. We assumed this was the same.

The baby was placed in my arms. He gazed up at me and I fell completely, wholly, fully in love. Again. For a third time. My husband gave us a hug and all was good in the world. Perfect, actually.

But I still would have wanted that epidural.

What to Pack in Your Maternity Hospital Bag + Free Printable

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, earning me a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are 100% my own.

Now that I’m due with my third baby any time now, I’ve started to pack my maternity hospital bag. With my first two children, I sought advice and read various recommendations on what I needed to pack – only to find that I didn’t bring along certain items I wish I had and vice versa. Now that I’m a seasoned pro, I’ve put together a list of items that best fit my needs during maternity hospital stays.

Although I’m late to the party this time around, I recommend that you begin readying your bag anytime after 35 or 36 weeks pregnant.

Here are my recommendations and tips for your maternity hospital bag. To check out all my recommended products, access my Amazon Influencer page (all purchases there will earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you). At the end of this post, I’ve included a downloadable full-size list for you to print and go!

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Mom’s Clothing Items

Maternity Sweats/Shirts: Do yourself a favor and leave the nice clothes at home. Comfy sweats and shirts are the best daytime clothing items to pack. The hospital is often cold, so I’ve learned to leave the shorts and flowy dresses at home (Kate Middleton may be able to pull it off, but not me!)
Loose Pajamas: Nothing is better than changing into your comfy oversized pajamas after laboring in a scratchy hospital gown for hours on end.
Slippers or Thick Socks: Do you want to walk around on dirty hospital floors in your bare feet? Me neither. Pack the slippers or thick socks for cleanliness and to keep your feet warm in the chilly rooms.
Nursing Bra or Camisole: I recommend this whether or not you’re nursing. Obviously for breastfeeding, it allows for ease of access. But even if you’re not breastfeeding, you will be much more comfortable in these than in underwire bras. I’m a fan of these Loritta Maternity Seamless Nursing Bras for price and comfort.
Going Home Outfit (Loose): Again with the loose as you will still be bloated, larger than normal, and uncomfortable. Avoid anything too fancy or with too many buttons. I suggest maybe going a step up from sweats – to maternity yoga pants.
Cotton Panties (Larger Size): This is the one time it is perfectly acceptable to pull on some granny panties. Go one size up from your regular size for maximum comfort, and skip the low rise or boy cut styles. Simple cotton bikinis or briefs are the best – I recommend something like Hanes or Fruit of the Loom.
Loose Sweater: Did I mention that it gets cold in the hospital? Bring an oversized sweater just in case.
Flip Flops: Bring these for the hospital shower. You can grab a pair for as little as $2.50 at Old Navy.

Mom’s Toiletries

Hairbrush/Comb: Pretty self-explanatory. Even if you tie your hair up, you may want to brush it out before pictures – or definitely after a shower.
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss: Don’t neglect your teeth! Purchase the travel size.
Soap/Shower Gel: Yes, they will likely provide you with soap at the hospital, but would you prefer that or your own soap or gel? If bringing shower gel, don’t forget the shower loofah.
Shampoo/Conditioner: Same story as the soap. Purchase the travel sizes.
Deodorant: This I haven’t seen the hospital supply, so don’t forget it!
Makeup: I will admit that I actually do not bring makeup to the hospital. And it shows in my post-delivery pictures. So if you want nicer pics than mine, go ahead and pack.
Lip Balm: With both prior stays, I remember vividly my lips being SO DRY the entire time. I was grateful to have lip balm.
Ponytail Holders/Headbands: You will definitely need these during delivery, but even afterwards as well.

Mom’s Other Items

Pillow: Hospital pillows are about as comfortable as lying on a book. Bring your own. And use a pillow covering in a color other than white so you don’t mix up yours with the hospital’s.
Nursing Pillow: Whether or not you’re planning to nurse, you will want this. It helps for laying on, sitting on, and a variety of other things. I strongly recommend a Boppy Pillow for both the hospital and months home afterwards. I’ve included it as one of the 7 Most Useful Gifts For a First Time Mom.
Sanitary Pads/Briefs: With my first delivery, I packed extra absorbent winged sanitary pads. They ended up not being absorbent enough. So for my second, I went straight to the adult diapers. Not only were these MUCH more comfortable, I had zero issues with absorbency. I recommend Depends or Always for a more discreet profile.
Numbing Spray: Giving birth is NO JOKE, and the pain in your lady parts lasts long after the baby has been born. With my second I was thankfully given the tip to bring numbing spray to assist with bathroom breaks post-delivery. I recommend Dermoplast Pain Relieving Spray.
Breast Pads: Unless you want large milk stains ruining your shirts, these are a must for both hospital and home. I’m a fan of the Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads as they are comfortable, discreet, and have a waterproof backing to protect clothes.
Nipple Cream: If you’re even considering breastfeeding, bring this. Nursing is not easy on the nipples, and in my experience is extremely painful at first. Lanolin cream helps soothe and heal your nipples, and is safe for baby. I’ve tried several brands and my preference is Lansinoh Lanolin. Fun fact: it also works wonders on very chapped lips or dry cracked feet.
Prenatal Vitamins: I bet you thought you were done with these after delivery, right? Unfortunately not. If you’re nursing, you will need to continue to take them. I opt to switch from the prescription pills to the easier-to-digest gummy pills sold over the counter though.
Glasses/Contacts: Don’t forget these in the rush to get to the hospital – you will want to see your brand new bundle clearly! Also pack contact lens solutions and cleaners.

Dad’s Clothing/Toiletry Items

Shirts/Pants/Sweaters: You know the drill. Whatever he needs or wants to wear during his stay in the hospital with you.
Underwear/Boxers/Socks: The intimates, along with PJs to sleep in (please discourage him from sleeping in just his boxers at the hospital).
Blanket: Newsflash: Hospital blankets are almost as bad as hospital pillows. Have him bring one from home for himself – and you too, if he’s feeling generous.
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss: Travel sizes work well.
Shampoo: Or perhaps he can share yours?
Comb: Unless he shaves his head.
Deodorant: This he can’t share – so make sure he brings his own.
Razor/Shaving Cream: Along with any other mens’ products he needs to beautify himself each morning.

Dad’s Necessities (For Both)

Insurance Cards: You MUST bring this to the hospital, even if you’ve pre-registered. Have him bring both yours and his.
Drivers Licenses: Same story – make sure he brings both (hoping his is a given assuming he is driving you there in the first place).
Registration Paperwork: If you have not already pre-registered at the hospital, bring the completed forms. But I HIGHLY recommend you pre-register to save everyone some headache during a time when you’re likely to be in a lot of pain and not in the mood to be filling out paperwork.
Obstetrician Contact Information: Don’t forget this if you want your OB to deliver your baby! Make sure he brings name, number, address, and any other pertinent information.
Pediatrician Contact Information: The hospital will request this so that your baby can have his or her first checkup. Ensure that all pertinent contact information is brought along.
Camera/Charged Battery/SD Card: Charge the battery beforehand, and bring an extra charged battery just in case. I also bring two SD cards – the one in the camera and an additional, because you can never overestimate how many pictures you’re going to take of the new baby!
Cash: For snacks, meals, and anything else you might need during your stay.
Friend/Family Contact Info: This is important assuming you want to announce your baby’s arrival outside of Facebook. Make sure the list includes email addresses and cell phone numbers for calls and text messages. It may be helpful to create a draft mass email or text message template beforehand – that way you can simply fill in the blanks and hit send instead of populating everyone’s name and information at the hospital.

Dad’s Other Items

Cell Phones/Chargers: I’d be lost without my cell phone at the hospital. Same goes for the charger. Bring both.
Laptops/Tablets: Whatever floats your boat. Labor may take hours and if you’re not in too much pain (or opt for an epidural) you can surf the net, watch movies, read ebooks, or even work.
Sibling Gifts: I think it’s a nice and memorable gesture for the new baby to give each sibling a small gift. Think things like a baby doll, a big brother or sister book, etc. My preschooler still talks about the gift that his brother gave him when he was born (a baby doll so that he could have his own baby to take care of). This time around I purchased them both some coloring books and big brother books: You Were the First for my eldest, and I’m a Big Brother! for my youngest. It helps ease the transition and jealousy a tad. So bring the wrapped gifts with you.
Bluetooth Speaker: If you want music during labor, bring a small bluetooth speaker to amplify your cell phone music list.
Snacks/Bottled Drinks: Things like granola bars, crackers, trail mix, favorite candy, and bottled water or teas help keep everyone satiated between meal times – or if the hospital meals aren’t quite up to par.
Gum/Mints: Great for both Mom AND Dad during and after long hours of laboring.
Towels/Garbage Bags for Car: You can never be too prepared. Before rushing you off to Labor and Delivery, make sure Dad places a trash bag covered by a towel on the car seat. You may not need it, but if your water suddenly breaks, everyone will be thankful.
Baby Book: Pack your favorite baby/nursing/related book to refer to during those first hours and days with a brand new human being to take care of. I use the Pearhead Chevron Baby Book and have been happy with it.

Baby’s Clothes/Toiletries

Going Home Outfit: Opt for something simple, comfortable, and without too many buttons or snaps.
Extra Outfits: While the hospital does provide onesies, they are typically thin, threadbare, and not overly attractive. Bring some of your favorite new outfits from home – and perhaps a special outfit or two for the professional baby photographers who will come around and offer to take pictures.
Sleepers: These are sleep gowns that I love because they are easy to put on and take off (no snaps or buttons), and diapering is a breeze (just lift up the gown). All the major baby clothing manufacturers make them, although I’m partial to Carters.
Mittens/Booties/Caps: If the hospital room is cold for you, imagine how it must feel for a newborn. Be prepared with baby booties, caps, and mittens. An added benefit of the mittens is that they help prevent babies from scratching themselves with long nails they are sometimes born with.
Baby Wash/Lotion (Travel Size): Bring something along for baby’s first bath, even if it is a sponge bath. I love Babyganics Shampoo + Body Wash and Babyganics Daily Baby Lotion for clean, natural, and sensitive ingredients.
Vaseline: This is another item that the hospital will provide but in my experience, it comes in tiny packets (think ketchup packets) that are difficult to open and apply. I also like being able to bring my own brands that I love. Right now I’m a big fan of Burt’s Bees Baby Bee 100% Natural Multipurpose Ointment.
Newborn Size Diapers: This can be considered optional, as you will be supplied these at the hospital. But if you have a certain brand in mind, bring your own. They should also help stock your diaper bag. I’ve tried all the major brands and, in my experience, Pampers is the best and most leak-resistant for newborns. That said, others swear by other brands. So try several out and see what works for you.
Baby Wipes: You can NEVER have too many baby wipes. Not only for diapering, but for wiping up milk, spit-up, spills, and a variety of other messes. My favorite by far are Target’s up & up Sensitive Baby Wipes – I purchase them by the case.

Baby’s Supplies

Car Seat: The hospital won’t let you leave without one, so this is arguably the most important item you can bring. I’ve tried out and done a ton of research on many infant and convertible car seats, and have different preferences for each stage. I will be writing a detailed review of my findings but, for now, I find the Chicco Keyfit 30 to be one of the very best infant car seats on the market. And yes, I do recommend using an infant car seat for your baby – it is worth the money to be able to simply click the car seat in and out of vehicles and strollers without waking the baby.
Car Seat Cover: Even though I live in a warm climate, I consider this a must have. It allows your baby to sleep, and prevents strangers from getting too close and touching your baby. I recommend Car Seat Canopy – but before purchasing, search online for a coupon code that will give you the product FREE (you will only have to pay shipping of approximately $12).
Stocked Diaper Bag: This should be prepared before the baby arrives, and should include necessities like diapers, wipes, bottles, nipples, portable changing pad, Vaseline, receiving blankets, burp cloths, changes of clothes, etc. I’ve found that some of the pricier diaper bags are not the most practical as they are simply too small and have too many slots. My favorite bag to date is the simple $40 Eddie Bauer number from Target.
Receiving Blankets: This is another item that you can never overdo. I use them for swaddling, covering, shielding, as a nursing cover, and for a variety of other purposes. I use them to this day with my older children for different things. So definitely bring a few receiving blankets to the hospital.
Warm Blanket: In addition to receiving blankets, a plush baby blanket is always a good idea for warmth or to cover the baby when going outside.
Swaddlers: I’ve mentioned in another post that I have never fully gotten the hang of properly swaddling a baby. Luckily for me, there are cheat products available. I highly recommend bringing along a few Summer Infant SwaddleMe Adjustable Infant Wraps just in case your dexterity is as questionable as mine.
Burp Cloths: Just as they sound, these are for keeping your clothes dry while burping your baby. Pick up a few, and then a few more, as they will soil quickly.
Pacifier: It’s amazing how quickly a pacifier can soothe a crying baby. Bring a couple of these to the hospital.

Baby’s Additional Supplies

Nursing Cover: A must-have for nursing or pumping. I’ve used mine everywhere – from the car to public restrooms (yuck) to the hospital. There are many different types available, but don’t spend a lot of money on this. A simple inexpensive nursing cover works just fine.
Nipple Shields: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: breastfeeding and pumping are PAINFUL, especially at first. I use nipple shields to help with the pain and prevent the nipple from become too bloodied. They also help the baby latch when physiological issues (such as inverted nipples) may be present.
Nasal Aspirator: The ones the hospital provides do nothing. The absolute BEST baby nasal aspirator on the market is the Nosefrida. I’ve also reviewed it in detail here. Once you get over the idea of sucking boogers out of your baby’s nose (don’t worry – filters protect you from ingesting said boogers), you will be amazed at how well this product works.
Sterilized Bottles: Not sure if you’re going to breastfeed? Bring a few pre-sterilized bottles and nipples just in case. I’m a fan of Dr. Brown’s to help with colic.
Changing Pad: This should already be included in your baby bag but, if not, pick one up. Something like this portable diaper changing kit would work well with room to store diapers and wipes in a convenient carrying case.
Notepad/Memory Book: While you can certainly use your cell phone, sometimes it’s just easier to jot down notes regarding your baby’s first days in a notebook. You may also want to start on your baby’s memory book while events are still fresh in your mind.
Hand Sanitizer: We go through gallons of this stuff during our babies’ first weeks and months. We all sanitize sanitize sanitize before picking up the baby. Bring a few travel sized hand sanitizer bottles to the hospital to be prepared for guests.
Baby Nail Clippers: All my babies have arrived with long nails! With number two I learned to bring a pair of nail clippers with us to the hospital. A simple pair does just fine, but one with a small magnifying glass is helpful to avoid unintentional nicks.

So there you have it. Feel free to add and delete as you see fit, but this is a list that has worked well for me.

Download, print, and save your free copy here: Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist. Or, simply click on the image below.

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And now that you have your maternity bag packed, check out my post on all the items you must have for your new baby: What You Really Need For a New Baby + FREE Printable!

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Congratulations on your upcoming delivery! I send you all my best for a smooth delivery and a comfortable hospital stay for Mom, Dad, and Baby.