Congratulations!

As you are approaching your due date, your "to-do" list will slowly be getting longer and longer. There is only so much you can do to prepare for the birth of your baby. No matter how prepared you think you are, there will always be surprises that pop up! Making sure your bags are packed and that you have all the necessities should be the last thing you worry about. That is why I came up with this hospital bag check list for you.

I remember with my second child how unprepared I was. I was scheduled for a c-section and she decided to come a week before my date. My number one priority was to make sure I had someone available to take care of my son, that I didn't think about anything else. Having this check list handy would have definitely helped! Not just for me but for my hubby as well! Check it out and then print out my handy PDF to keep on your refrigerator along with all the other sticky notes you have plastered on there!

For you:

• Comfortable pajamas with a top that you can button up or pull down if you plan on nursing.
• Birth plan (It helps to print a couple copies or post it somewhere visible, so that you can make sure your doula, midwife, doctor, nurses, and anyone else who is helping to care for you sees it.)
• Robe for quick throw on when people come to visit
• Comfortable Nursing bras
• Slipper Socks with grips on the bottom
• Cotton underwear (Bring maternity underwear or other pairs that you don’t mind getting ruined)
• A comfy outfit to go home in (something loose and easy access for nursing
• Charger for your phone and any other devices
• Toiletries (Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, pads, and moisturizer)
• Chapstick
• Dry Shampoo is a must
• Your own pillow (boppy pillow for nursing) and extra blankets for hubby
• Healthy snacks and water bottle
• Breast Pump if needed
• Create a play list of calming music
• Books, magazines, or a laptop or iPad to watch movies on
• Photo ID
• Insurance card
• Credit card
• Cash
• Any necessary hospital paperwork

For baby:

• Car Seat installed. You will not be able to drive your baby home without it properly installed. If you’re unsure how to install it yourself, you can make an appointment at your local highway patrol office and they will assist you.
• Clothes baby to go home in. It would help to bring both newborn and 0-3 month size so you can be sure one will fit. Remember that babies can't regulate their internal body temperature the first couple of weeks so pack something warm.
• Receiving blanket or swaddle
• Baby mittens to keep from scratching their face
• Baby nail file
• Baby book if you would like their footprints for keepsake.
• Diaper bag
• Newborn diapers