Did you pack anything unexpected in your hospital bag that made your hospital stay so much more bearable you think every new mom will want to follow suit?
Personally, I narrowed my favorite list down to five items I was glad I didn’t have to live without. The one item I never let go of was my lip balm (if you’re the kind of person who is comforted by carrying lip balm at all times and reapplying it often, why wouldn’t you want to do the same while going through what might very possibly be the greatest, um, discomfort of your life?)
By day 2, I was so ready for a nice long shower, and I am certain it wouldn’t have come close to hitting the spot had I been forced to use hospital-issued soaps and shampoos, so I was glad I packed my own favorite toiletries. (This also seems the appropriate time to mention that you will drastically change your outlook on showers as a new mom, so enjoy one while you can!) I was also very happy to have my own pajamas to slip into after that shower.
Finally, I am glad I packed sweats for my trip home because no one told me you’re the same size on your way home from the hospital as you were on your way to it (even though you’re carrying the baby on the outside now!) But had I packed anything that didn’t rely heavily on “stretch” fabrics I would have cried (cried more than I already did, anyway).
My last “don’t leave home without it” item was a phone number. Anxious that I wouldn’t have an easy time nursing, I was glad that I made arrangements with a lactation consultant to meet us at home when we got there and I was glad.
What’s in your bag?
