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14 June 2015

hospital bag picks

Yes, yes, yes. I wrote one of these shortly before Phoebe was born so why, Grace, WHY must you assert your almost identical and profound thoughts about hospital baggery ALL over again? I don't know. Why do a mediocre job at something once when you can do it twice?! That's my mantra these days.

No, I'll admit I'm feeling a little bit something {anxious? manic? crazier than usual?} not being able to properly nest in a furnished apartment {ah!! fine! For the first time in my domestic life I've stayed weirdly on top of the laundry for all of the ex-utero Pattons and that has to count for something, I hope} and so I'm pouring all of my insomnia and energy into packing the perfect hospital bag because ... that's like SO important. The truth is, the hospital is quite a bit further from our apartment than our house and I really don't want to have to ask Simon to come grab such-and-such {something essential like lip balm, of course} with all the kids in tow and I don't know ... we'll just go with crazier than usual.

Skim/skip as you must. I don't blame you. It's mostly repeat with warmer weather versions of my favorites and I did steal and share a lot of your insightful and helpful comments and suggestions from the last post because your wealth of knowledge will forever and ever trump mine.

buckle up for the inevitably wild ride.

1. bag - duh. Petunia Pickle Bottom generously sent this bad boy several months ago and we took it down to Florida in February and I love it. It's big but not TOO big and the perfect size for a few days away at the spaspital. When deciding what would go into storage for the month and what would come on the flight with me, Julia, and the baby down to Tampa - this was the first thing I set aside. But! do not be afraid to bring your rolly suitcase. Simon says people do it all the time - especially if you're staying post c-section and need the extra room. You do what you want.

2. going home outfit for the baby - forgot this once! Felt reallllly dumb. I like long sleeve footiesbut I tucked a couple of my favorite onesies in my bag (and ordered these too because our apartment has no a/c and I'm sure he/she will be SO appreciative of the missing two inches of sleeve)

3. Boppy - I'm a longtime Boppy devotee (and a huge fan of these non-cutesy covers) but some of you mentioned My Brest Friend has being a better alternative? I'm verrrrrrry curious. Once we move I might have to give it a spin.

4. nursing tanks - I prefer them to nursing bras and live in them for several weeks post-delivery ... but I'm thinking I just haven't found the right bra? but I did see these at Target and they look perfect {but am so very open to suggestions as this is very much outside of my realm of expertise}

5. sweater/robe - Couldn't live without it. Well, I could but I wouldn't like it. People are coming in and out of your room as they (sort of) please and it makes for a quick nursing cover (not! that you need to cover up, of course but ... I like to) and helps me feel somewhat pulled together. SOMEwhat. I like the ones that tie but ... personal preference, of course! And now that I'm thinking about ... maybe a kimono might be better suited for the summer months? The possibilities are endless.

6. super comfortable pants - for a long, long time I was all about these yogas (and I still love them, in addition to these leggings if tapered leg is more your speed - I go back and forth) but I've grown to love these Palazzo pants that would probably be a lot softer on a c-section incision and more comfortable without looking 100% pajama-y (although - nothing wrong with pajama wear! nuh-thing) these sleep jogger pants (technical name) look real nice and oh! best of both worlds! yoga sleep pants (again, technical name, bb). I really should just punish you with a whole post about hospital friendly pants, that would be a blast. I won't. I don't think.

7. slip-on footwear - I sang the praises of these slippers last year and I still love them but I'm sweating just sitting and typing at the moment so I'm wondering if I should just bring my VERY favorite flip flops? Maybe that's gross. I don't know. Game time decision ... bait that breath for the final pick.

8. toiletries - {super bummed that bag is sold out - the price was right and my current bag is double digits old - and it shows} you do what you want but I like having everything (within reason) with me. Makeup, hair stuffs, shampoo + conditioner (unless your hospital is extra ritzy and provides this?) and lotion. That first shower is the very best and it's nice to have all your beauty bff+e's. Or at least it's nice for this high maintenance princess. Probably the most important one for me to remember is some sort of lip moisturizer because my lips always get really dry during labor ... not sure why. I love this stuff especially.

9. camera - of course! We have a Canon Rebel T1i that we bought used a few years ago but I'm not a photographer at all and I know there are MUCH nicer cameras out there. After reading and reading and saving and saving I bought this lens but this is a great beginner lens. We've been super lucky to have nurses that are happy to manhandle our camera and snap photos but I wouldn't be terribly disappointed with "just" cell phone snaps for immediately post-delivery. There's plenty of time later in postpartum to take the fancies.

10. Going home outfit for YOU - {not pictured} I've always just worn sweats but I've never had a baby in the super warm weather so I thought it might be fun to have a lightweight flowy shirt to wear over my tank and comfy pants? Or not. I don't know. Maybe I'm overthinking it and should just go do some more laundry but I bought this shirt one size up and it's perfect and looks pretty uterine swell friendly.

absolutely don't forget:
chargers (if you're responsible and HAVE one like I don't -- an extra camera battery?)
insurance info

optional:
your own pillowcase (not my style BUT ... gotta save room for my unnecessary going home shirt!)
New Mama Bottom Spray (have it, heart it)
Earth Mama Angel Nipple Butter (have it too, heart it too)
extra bag for freebies (welllll not sure how "free" all the diapers and wipes are BUT, you should still take them)
socks (if you want, I don't but! some people feel strongly about this)
playlist (never have I ever but ... 5th time might be a charm?)
laptop - we always have plenty of time to enjoy a little Hulu ... no lightning fast labors for Grace
snacks for baby daddy
these blankets because they are the (I'm going to say it) bomb dot com

more! there has to be more! But I really do want to know about nursing bras .... many thanks in advance.

and ...


... happy birthing!!

(this is Phoebe!)

57 comments:

  1. Reminds me..... I need to wash baby's going home outfit and pick hospital bag.

    Also about nursing bras: I got a few $10-15 ones from zulily. There's no liner (insert monkey covering its mouth) but as long as I put those nursing pads, I'm all set. As long as I don't wear those super clingy tops the odd really don't show. I'm all about loose tops postpartum and nursing. Bec hello... Bigger breasts.

    I like the f21 top. Nice choice.
    And can't wait to see baby Patton 5!

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  2. In my early nursing game, I bought bras from Motherhood, but I did switch to Target for the latter people. They were great and lasted a long time. I prefer a "regular" shaped bra and underwire, but that one you posted looks comfortable. I have to wear nursing pads - I have a TON of milk and I'm always leaking. TMI, I know, but that makes a difference because a softer bra often doesn't work for me. But I did have one similar to the one you're looking at for sleeping and it was super comfortable. Hope things are winding down over there!

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  3. These blankets were the only splurge I made for baby #7 born 5 weeks ago. But - I got them at TJMaxx for $20 for 4! Just a tip!!

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    1. so good to know!! Thanks Sarah! And congrats!!!

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  4. Is that Patton #5???? :) ahhhh!!!

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  5. check out Bravado bras for nursing. I have been wearing mine for the past 3yrs and they are still going strong! No underwire, nice and comfortable but supportive. Check them out!

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    1. I've heard such good things about them!! Thanks Katya!!!

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    2. I second this!! Love bravado bras. If there's a good bra-fitter near you, it's totally worth it. I needed a much larger cup size than I had been buying for myself, and the expert-fit bras have been great.

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    3. I'm finishing up nursing after about 16 months annnnnnnd I'm thinking I'm still going to rock my bravados because they are SO COMFORTABLE!

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    4. Totally agree that Bravado is best! They often do special sales so it's worth signing up for the emails. My bras and tanks are on their third go around, I live in them. Definitely worth getting fitted once your milk comes in, it does make a difference!

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  6. I have always loved the bravado brand bras. This time I really like the Bliss style, it's their most popular style, but I also like the other two I have. It doesn't look like a nursing bra, easy access, no underwire, low neckline friendly, and should last a really long time.

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  7. I'm very curious about the postpartum top from forever 21. When I click on the link it just sends me to the forever 21 home page..

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    1. shoot, I'm so sorry! It's fixed but here's the direct link too!!

      goo.gl/V1rb8S

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  8. Undercover momma has the best nursing tanks!

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  9. Those bras from target are my absolute favorite! I was really excited to break them out again for baby 2 last July, and as her birthday approaches and she will wean, I'm sad to have to put them away again. They are very comfortable!

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  11. You've forgotten one of my MUST HAVES: snacks. The only eating when it's breakfast, lunch & dinner, are not my thing (and they've ALWAYS found a reason to keep me 2+ days, each time, really). Also, what if you have the wee babe in the wee hours? Refuel is a must! I usually pack granola bars, and...whatever looks delicious the weeks leading up to baby time. I also pack hard candy. Why? I don't know. I've never used it.

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    1. cracking up! I did put snacks for Dad but maybe I should be selfish????? yes, I should ;)

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  12. I'm going to up your bomb dot com suggestion and say that the Anas and Aiden bamboo fiber swaddle blankets are so much nicer. So so so....so much softer, too. And gets softer with every wash. It's like a luxury blanket for your baby. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0085DJ71M/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?qid=1434312294&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=anas+and+aiden+bamboo+swaddler

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    1. ah! i totally agree. that's what i get for blogging when kids are awake - fixing now. Thanks Chrissy!!!!

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  13. I had a hard time finding a nursing bra that fit well after my first. Then a Soma opened up right around when my second was born and they have an excellent selection!

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  14. Best nursing bras I've found so far came from A Pea in the Pod, similar to these: http://www.apeainthepod.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=192510361&MasterCategory_Id=MC29. The fit kind of reminds me of a sports bra. I wear mine all the time, through multiple kids and they've held up pretty well (although I definitely could use new ones by now! I just hate shelling out for underwear for some reason).

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  15. Those blankets were my biggest regret of not splurging for our first, and the only thing I wanted for my second! They're amazing!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

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  16. Not exactly an experienced mama here as I just had baby #1, but I really like the (one) bravado body silk bra I bought and the Target one looks really similar for half the price. I can't get into nursing tanks (I like the extra coverage short sleeves provide, and its too hot to wear cardigans over tanks now), so I'm thinking of expanding my nursing bra collection (really, its time..) with the one you posted. The only thing is, depending on the necklines/sleevelines of your non-maternity/postpartum wear, this may not work, as it seems to extend pretty far up into the armpit area.

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  17. ah, thank you! getting ready to do the whole delivery thing again…well, in 9 more weeks. yay? I've only ever worn the very flattering hospital gowns post delivery, but I'm liking this yoga pants/comfy shirt idea better. Also, no A/C!?!

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  18. I got my nursing bras from Soma and they are amazing. I have both the unlined and lined underwire versions and I love them so much. They are so soft and so comfortable. They usually have some type of sale going on so you can snag them 2 for the price of 1!!

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  19. I really like Anita nursing bras. Not for the first couple of weeks of engorgement and leaking, but after that, they really make you look super! With my first, I had cheapo Target nursing bras and they did nothing to contain my brand-new 34F chest. :-O With my second, I bought two of these: http://www.amazon.com/Anita-Maternity-Womens-Microfiber-Nursing/dp/B0011ZX6IQ/. Oh man. All the difference in the world. I'd recommend going to a lingerie boutique where they measure you and bring you bras that work best for your body type. Like, with all the spare time you have these days.

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  20. I had a bravado bra, but honestly, I just bought a zillion of the tanks. Covering my pp stomach and back made nursing in public spots a little easier so I didn't feel like I was lifting up and showing off everything. They also allowed me to wear my normal shirts, which I was very grateful for. I did have one Bravado and one motherhood maternity one, but wasn't in love with either.

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    1. Agree with this! I like the tanks for modesty too.

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  21. As far as nursing bras go the Bravado Body Silk Seamless nursing bra is THE BEST! I tried them all and these are awesome!! Not that you need or want to know this about me but I had like insane oversupply like I donated garbage bags full of frozen milk oversupply, I went from a happy little C cup to a DDD! It was madness, and very uncomfortable for awhile (understatement of the century). I tried a million different bras and these bad boys are awesome! I used them for about 15 months until I stopped nursing my son. They are definitely worth the money.

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  22. I weaned my daughter a year ago and I still wear these sleeping bras most nights :) http://www.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-sleep-bra-2-pack-gilligan-o-malley/-/A-14055277?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=14055277&CPNG=Women&kpid=14055277&LID=22pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14055277&kpid=14055277&gclid=CO3RiInVkMYCFc4XHwodFC8Ang

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  23. I have had both Target and Bravado bras. And for a girl who had ample 'girls', the Bravado holds up better. And holds you up better!

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  24. I am young and childless however all the moms in my (big!) extended family have really enjoyed mimi holliday's nursing bras for a ~fun night~ in as well as for everyday comfort. If you subscribe to their emails, you'll know when they have their semi annual 50/60% off sale, normally in July. But do yourself a favour and go get yourself fitted at a bra fitter when you have the chance! If the store is really nice, I have a cousin who called in two weeks in advance and they made sure she got one of the earlier appointments and they blocked off all the other ones at the same time so her kids could have run of the store and the younger fitters minded them. So! Pick your battles. And once you know your size, http://www.figleaves.com/us/ has a p. stellar bra collection on clearance nearly always, nursing or not.

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  25. Reading this brings back memories of packing my own!! My baby just turned one... I may need another soon haha! But my best tip comes from my husband. After I had my last baby he declared that he is going to do the actual packing of the hospital bag so he knows where stuff is! I'll collect everything for him and then let him load the bag. I guess he got tired of having to dump the whole thing out every time I asked for something.

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  26. the insurance info is SUCH a great tidbit--I emptied my wallet before a trip to Seattle last spring and my son tore his thumbnail off in a heavy steel door in the swimming pool and there I was NO clothes(swimsuit only), dripping wet holding a bleeding wailing nashing 11 year old and then suddenly realizing our ins. info AND medical debit card were happily having a min-vacay in my desk drawer...worked out in the end BUT such a hassle that could have been avoided

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  27. Try Bravado nursing tanks & bras ... they are fantastic! Love your blog!

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  28. That Basics bra that you linked to is my favorite nursing bra, I have it in three colors and LOVE them!

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  29. I see that people have already suggested it, but Bravado for nursing bra. I bought one and it fell apart. I e-mailed them and they sent me a new one pronto. Great customer service. The new one has been amazing and now I get what all the fuss is about. I totally recommend them, but I am open to other advice.

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  30. My sil is expecting her first and I want to get her everything in this list! But I might confine myself to only the things from Target, as living in the UK = no Target! It is a real hardship, I must tell you, but thankfully I'll be visiting US family next month and can get my fix!

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  31. Dear Grace,
    Although my own kiddie-boos are grown now, my daughter's best friend just had her first baby. My husband and I gave the new parents a gift basket filled with items you've so generously recommended, including treats for dad, a baby outfit, and yoga pants, nursing tank and a wrap cardigan for mama. The new parents were (really!) so thrilled and sent us pictures of her and baby in their new outfits. It was quite the compliment when she said I did a better job picking out things for her than her family did (shh! don't tell). I attributed any success in that realm to "research" and am happily keeping the secret of my selection superpowers (got that cape on over there, Grace?) to myself - doin' the happy dance! Hugs to you!

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  32. If you're willing to give nursing bras a try again, I loved the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra by Bravado Designs. I wore them exclusively through two nursing babes and loved them. They are super comfortable, but still provide decent support. Best of luck with Patton number five!

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  33. Can Simon do like a guest feature post? I'm not sure if I'm over-thinking all my birth plans. Would love to hear from a doctors POV. (Ex: my first baby was 10.4lbs and I'm nervous that this second baby due 9/6 will get stuck at the shoulders. Also nervous the doctor will recommend a c-section due to large-ness of first said baby.)

    Nicole

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  34. Ditto on Bravado - I haven't been nursing for 6+ months but I still wear mine bc they are pretty fantastic and worth every penny.

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  35. Another recommendation for Bravado. I'm 7 mos post and still wearing. Very very comfortable and the best for nursing! I also second the My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow. I started with Boppy but I used the Brest Friend the Boppy has just gathered dust. My Brest Friend will be so helpful for your back! :)

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  36. So I also second (seventh?) the Bravado nursing bras. I'm fairly large chested anyway, and then with nursing? Hello!! The girls needed some serious support. And the Target bras just didn't do the job. The Bravados were wonderful.

    My other suggestion: there is the amazing product that turns any nursing bra into a tank! The typical Target tanks just didn't work for me - to get the cup large enough, the rest of the tank looked like a giant tent. These tanks let me use my well-fit Bravado bras and still have the coverage of a nursing tank. Brilliant!

    Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Nursing-Undercover-Mama-Black-Medium/dp/B003IYYEBG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1434401032&sr=8-2&keywords=Nursing+tank

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  37. My nursing bra picks.. Used them for the last three kiddos! Have to replace them every six months, at least I do. They're not underwire but i have a larger chest and like the, eh, silhouette? they provide when they're not stretched. Of course not everyone has this issue and they'd be fine as long as needed without replacements!

    They say sleep, but I ignore that ;]

    http://m.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-comfort-sleep-bra-gilligan-o-malley/-/A-13643224

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  38. Those are my everyday bras! They are comfy. I generally use an underwire one for when I need to look more put together or for a shirt that needs to look more shapely.

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  39. I love reading your train of thought, just fyi. never apologize for it :D

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  40. The Arden Dairy Fairy All-In-One Nuraing Bra in the color naked changed my post partum life. I washed and wore this thing almost everyday for a year - which made the price more than reasonable. However, my breastfeeding "journey" took the show on the road after the first twelve weeks, so I don't know if it would be similarly life-altering for someone who isn't strapped to their pump at their desk/in their car during their commute every 3ish hours. BUT! I thought it was the most comfortable of all (read: like 12) the nursing bras I owned and I was super impressed at how well it held up after like seriously 365 consecutive days of washing and wearing.

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  41. The Arden Dairy Fairy All-In-One Nursing Bra changed my postpartum life. I loved it so much I washed and wore if everyday for a year. However, my breastfeeding "journey" also went back to work after the first 12 weeks, so I was strapped to a pump at my desk/in my car during my commute every 3ish hours, so it might not be so life-altering for someone not pumping on the reg. BUT! It was by far the most comfortable of all (read: like 12) the nursing bras I owned, and I was super impressed at how wonderfully it held up after like seriously 365 consecutive days of washing and wearing.

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  42. Those nursing tanks from target are AWESOME. I still wear them with a cardigan to work so I can nurse my lil guy at lunch. Supportive, long and soft. My only complaint - they are too 'baggy' around the middle. I think if I could squeeze my *large and in charge* boobs into a smaller size, they would fit better. Ah, such is the life.

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  43. Yes I lived in my nursing tanks when the engorgement happened. I nursed my first (I'm 9.5- yes every half counts haha- weeks pregnant with my second) for a little over a year and I absolutely loved these bras from target http://www.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-seamless-bra-gilligan-o-malley/-/A-14910003#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=nursing+bra . I had heard that they were being discontinues so I desperately went out and bought 4 more... 2 of which I still have in the plastic lol. They have just a tiny bit of padding so if you "leak" it wont immediately soak through, and therefore also keeps the nipples (sorry I said it) from showing though. I have the one you are looking at, but it felt very "binding" and put too much pressure on the girls- it was also very thin, so best for wearing at night. Congrats on baby Bosco! And thank you for the guide... No matter how many babies I have, I'll always listen to someone who's had more!

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  44. Grace, just so you know the toiletries bag is back in stock! :)

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  45. I usually never comment, but a good bra is hard to find, especially nursing. After trying every nursing bra under $50 and hating every one, I went to a Soma store and they hooked me up! Most comfortable and durable (11 months and still looks new!) bra and easy to unlatch and buckle back up one handed.

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  46. What are some good nursing friendly tops besides cami tank tops? I'm on the hunt for a few that don't look like pajamas...

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