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What you really need to pack in your hospital bag

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If you’re searching for a hospital bag checklist, you’ve come to the right place! There are tons of similar posts floating around the internet with checklists, but being a labor and delivery nurse and a second time mama, I’m sharing what you really need to pack in your hospital bag!

I remember with my first babe, we got sent in for induction after our appointment at 37 weeks. I was in no way prepared so I literally threw everything in a bag and off we went to the hospital. I remember strolling in looking like we were going on a week’s long vacation. This time, I definitely plan to be more prepared and intentional with packing my hospital bag.

Here is the down and dirty of what you really need to pack in your hospital bag

from a Labor and Delivery Nurse:

Flip Flops – I love these Croc flip flops. They are so comfy for walking around, grip to your feet and can also be worn in the shower.

Comfortable dresses/nursing gowns – I’m all about the comfortable dresses and these are like all I wore last time. They’re easy for nursing, a loose, non-binding option for csection recovery mamas and a simple way to look a little more put together. I love this one from the Nesting Olive. I bought it in a few colors. I also love these 24/7 house dresses from Undercover Mama.

Yoga Pants – I like these ones from Target because they are loose fitting and stretchy (so great for csection mamas).

Nursing Tops – I love this three pack of nursing tops on Amazon

Nursing bras – I got this three pack on Amazon. They are wirefree.

Swaddle blankets – seriously you can never have enough. I got a few from Copper Pearl and I love them because they are big, soft and super stretchy. They also have lots of different, fun prints.

Going home outfit for baby – Amazon has lots of cute ones. I like this one for a girl and this one for a boy.

Boppy – I loved having my Boppy with me at the hospital to help with breastfeeding. The lactation consultant was able to show me different positions that were comfortable post c-section.

Pillow – your own pillow. I know sometimes on L&D especially when we’re slammed we run short on pillows so I always tell people bring your own from home. That means dad or your support person too.

Diffuser – Not only is it nice to have going during labor, but also in postpartum for overall rest and relaxation. I have mine that I use from Young Living but I like this one from Amazon as well. My favorites for sleep and relaxation are lavender and frankincense.

Phone charger – I have this extra long one from Amazon.

Camera

Headbands/hairties – I found these cute ones with a bow on Amazon.

Toiletries – Ok so the hospital does have some stuff but I’m a little particular. I got a cute cosmetic bag and hit the travel sized toiletry bins at Target and stocked up on everything I needed. Don’t forget the dry shampoo and chapstick!

Pacifiers – some hospitals no longer provide them especially if they are Breastfeeding Friendly. So if you know you are going to want them, bring your own just in case.

Things that you don’t need to pack because the hospital will most likely provide to you:

– Underwear – the hospital will give you that sexy mesh kind so why pack your own?

– Pads/topical numbing sprays and creams/icepacks

– Non skid socks

– Gown to labor in (unless you want to wear your own but it’s most likely going to get covered in lots of fluids just saying)

– Diapers/wipes

– Nipple cream

– Onesies

– Breast pump – most hospitals have them for you to use during your stay but ask before you go.

Click here to download my printable checklist

June 22, 2019 By Nicolle

1 In favorites/ food/ printables

Twenty of My Favorite Trader Joe’s finds

My Favorite Trader Joe's Finds and a free shopping printable

So if you’ve been following for awhile, you know that I am a huge fan of Trader Joe’s. I first became a fan when I was in college living in Boston and I could get a bottle of wine for $2. (I wish my local store sold the 2 Buck Chuck). As I’ve grown into an adult, I love the whole shopping experience there – from the minute you walk through the door being wooed with flowers, free samples, and their variety of seasonal items. I typically hit up my local TJ’s every other week to stock up on my favorites.

Below I am sharing 20 of my favorite Trader Joe’s finds. And be sure to scroll to the bottom and print out my shopping list that I’ve provided for you!

20 of My favorite Trader Joe’s finds

1.) Mandarin Orange Chicken – turns out, this is the most popular item at Trader Joe’s. I love it for an easy weeknight meal.

2.) Vegetable fried riced – I pair this with the mandarin orange chicken and some steamed broccoli for a healthier version of Chinese takeout and a quick weeknight meal.

3.) Cauliflower gnocchi – another favorite for an easy weeknight meal. I saute this with some butter and throw in their chicken apple sausage for some protein.

4.) Chicken apple sausage – love this in the cauliflower gnocchi. My son also loves to wrap them wrapped in crescent roll dough for lunch.

5.) Everything but the bagel seasoning – I recently just bought this for the time as I’ve been craving bagels with this pregnancy. For a healthier option that still curbs your bagel hankering, slice some cucumbers, top with cream cheese and sprinkle some EBTB seasoning! I also hear it’s great on avocado toast.

6.) Dark chocolate peanut butter cups – ummmm chocolate and peanut butter need I say more? I don’t buy these every time I go, but

7.) Spinach artichoke dip – I love having this in the house for anybody that stops in and I can serve it quick with some tortilla chips. I also like to spread it over chicken and bake in the oven for a yummy spinach artichoke chicken bake.

8.) Riced cauliflower – Whenever I’m trying to cut back on my carbs, we do riced cauliflower a few times a week. My favorite way to eat it is in a burrito bowl topped with a protein, cheese, salsa and guac. I love the fresh version in the produce section but they also have it frozen too!

9.) Zucchini noodles – Another favorite carb free subsitute, we do zucchini noodles at least once a week served with marinara and turkey meatballs.

10.) Turkey meatballs – We usually make our own, but I love to have these in the house in case I forget to take the ground turkey out of the freezer 🙂

11.) Vegan kale cashew & basil pesto – What I love about the T.J.’s version is that it’s not oily compared to other pestos. I love to top it on their cauliflower pizza crust or sautee into some of their pasta and add some fresh veggies.

12.) Baby spinach salad – baby spinach, cranberries, pecans, blue cheese and raspberry vinegarette ready to serve. I top it with their grilled chicken for an easy lunch to take to work.

13.) Grilled chicken – this is so convenient. I love to have this in the house to make salads for work. I get about 3-4 salads out of it.

14.) Reduced guilt chunky guacamole – I never met a guac I didn’t like, but I love this one especially made with greek yogurt.

15.) Roasted plaintain chips – these are a huge family favorite in our house for when you want something crunchy.

16.) Joe Joe’s – These are Maxwell’s fave! He even named his Elf on the Shelf Joe Joe. When we pick up a box, it never fails, he has to open them and snack on some while we shop.

17.) Mini hold the cone – these are perfectly portioned little ice cream cones when you want a sweet treat but not over-do it. And they’re perfect for my toddler.

18.) Rosewater facial spray toner – I find this to be pretty comparable to other well known brands. I love to apply it as soon as I get out of the shower before I apply my moisturizer.

19.) Tea tree shampoo and conditioner – Made with peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus, this smells amazing and it gives your scalp a nice refreshing tingle too!

20.) Flowers – I love their fresh flower selection! My favorites are their eucalyptus and hydrangeas but I also love their other seasonal blooms they have throughout the year. I also love their smaller potted plants like their succulents and lavender. They make perfect little hostess gifts.

What are some of your favorites?