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0 In Motherhood/ pregnancy

Tips for preparing for your birth from a labor and delivery nurse

tips for preparing for your birth from a labor and delivery nurse

You’ve got the nursery organized, the carseat installed and your freezer stocked with freezer meals, but are you truly prepared for the birth of your baby? Preparing for the birth of your baby is an exciting time, but is also a time of information overload, and lots of emotions as well. As a labor and delivery nurse, one thing that I have learned is that each birth is different and unique, and there is no way to predict how things are going to go. Yet, there are some things that you can do to be prepared.

Here are some ways to prepare for your birth from a labor and delivery nurse:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the birthing process. Education is key to helping dissolve any fears and build your confidence. The more you can become educated on the birthing process, the more comfortable you can become with what to expect. One topic that I find especially important for new mothers is to be familiar with the birthing process and the stages of labor. tips for preparing for your birth from a labor and delivery nurse
  2. Take some childbirth classes. Classes are a great way for you and your partner to learn different relaxation techniques and coping mechanisms to help you through labor. In addition, they are also a great way for your partner or support person to learn how they can best support you throughout the birthing process. There are many different kinds of classes from Lamaze, to the Bradley Method to Hypnobirthing. You can reach out to your obstetrician or midwife or the hospital in which you plan to give birth to see what classes they offer. Some classes even include a tour of the hospital or birthing center as well.tips for preparing for your birth from a labor and delivery nurse
  3. Create some sort of birth plan. As a labor and delivery nurse, I do remind women that birth may not always go the way they had planned, and at the end of the day, the best plan is a healthy mom and baby. But it’s a good idea to have some sort of idea as to what’s important to you and your partner and have a discussion ahead of time with your obstetrician or midwife. And most moms feel comfortable knowing that they have a plan in place should certain situations arise. When you check into the hospital, let your nurse know your wishes for example if you want delayed cord clamping, or skin to skin. But remember, the best plan is a healthy mom and healthy baby, however that should happen.

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I had envisioned going into labor naturally and having an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. However, at 37 weeks, I found myself being induced for high blood pressure and ultimately it ended in an emergency c-section. (You can read more about my birth story here). While it was not the way I had planned, at the end of the day, we were both healthy.

Even though I was a labor and delivery nurse and familiar with the different methods of induction, at the time being in that situation, I wasn’t thinking as a nurse.  I was a sleep deprived mom in that hospital bed and all of my clinical thinking and reasoning went out the window. However, had I had somewhat of a plan in place in the event that induction was necessary, I would have discussed with my provider the different cervical ripening methods and played a more active role in the decision making. In the end, the outcome wasn’t what I had envisioned, but both myself and baby were healthy and that was all that mattered.

 

tips for preparing for the birth of your baby from a labor and delivery nurse

While every birth plan may look different and certainly isn’t set in stone, education is the key to being prepared for your birth.

Click here to check out my post on what to pack in your hospital bag and get my free printable checklist

Check out my tips on preparing for your c-section and recovery

 

3 In Motherhood/ printables

What you really need to pack in your hospital bag

What you really need to pack in your hospital bag
This post contains affiliate links meaning I make a small commission

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.

what to pack in your hospital bag - crocs flip flops

 

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.

What you really need to pack in your Hospital bag - nursing dress

 

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

What you really need to pack in your hospital bag - yoga pants

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

What you really need to pack in your hospital bag - nursing tops

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

What you really need to pack in your hospital bag - nursing bras

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.

what you really need to pack in your hospital bag - swaddle blankets

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

baby girl going home outfit

 

 

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.

what you really need to pack in your hospital bag - boppy

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.

what you really need to pack in your hospital bag - diffuser

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

what you really need to pack in your hospital bag - extra long phone charger

Camera

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

what you really need to pack in your hospital bag - headbands

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!

what you really need to pack in your hospital bag - dry shampoo

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

 

For more about what to expect check out:

8 Tips for Preparing for your Csection and Recovery

My honest post about Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Pin for Later

What you really need to pack in your hospital bag printable checklist

 

 

5 In beauty/ pregnancy

My Must Have Beauty Product During Pregnancy

This post is sponsored by Bio-Oil but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Pregnancy is a time that brings about many skin changes for women, from dryness, to blemishes and stretch marks. I’m sharing my must have beauty product during pregnancy to help your skin look and feel it’s best.

I recently attended the Biggest Baby Shower Event in New York City hosted by Big City Moms. It was a great evening to discover some cool baby brands and products as well as a chance to connect with other expecting mamas.

My must have beauty product during pregnancy

While there, I visited the Bio-Oil booth. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Bio-Oil, it’s the world’s leading product for scars and stretch marks and recommended by many dermatologists. In addition to helping with the appearance of scars and stretch marks, it’s also one of those beauty products that has multiple uses so you really get the most bang for your buck.

my must have beauty product during pregnancy

Bio-Oil can be used to:

  • Help improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks
  • Help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone that so often happens during pregnancy
  • Help reduce the look of aging skin
  • Help keep your skin hydrated

my must have beauty product during pregnancy

This pregnancy, as my bump has been growing and that skin has been stretching, my belly has been very itchy. I’ve been massaging a few drops of Bio-Oil on my skin as soon as I get out of the shower to help keep my skin hydrated and lock in that moisture. And I will definitely plan on using it postpartum to help my c-section scar heal as well.

My must have beauty product during pregnancy

I also love to use it as a makeup remover, to tame any fly-aways in my hair, add a few drops in the bathtub for a hydrating soak, and apply to dry cuticles and chapped lips.

How does it work?

Bio-Oil is composed of a combination of plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base. It contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin oil which makes it light and non-greasy and ensures that all of the beneficial plant extracts and vitamins are easily absorbed.

How should you use it?

It is recommended that you apply twice daily for three months. During pregnancy, they recommend starting use during your second trimester.

My Must have beauty product during pregnancy

You can head to any of your local stores to pick up some Bio-Oil to try yourself. And be on the lookout for a post later this summer featuring my review of the product.

 

My must have beauty product during pregnancy

 

 

 

 

3 In fashion/ pregnancy/ Style

The Ultimate Maternity Wardrobe Capsule – that you can wear even when you’re not pregnant

The Ultimate Maternity Wardrobe Capsule
This post contains affiliate links meaning I make a small commission

Every pregnancy is different and this pregnancy I’ve been having so much fun dressing my bump in different styles, creating the ultimate maternity wardrobe capsule. With my first pregnancy, I lived in maternity jeans, leggings and maternity tops. Towards the end I felt like a frumpy puff ball. And I also spent alot of money on said maternity wear that hasn’t gotten much use since.

This pregnancy, I’ve been determined to look cute, feel great and not to spend alot of money on maternity clothes. Im sharing how I created the Ultimate Maternity Wardrobe Capsule –  from dresses, to jumpsuits to overalls, all which can be worn even when you’re not pregnant.

To shop, click the thumbnails below the photo.

Dresses

I absolutely love dresses for pregnancy. Not only are they comfortable, but they make me feel super feminine. Here are some of my faves.

I love this button down striped dress from my Old Navy Spring Try-on. (If you didn’t see my spring try-on click here). The material is very breathable, and the buttons and gathered waist give it a more tailored look.

old navy dress

 

I love a classic black maxi dress. This one is belted at the waist to highlight your bump (or accentuate your waistline when you’re not pregnant). Pair with a jean jacket in the cooler months.

black maxi dress

This dress from The Nesting Olive is seriously gold. Not only is it super soft, but it’s great for no matter what season of life you are in – pregnant, postpartum, nursing, or just to wear as a house dress or out running errands. The flowiness (is that a word?) makes it a great option for postpartum c-section mamas and the buttons make it nursing friendly.

The ultimate maternity wardrobe capsule -house dress for maternity, postpartum and nursingthe ultimate maternity wardrobe capsule - dress for maternity, postpartum and nursing

Jumpsuits

I have been on such a jumpsuit kick lately! Seriously they are such a great way to dress up, yet be comfortable and wear flats. I love this one from Target. I bought it in black as well. It has a cute little tie at the back of the neck and pockets!

jumpsuit

I bought this striped linen one from Old Navy a few years ago. I like it paired with a white t shirt underneath. I’m linking some that are similar.

striped linen jumpsuit

Cardigans/Kimonos

Cardigans are a staple in my closet. I live in tanks and cardigans all year round. Sometimes with jeans, sometimes with leggings. It’s my favorite casual go-to.

cardigan

Like cardigans, kimonos are a simple way to instantly look put together together. I love them for the warmer spring/summer months too paired with jeans, shorts or a dress. This photo is from when I was about 30 weeks with Maxwell. Below I’ve linked some of my favorite kimonos.

The Ultimate Maternity Wardrobe Capsule - kimono

Chambray Button Down

I bought this one from Target last year. I have been able to wear it well into my pregnancy, and as my belly has grown I just leave it unbuttoned. Plus the buttons make it nursing friendly when you’re postpartum as well. My favorite way to wear it is with black leggings, sneaks and baseball cap for when you’re on the go. Speaking of leggings, my favorite pair is $10 from Target (I’ve linked them in the thumbnail below). No need to spend more money on maternity leggings.

The ultimate maternity wardrobe capsule - chambray button down

 

Joggers

Joggers are seriously a mom’s best friend. It’s a way to look cool and casual while also chasing your crazy kids. Plus there are so many ways you can style them. The elastic waistband sits below your belly making it comfortable during pregnancy.

The ultimate maternity wardrobe capsule - joggers

 

Overalls

Ok so this is the only item on my list that is maternity. These overalls are from Motherhood Maternity. I seriously love how stretchy they are. And they are so cute!

maternity overalls

Bras/Underwear

Finding underwear and bras that are comfortable during pregnancy can be a challenge. I recently discovered Target’s new line of intimates, Auden. Auden prides itself on being size inclusive offering XS-4XL and from 32A-46G for bras.

Click here to follow me on Like To Know It so you can shop all of my favorite looks!

https://www.liketoknow.it/ourtiny_nest

 

The Ultimate Maternity Wardrobe Capsule