36 Weeks Pregnant Chalkboard + Hospital Bag Packing List

By Kate Horney

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How far along? 36 Weeks, 5 Days

Maternity clothes? Bella band and stretchy pants!   Can’t believe we’re so close to the end….

Best moment this week: We had maternity/family photos this weekend at the beach and it was so much fun to get some photos of Jackson and the baby bump.  In addition to that, I’ve spent the week dancing around to lots of fun L & D songs and planning for baby H #2’s arrival… 3 weeks and 2 days until his due date!

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Miss Anything?  Honestly, I’m so grateful for such a great pregnancy! It’s kind of sad it’s almost over… Although I do miss a good night’s sleep, not being punched in the ribs, not having crazy chicken aversions, etc, I’m working on enjoying every last minute!

Movement: Lots of big wiggles. Our doctor felt the head last week and confirmed that the little man is head down and ready to go… so it shouldn’t be much longer now!

Food cravings: The chicken aversion is back in full force.  I’m really struggling to get my protein in, so protein pancakes , cheese and eggs have been staples this week.   (In addition to the usual love of fresh fruit and all things PB!)

Looking forward to: I can’t wait to meet our little guy and to watch Jackson as a big brother!

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 Biggest Struggle This Week:  Packing my Hospital Bag!

After my OB check last week (I’m already 1 cm dilated) I figured it’s better to be safe than sorry, and it may be time to PACK THE HOSPITAL BAG!  (Ah! Seriously, how has time gone so quickly?)

Honestly, I think packing in general can be overwhelming…

(I almost ALWAYS forget SOMETHING when we leave for vacations), and when it comes to packing for the hospital, it can certainly be a daunting task.

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Solution:  I figured out with Jackson (after being stuck at the hospital missing at least 50% of what I actually needed) that it’s best to get some things ready before your due date just in case you go into labor a little earlier.

Here’s my list for packing MY hospital bag! 

(Comment below and tell me what I’m forgetting!) 

Essentials (and a few non-essentials) for Mom

  •  Health insurance card
  •  Nursing bra(s)– This supports swollen, tender breasts, and helps keep breast pads in place.
  •  Sports bra– Many women find these extremely useful during water birth or when using the birth pool
  •  Breast pads– You will need these whether or not you are breast feeding because they stop leaks by absorbing milk.
  •  Boppy Pillow– These can be used if you are breast feeding or bottle feeding; either way they reduce the strain on your arms, neck, and back when feeding your baby.
  •  PJs– Make sure they open in the front or have easy access to the chest if you are planning on breast feeding.
  •  Slippers– During early labor it is always recommended to walk around. These will also come in handy as you make trips to the nursery to check on your new baby.
  • Socks– My feet were FREEZING when I went into labor with Jackson… and of course, I wrote flip flops to the hospital, so my only option were those awful bright red hospital sock/slippers (you know, the ones with the rubber on the bottom?)  this time I will be more prepared!
  •  Going-home outfit– Choose one that fit when you were around 6 months pregnant.
  •  Toiletries– To be more comfortable, take a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, chap stick, makeup, hairbrush, shampoo, soap, lotion, hair dryer, etc.
  •  Sanitary pads– The hospital can provide you with these, but let’s be honest- the hospital ones are HUGE (seriously, like a diaper). I wish I had packed my own favorite brand with Jackson.  (Remember, you are going to need a pad designed for a heavier flow).
  •  Hair clip or band if you have long hair– Definitely wish I could’ve pulled my hair out of  my face during labor and delivery the first time!
  •  Pillow from home– This makes you more comfortable; just make sure you have a different colored pillow case on it to distinguish it from hospital pillows.
  •  Baby book– If you’re going to do a baby book, the nursery often will take your baby book and put your baby’s footprints in it. This will save you a lot of time and trouble. I totally forgot this with Jackson…. Oops!
  •  Tube socks that have been filled with tennis balls–  It sounds crazy, but these can help alleviate the sore aching muscles during labor. Just take a tube sock and place three tennis balls inside the sock. Tie or sew off the open end of the sock to keep the tennis balls in place. Many women like to place these between their backs and the bed because the pressure applied makes them feel better. You can also fill a sock with uncooked rice (but not instant). These can either be heated or placed in the freezer and provide comfort during painful contractions.

Essentials for Baby

  •  Infant car seat and infant head support– You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without one; make sure you bring the instructions.
  •  Going-home outfit
  •  Hat– Babies lose the vast majority of their body heat through their heads.
  •  Booties/socks
  •  Receiving blankets– Newborns love to be swaddled, and these blankets are perfect for swaddling.
  •  Newborn diapers– If they do not have the umbilical cord area cut out, make sure you fold them down.
  •  Wipes– Begin with the wipes that are designed for newborns or sensitive skin.
  •  Mittens – Many newborns will have longer nails, so they can easily scratch their face and other parts of their bodies.

 Essentials for Daddy

  •  Change of clothes
  •  Pajamas
  •  Toiletries
  •  Snacks– Labor can be a long process, so you want to be prepared.
  •  Cooler filled with drinks and sandwiches– This keeps the partner close by and can help avoid multiple trips to the hospital cafeteria.
  •  iPod/Jambox- I’m working on my “Pregnancy Playlist” (Sounds dumb, but it’s so fun)…. Soothing music and even some up beat energizing tunes may help you and your partner relax both during and after labor.

Essentials for Sibling

  •  Crayons, markers, paper, coloring books
  •  Books
  •  Toys
  •  Snacks
  •  Gift from big brother/sister to the baby– This can be something that was picked out prior to delivery by the older sibling.
  •  Gift from Mom and baby to the big brother/sister– Many times older siblings tend to get jealous around the birth of the baby. Lots of moms have told me that a special gift can help alleviate this problem and allow the big brother/sister to know that they are still important, so I plan to get one for Jackson before Baby H #2 arrives.

P.S. Ok, so what else did I forget? Comment below with YOUR hospital bag packing essentials! 🙂


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