Live Love Mom

by: Stephanie McEndree

As a mother of two, I know a thing or two about packing a hospital bag, or even a bag for a birth center. It's good to have everything on hand when you're leaving your home to give birth. Pack the comforts of your own home. You can pack up to three days worth of items for a vaginal birth, and about five to seven days worth for a c-section. Here are the essential items I brought with me.

1. Diapers
2. Bottles and formula if formula feeding
3. Nursing bra if breastfeeding
4. Nipple cream if breastfeeding
5. Breast pump if breastfeeding
6. Breast pads if breastfeeding
7. At least 3 baby outfits per day you'll be away from home; 2 day outfits and pyjamas
8. 6 Recieving blankets, or 2 per day
9. 3 Warm blankets, or 1 per day
10. 3 pairs of socks, or 1 per day
11. 3 pairs of mittens, or 1 per day
12. Car seat
13. 3 Hats or 1 per day
14. 3 Changes of clothes for mom or 1 per day
15. Chap stick for mom
16. Granola bars or other snacking items
17. Juice bottles or water bottles to stay hydrated
18. Warm socks for mom
19. Snacks for dad 
20. Changes of clothes for dad, 1 per day
21. Reading materials for dad
22. Toothbrush & toothpaste for each parent
23. Camera
24. Mobile phones
25. Phone chargers
26. Camera chargers
27. Hair brush
28. Deoderant
29. Travel-sized shampoo, body wash and conditioner bottles
30. Winter coats if it's winter
31. Burp cloths
32. Old underwear
33. Adult diapers or maxi overnight postpartum pads
34. Q-tips
35. Nail file
36. iPod for music
37. Mints for a sugar boost and to freshen breath
38. Tennis ball for massaging the mom's back
39. Pyjamas for the parents
40. Slippers for the parents
41. Birth plan
42. Makeup to make you feel better