Breastfeeding

Ssssshhhhh...I am about to talk about a 13 letter word. Wait for it. Breastfeeding! {in fact I had to stop to feed the baby! Go figure! Were in sync!} The topic of breastfeeding for some reason can fluster people. Ruffle feathers. Even make some feel uncomfortable. I apologize in advance! But I was the mom who didn't decide to breastfeed (in fact thought that I wouldn't!) until my oldest was in my arms. The second I held her I knew I wanted to try. It was not easy with her! I bled. I was sore and then I got thrush 2 weeks after having her! NO ONE warns you about those things! So I wanna share some things and items that have worked for me! I felt inundated when I finally made it to the store. I have tried almost every brand of breast pads out there and can tell most felt as though I was ripping a band-aid off my...well...you get the idea! Now I wanna apologize in advance to those that are unable to breastfeed and want to. My heart aches for you and I am so sorry. Truly.

My biggest tip if you want to breastfeed...as SOON as you have them (I had all c-sections so believe me it can be done) put your baby skin to skin and up to the breast! I nurse on demand. I do not go off of a schedule. I have been told because of this my milk comes in faster, I have enough to feed a village and my baby is happier because I am not holding back with restraints. My lactation specialist actually told me she wishes I could attend all of her classes to share this big tip! Also, the more confident and comfortable YOU are, the easier it will be! (I am nursing in the car in the parking lot of my sons school in the picture above! The picture as the header...my kids are playing at the park and I am standing up nursing. While I edit I am typing and nursing at the desk!).

I do own a "Breast friend" pillow. (you can find them on amazon here). You do not need a special pillow to breast feed. I actually use this more for my children to be able to hold the baby more than anything. BUT when you are first learning these come in really handy to be able to support the baby and concentrate on what you are doing!

When it comes to clothing. I do not spend a ton of money on "nursing" tops. I do have a few nursing tanks. I also invest in GOOD nursing bra's! My favorite is Bravado brand (which you can now find at various stores!). I have a sleep bra for night time (so comfy!) and then a few different styles of nursing bra's for daytime! All are Bravado! I have tried so many types but these are the most comfortable and hold up really well which is important! For tank tops I like ones that are longer (I wanna cover my tummy!) so I found these HERE at Target that I bought in both colors! I hang them to dry only!! I do not want them to shrink! I actually wear them with a cute cardigan over and a pair of jeans (or yoga pants!). I like to wear V necks as apposed to scoop necks and have figured out I really don't need to change my wardrobe to accommodate feedings (this coming from the mom who had to strip down to her skivvies with the first baby! Yes. Yes that was me!)

Lansinoh brand lanolin (helps to prevent cracking, bleeding etc. I make sure I have a tube of this when I first start nursing at the hospital. I put it on after each feeding the first few weeks!) is my go to product I buy for every new mama!! I have tried others and they are too thick that it hurts to rub on! I will never steer away from the Lansinoh brand breast pads! I kid you not they are the ONLY ones I have tried that do not leak and do not feel like a band-aid being ripped off my breast! Yes...that can happen! Trust me! I was thrilled walking into Target the other day and they now carry a box of 100 (lasts me about 2-3 weeks because I leak like no other all the way till the end!)

My nursing cover is made by Udder Covers. I actually have a few of them! This is my favorite one as it has a bend in the top part which helps to see the baby and makes it so you can keep the cover easily away from the babies face!! The one I have is called the "Natalie" and I also own the "Elsa". I am more discrete with nursing in public! You come into my home I may nurse openly. But if I am out and about I have my cover with me at all times!

Now I am an Oregon girl! I have been Midwest and was shocked at how many people DON'T breastfeed! They find it weird! So yes, in a way I am a bit crunchy?! But it saves me hundreds in formula! I do have a pump (Medela brand) but I feel like a cow  { insert moo here _____________ } when I use it! I always make sure I have some milk stored in the freezer for a just in case moment. But out of all 4 of my children...we have failed miserably at them even taking a bottle...until now! Yesterday for the first time ever my husband was able to feed Livy from a bottle I purchased just yesterday! It was a sweet moment for him (I was a mess inside!) But I do like to be prepared in the off chance its needed!

I have had thrush (its basically a yeast infection in your nipple from the baby! It feels as though you are shooting razors...yes razors from your nipple while feeding. You will KNOW you have it!) only once. It has nothing to do with cleanliness etc its just something that can happen. I had to get a prescription from the doctor (antibiotic and a nipple cream) to get it gone. I have also had mastitis (a clogged milk duct) which makes you feel as though you have the flu..without the puking. You will have a red HOT to touch area on the skin. That too will need to be treated with antibiotics and I used thinks like cabbage etc to help alleviate the pain (cabbage leaves for some reason are extremely therapeutic for even engorgement!). These two things are NOT to be left alone! Get them taken care of right away! Before I leave the hospital I get a pack of gel pads from lactation! I keep them in the fridge and they are amazing when you are feeling sore! Directions are on the package! Wash and reuse up to 2 weeks!

When breastfeeding make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. I drink a ton of green tea (Jasmine blossom green tea with a touch of sweet tea!) all day everyday! Also remember to continue to eat healthy as your baby will first get the nutrients before you do! Your body is designed this way! Also, sadly I hate to say it but the ladies are not as perky as they once were (and I dropped 3 sizes after I was done nursing each time!). Unfortunately I have not heard of a way to prevent this. Its just reality! Make sure you are taking your prenatal vitamins when breastfeeding as well! You will still need the extra nutrients from the prenatal just as you did when pregnant!

My biggest piece of advice is to not give up. If you really really want to breastfeed and are having trouble. Speak to a lactation specialist they will help you through the bumps and if in fact they deem it not possible they are trained to know when this is the case. Also, if you do not have issues with breastfeeding please be sure you are sensitive to those moms that DO have issues. Its hard. One of my very best friends had a tough go at it and she was embarrassed to tell me because she thought I would look at her wrongly. She laughed later on realizing how silly that was! I hope you could get a few tidbits out of what has helped me! Have a blessed day!

Apples and Ice - Teacher appreciation

As I laid on the couch for weeks on end I came up with an easy idea for a gift for my daughters teacher. I bought an apple and an Ice drink. I had Emily Grace make the card and I told her what to write (and how to spell it!) I love how it turned out and her teacher (Kindergarten) had a giggle too!

Notice she drew a person licking their lips! And the apple even has a smiley face on it!

 

 The inside of the card says: I apple-aud you for being so n-ice (mind you the teach phonetically writing so that is why a few of her words look different!) I was rather impressed with her drawing of the Ice beverage!

She got a kick out of being able to do the entire thing herself! We stuck it in a gift bag and had the card inside! Easy peasy. Done!! Have a blessed day!

Helping me bloom...

Hello! I have missed you! I am slowly but surely starting to get back into the swing of things! Laying on the couch for almost 5 weeks in recovery really gets your brain kicked into high gear as a blogger! I seriously have a million and one ideas stored in the cavities of my inner brain I cannot wait to share with you! Here is one I did for Teacher Appreciation for Emily Grace's Kindergarten teacher! I love how it turned out! I hope you do too!

The total cost was under $10 as most was purchased from the Dollar Store! Here is what you will need:

A glass cylindrical vase. It took just shy of 4- 12 packs of pencils (I thought about doing neutral beige #2 pencils but figured for a Kindergarten teacher she needed it to POP! I also debated sharpening the pencils but decided I liked the look of the erasers up top near the base of the plant!)

I started out with laying the pencils out in the order I wanted them to go on the vase. I then took a glue dot (scrap booking glue dots) and stuck it directly in the middle of the pencil. After I had the glue dot secured I used my E6000 glue and made a line from glue dot to end in both directions (you don't need TOO much!).

You will then place them on one at a time making sure you stick them as close together as you possibly can! I had my vase sitting on a piece of plastic so I wouldn't get glue on my coffee table (my fave spot to work!). I also filled my glass vase with dirt and then the succulent before starting! I figured this would save me the trouble of having to clean off the pencils after! I chose a succulent cause it is less maintenance for the teacher and only needs to be watered once in a blue moon! Plus the variety my daughter chose has gorgeous purple blooms on it (specifically going with our theme you will see next!). Cover the vase in its entirety with the pencils. Then you will take your ribbon and I used glue dots to attach it. You are going to notice your pencils will have wiggle room. Press together tightly against the vase once the ribbon is attached and the next morning the pencils will not be going anywhere! I promise!

I left the card making up to Emily Grace! Inside the card it read: Thank you for helping me bloom!

Olivia's story...

Wow. Where do I even begin to start?

April 5th, 12 a.m. - I awoke which lately because of my swelling in my arm wasn't uncommon. But this moment was different. My entire abdomen was hard as a rock. SO hard, I could barely get out of bed. So hard, that I thought my little Livy was stuck {yes...that would be the still asleep me!}. I finally got out of bed, walked into my bathroom and tried to contemplate what exactly was going on. Finally it dawned on me...I must be in labor! I paced the halls. I tried to talk to my husband. {who kept telling me to climb back in bed. stop being silly and go back to sleep}. I finally got to the point where I noticed the pain was not really stopping for much of a break. So I called the on call doc. She asked if I thought I was in labor. I told her I honestly had no idea...as I have never been in labor before! The other end of the phone was silent and then I hear her tell me "I would like you to take your time, but get to the hospital within the hour. I can tell by your breathing that you are in fact in labor!" You would think that I would have been ecstatic! To be honest...I was scared! I have never been in labor and was scared! I am used to everything scheduled. I had a plan. I had everything set up! And my darn husband was STILL in bed not cooperating as he didn't believe me even AFTER I spoke to the doctor! 

Let the tears flood...

We called my neighbor who was my back up "just in case". She rushed right over and I lost it. All my fears came pouring out inside each droplet that fell. She hugged me. She prayed over me and she reminded me that I was about to look into the face of a sweet angel. God had specifically plucked out of the heavens for me. My angel to love, caress and watch over. Raise her in the righteous ways of our Lord and to complete our family. I quietly walked into my children's bedrooms. I kissed, hugged and whispered how much mommy loves them into their ears.

Load em' up and bring em' in...

Paul loaded the car with our belongings he thought he would be unloading back at home within the hour. We checked into the hospital just after 2 a.m. and they took me to a room, put me in a gown and started to monitor me since we needed to be sure this was the real thing. We laid there as we watched the numbers steadily sky rocket and fall. And then the started lowering and not doing much. After an hour on monitors the nurse came in saying the activity has slowed and she figures she will send us home within the hour. We figured OK...false alarm. Then...the numbers started rising, my tummy tightened and we watched as my sweet Livy's heart rate...dropped. Like...a lot. Next thing we knew the room doors flew open and our nurse asked if I had moved, tried to get up etc. Paul and I both shook our heads no and asked if she was OK. She said she is not gonna send me home until my doc comes in first thing in the a.m. And that if Livy's heart rate did it again they would wheel me in immediately to get her out. She shifted me to my left side where I had to stay for 4 1/2 hours before my doctor came in. That bed felt like a cement slab below me! We tried to doze in and out but the anticipation was killing us!

In with the white coats and medical charts!

When my doctor arrived. He let me know he had just got out of a meeting with his colleagues and because of how much Baby Livy's heart rate had dropped they all felt it was in her best interest to get her out that day. 15 days before her due date and 10 days before my scheduled c section! We were told we would get her out late afternoon as long as she continued to look well and that we were going to get moved to our home for the next 4 days! Room 3! My nurse let me make myself at home. Plugging in my wall plug from Bath and Body Works, setting out hospital favors for friends, family and staff that helped us. I was even able to take one final shower and get myself ready before I dawned my lovely gown! {we laughed when Paul was handed this hair cover...he ended up switching to the normal "guy" one!}

Let the games begin!

Finally at about 1:30 we were told to start getting ready. Go potty for the last time {doesn't every mom say "potty"?!} I did my walk, while my nurse helped guard my backside! Leaving room 3 for the O.R. My nurse was amazing! {I did ask her MULTIPLE times over the course of days I were there if she would come home with me!} she helped me stay strong as Dr. Good did his job {no kidding...my anesthesiologist was Dr. Good! I couldn't help but CONSTANTLY make comments about how "good" I feel etc! HA!} The surgery went well! No scar tissue build up, no windows etc! My doc said everything looked wonderful! Livy was breech and I felt a whole lot more pressure than I ever have before. But there she was...all 7 lbs. 12 oz of dark skin and dark hair. I finally got myself another papoose and I was thrilled!

I was so excited that for the first time ever {on the very last addition to our family} I was able to have my baby go straight to my chest for skin to skin just after being born via c section! It was like a dream come true for me as I had felt like it was something I had always missed out on. By this time of holding her, taking in her wholeness and breathing in that sigh of relief she was safely here and in my arms that the pain started to kick into high gear. Despite Dr. Good's efforts I was beginning to feel pain on my abdomen and also able to wiggle my toes on my right side. I must also say...I wasn't yet stitched up! My body has a mind of its own! I push medicine through my system so fast that the spinal was already wearing off! Because of this my OB had to do topicals etc to make it so I didn't feel all the pain! {my darling friend of Happenstance Photography came to my home and took these breathtaking photos of Livy (the one in the header and the one below)}

5 + 1 = Complete...

After I was stitched back together I was able to recover in my own room instead of the cold regular recovery room. I was much more comfortable and had the very best care possible! Of course I instructed each person that walked into the room to be sure and grab their "hospital favor" on the way out! We always save the first day for family only. First is our kids...Paul went out and got them once our nurse instructed that I was OK to have visitors. It was about dinner time when they came. They were over the moon excited to meet the newest addition to complete our family! The kids and grandparents stayed through bath time {our nurse again...AMAZING! She let the kids help throughout the entire bath!} and then went on home till the next day. I gave my big kids a kiss and hug and told them we would be waiting for them the next day!

12 hours had passed...

I was thrilled to announce over the intercom to my night nurse "I PASSED GAS...I PASSED GAS!" as in order to eat food you have to prove your body is functioning properly! Never in my life have I been so excited to utter those 3 words! Now I know why Noah gets so excited! The nurse came in checked my vitals and I felt something weird. She checked and I had passed a larger blood clot. She said to not be alarmed that we were looking good and that she would be back in 45 minutes to start unhooking me and I was going to be able to stand with help and work my way to normal. I was so excited. I laid in bed. Paul was fast asleep as it was 2 a.m. and all of a sudden felt like I had a hose spouting from my nether-regends. I figured "OH...catheter came loose or something." so I buzzed my call and let them know. My nurse comes in and immediately after checking pages the doctor, extra nurses and tells them to bring in a scale. I asked what was going on and she said...well...we are hoping nothing but your losing a lot of blood...things started getting fuzzy at that point. My entire body started shaking uncontrollably {shock} and when I looked over at my nurse weighing the pad she pulled out from below me she had a scared look on her face when she told the doctor it was over a pint within a span of 15 minutes. By this time Paul woke up and was standing next to me. I kept telling them I was scared. The nurse informed the nurses to pump my IV's full of pain meds and she looked me in the eye and said...I need you to be calm. But this is going to hurt. She checked inside of me and said my uterus was pie shaped and filled with blood clots that they needed to prep the O.R. I started to cry. I said I just got out of surgery what do you mean? She said, "I will do everything I can in here...but we need to have it on stand by just in case. Can you do this?" I cried and said yes. From this point I had a doctors hand up one area, a nurse pushing on my freshly cut lower abdomen and one pushing from another area. I think they said they removed a total of 10 larger blood clots. Once they were done with this {hour or so after mind you} we paused for a short break where all of a sudden I stopped breathing and was gasping for air. I kept gesturing to put my head up {I am a severe asthmatic} and finally someone realized what I was trying to say and adjusted me and I gasped loudly. It happened a few more times. Paul said the look on their faces was terror as this was happening. He said he had to sit down as the room was too overwhelming and there was blood everywhere. Almost as though I had been up and about. He also said it was the most horrific and gruesome scene he had ever experienced. But he sat by my side. During the "short break" the doctor started panicking again and sent orders for a "special kit" can't remember the name to be brought in. They then told me to dig up all the strength I could again, started pumping my IV's again with pain meds and I focused my attention on Livy who throughout the entire time was fast asleep in my arms. I started praying "Lord Jesus, I pray for your safety and protection to be upon me." over and over and over again. Every time I woke and came to I remember praying this again. They inserted a "balloon" into my uterus and pumped it full of fluids with a separate IV attached to it. I was to have this in until we got the bleeding under control which ended up being the next evening. It was uncomfortable and felt like I had been tortured. My doctor praised me telling me how wonderfully I did that most people cannot endure what I went through without surgery. Had they done surgery...it would have been a hysterectomy. AS a DNC wouldn't be possible to remove the clots due to the c section. The entire time I knew my Father was there beside me. He helped to give strength to Paul to sit beside me throughout it all and He endured the pain along with me. He is just and He is mighty. He also knew it wasn't my time and that I have much more to accomplish with my new family.

The next day the kids only stayed for about 10 minutes. The pain was so intense they had me on the highest pain meds that they could administer (I went home on the same meds). I was told the next morning how lucky I was to be alive. That I almost died. The amount of blood mixed with the magnitude of the complications nearly took my life. I was reminded this with every new nurse or doctor that walked in. By evening of day 2 my face was white...I mean pasty pasty white (I am native American mind you so very much NOT normal!) and my eyes were reddish black all the way around. That evening they removed the catheter and the balloon. They were cheering saying I was in the clear. I was thrilled! Walking was slow and hard but I was doing it! I was so excited! At one point I decided to attempt to walk to the bathroom on my own. Paul was asleep (again!) and the nurse was doing vitals on Olivia. I went slowly and once inside the bathroom I felt light headed. I called out to my nurse who told me to sit down. I did and she came into the room waking Paul to watch the baby. She asked if I wanted to hold her hand and I said yes. Next thing I know I wake up with a wheelchair in front of me and a room full of nurses (including the charge nurse) they said they wanted to get me back to bed and I said I really needed to go to the bathroom so they helped me after protesting with me...at that point I passed another large blood clot. I started to cry and they finally came to the conclusion that it was old and we were good...but I was still scared. I had to be poked multiple times (I hate needles mind you) and was pretty used to them by this point!

We found out after 3 rounds of pokes that my blood levels were low enough for a blood transfusion...BUT. I came in healthy, not anemic and with what they dubbed "super blood". Because of this they ordered me on Iron pills, bed rest for 2 weeks before I start my normal c section recovery and iron fortified foods {think steak, spinach, nuts, orange juice etc} I felt very thankful and lucky to not have to endure anymore. But instead to be able to look forward. I also made sure that I wore makeup everyday {still!} as I am as pale as a ghost without it right now! We stayed an extra day in the hospital all the while my sweet Olivia Joy is a gem! She truly is the most wonderful tiny addition to our family! Livy truly is our last as I was informed with what happened to me and them not really understanding why it happened since my surgery went so well...that I am no longer able to have children. They fear it will happen again the next time.

Home at last...

It has now been 3 weeks since Livy joined our family. She is one of the greatest blessings I could ever ask for. Her demeanor is so sweet and endearing. I love her times a trillion. I truly believe that God had this in His plan. But not to bring harm to me. Instead as a way for me to be able to take a moment. Breath in THESE moments. We do not and will not know when our last breaths are. But I am so thankful that I get to stare into the faces of the ones I love most with more sincerity than I ever have before. I am a busy active person. But for 3 weeks I have had to lay flat. My pain level is still pretty intense 3 weeks after. I am still on pretty heavy medications to help take a "bite" out of the pain. Unfortunately it does not take it all away. I am exhausted after being in a store more than 10 minutes and need to rush to sit down. My skin is still pale and I laughed when my doctor described my scenario as being beat up by a boxer. Cause that is exactly how I feel and what I had told Paul when I tried to get him to understand the depth of pain I am in. I was battered and beat up from the inside and the outside. This may be weird to say...but I am thankful. Thankful for this journey. Yes, I cannot wait to have my energy back. I cannot wait to be able to do something other than lay on my couch. But its in these quiet moments that bring us closer to God which in turn brings us closer to our families and in return closer to our friends. My friends have been amazing. They have been bringing us meals every other day {for the next few weeks they continue}. I even have some in the freezer that friends have brought by when they come to see the baby so that we have something when the meals stop! Truly am so very blessed.

I had a moment last night where I broke down in tears...my friend whom I grew up with left this comment on my wall which again made me cry...but in a good way! 'I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
-Paul 2 Cor. 12 Christ's power rests on you in this moment, in your physical weakness, you have incredible spiritual strength, Crying when you need IS strong, spiritually and physically and so is sharing so people can pray. What a blessing that families like yours exist in my generation, a godly caring husband, and wonderful servant hearted children, and of course you.'

I continue to heal. Recovery will be longer than a normal c section. I cry often over what had happened. Like a form of PTSD. But I am thankful to be alive. Thank you to those who have been praying for me. I know a lot of you have been following me via Instagram (@britchesnboots) and I am so grateful for your love you have shown to me! I have to take things slowly but hope to be back up and running very soon! Until then, have a blessed day!

In recovery mode!

Hello everyone! I know its been awhile! I will do an official "birth announcement" when we get Livy's newborn photos back! I had Olivia Joy 15 days early! She arrived on April 5th! She is perfect in every way! I unfortunately suffered from some major complications which could have taken my life (praise God for Him watching over me and an amazing medical team!) just 12 hours after delivering via c-section. I will fill you all in at a later date as I am not actually supposed to be sitting at the computer! I am officially on bed rest! Again more details later on! BUT for the time being...the pic above shows what I have been doing! I am loving every moment of being a mama of 4! I will be back hopefully soon...but don't be surprised it probably won't be till May! Love you all! Have a blessed day!

Don't forget dad!

So I told you guys what I do for my kiddos (gifts for the hospital), I showed you my hospital favors (for guests at the hospital) and the other day I gave you my personal packing list for the hospital! Well...of course I can't leave out "D.O.D" aka Dear Ol' Dad!

Here is what I am doing for Paul. He is a cyclist so I bought him a current cycling magazine (figure easy for him to pick up and put down on quiet moments!). I found some new "slipper" style shoes so he can wear around the hospital! Snacks I bought trail mix and he loves Bugles (who doesn't right?!) and for some quick easy breakfast items I bought 2 of the "fill with milk" cereal cups (he has a secret love of Cinnamon Toast Crunch!) and a bought of Nutri Grain bars! I figured you can't go wrong with mints (I am a mean preggo and can't stand stale or bad breath near me right now!) Last but not least, I found an awesome insulated mug that he can fill with water, soda or coffee and not have to make multiple trips for himself with the teeny weeny cups they have in the Maternity kitchen! He has no idea about this so its packed in a gift bag (just like the kids!) and I will have a nurse stick on his bed (or shall I say the couch!) when I go into surgery!

Super easy! Just think about things your guy loves! Simple, yet sweet! Have a blessed day!

Packing for the hospital

Now this is just my 2 cents on what to pack for the hospital. All of this is from my point of view only and what I do to make sure I am comfortable since I will be there for at least 3-4 nights after my c-section. Remember when you are packing to pack for yourself, baby and lets not forget poor dad!

When it comes to me...I am all about comfort! I make sure that I always pack the following in my suitcase for myself:

• Pillows and blankets (or my blankies as my kids call them!) I love to have at least 2 of my own personal pillows from home and yes I always have at least 2 smaller blankets that I can conveniently curl up with as well! Makes me feel more like myself and not in some sterile environment which can give you the willies!
• A trick my best friend Michelle taught me is to buy from Bath and Body works the wall plug ins and a scent you like! This way your room actually smells nice! Seriously...its the best! We also get our own hand sanitizer also from there so that my guests can each use "nice" "hanitizer" (what my kids call it!) before touching the baby!
• Clothing wise: sweats, yoga pants, lounge pants (I think you get the point there!) I am c-section so I need to have comfort! Shirts I like to have a few v-necks as I breast feed, tank tops and then a few nicer looking shirts that I can feel more like me in! For panties for c-section I always purchase a pack that is 1 size too big to be able to not be tight around my incision. NOTHING with tight waist bands...think Target and the $3 panties! These are key as I do not and will not wear the darn hospital "panty hose" panties they give you! COMFY bra's!! As I said I breast feed so I am hooked on Bravada brand bra's! They do not have under wire and they are so comfy! They have sleep bra's (important!) and night time bra's!! Soft fuzzy socks. Cardigans (easy to take on and off as you will go through hot and cold spells as your hormones start shifting!). Slippers. A light weight bathrobe. And last but not least a going home outfit for myself. NO these do not contain jeans but usually are a pair of yoga pants, comfy shoes (that I wear into the hospital!) and one of the "nicer" tops I packed!
• Activities. This sounds a bit crazy...but sometimes its nice to have a book, a few movies. Maybe your iTouch or even game boy with you! I like to have a few things on hand as it can help you to unwind if you are up late in the night feeding etc!
• Toiletries. Most hospitals will have some stuff for you to use. But lets face it...I want to feel like ME! I have a bag of small toiletries I pre-pack with a new toothbrush, floss, mini toothpaste. Face wash, body wash, a loofah I will toss before I leave. Shampoo, Conditioner, wet wipe style face wash (so I can keep by the bed if my face feels icky). Breath mints (believe it or not you cannot get up easily the first few days after c-section and some times your breath is kickin'!) Don't forget chap stick and a small bottle of lotion you can keep in your tray by the bed as well! I do pack my blow dryer (I hate the hospital one!), my curling iron (cause thats how I do my hair everyday!), a few hair ties and my little bag of makeup. I feel better if I feel like me. You don't have to be standing there is usually a stool in the bathroom or even a mirror in your bedside tray!
• Lanolin (I love Lansinoh Brand!), Breast pads (again Lansinoh brand is the best!) and request gel pads from the Lactation dept!! They will soothe and comfort you when you are breast feeding! Even if you are a pro you never know when you need them (I store mine in the fridge at home so they are cold!)

When it comes to the baby...I am abnormal! I DO not want my baby wearing the hospital garments! I also do not want my baby wrapped up in scratchy hospital blankets! Instead I like to start "living" life with my brand new bundle of love ASAP! Above is Olivia Joy's bag. Packed and ready to go! Her blankies are in my suitcase as this is a smaller sized collapsible bag I fell in love with at The Container store!

• I pack baby wash and lotion (although I don't always use the lotion right away!) so that I have chosen what is used for her first bath etc! 
• Burp cloths
• Receiving blankets
• Soft blankets
• Car Seat (hospital will not let you leave with out it!!)
• Baby book (I usually start filling out all the details in the book during quiet moments. Also baby's feet will get stamped inside if you bring with you!)
• Hats (You all know I own my own business so head garb is a must for me!)
• Pj's (for each night)
• Onesies (for each day plus a few extra) These are long sleeved and short sleeved!
• A trick I like to have on hand for boys and girls is Baby Legs!! I will put a pair of these on with just a onesie and it makes it easy to snuggle skin to skin faster and to change diapers with ease!
• Nail clippers, comb, soft brush (for fuzzy heads!).
• Socks, slippers, booties and mittens for the hands (so they don't scratch their faces!)
• Breast pump. I bring this so that the Lactation Specialist can make sure its working correct!
• Baby wipes (I HATE the hospital ones! They are dry and scratchy and remind me of fabric softener sheets for my dryer!). I prefer Pampers Sensitive or Lansinoh Brand baby wipes!!
• And lastly...don't forget a special going home outfit!! Mine is below!

Now...lets not forget dad! I DO not pack my husbands bag for him. But there are a few items he always forgets that I be sure to have on hand:

• Spare blanket (for some reason the position the "dad bed" under the air vent! My husband freezes every time!)
• Have them bring a sleeping bag and a pillow from home!
• Magazines, a book, same ideas as for you regarding activities!! Surprise your hubby with something new! (more on this to come in another post!)
• Clothing...including comfies, slippers, etc!
• Snacks (remember they will be having to eat out or buy from the cafeteria!) Its always a good idea to have trail mix or something on hand! MOST hospitals (check with yours first!) will allow dads to access all beverages and snacks that are available to mom in the Maternity ward! But not all! So do double check!
• Toiletries (My husband stays the entire time so he showers in the room too!)
• Menus. This is something that most people forget to do ahead of time! Get a folder and ahead of time print out menus for the restaurants around the hospital! This is also nice for if you want something other than hospital food, dad can easily know in advance what you would like to eat! 
• A water bottle (so they don't have to make multiple trips for water!)

This picture was from when we had Emily Grace! We were SO UN-prepared!! We sure learned our lessons!!

Other things to remember is: hospital gifts for kids (if you plan on doing this!), phone chargers, lap top (most hospitals have free WiFi), Hospital favors (if you are a looney like me!) OH my fave gadget is called an Itzbeen Timer One of my fave inventions of all times!

When should you pack for the hospital? Well, I packed most of my stuff (except items I am currently using) at week 35. You are considered full term at week 37...so for me cause its my fourth I essentially could go into labor at any moment! I wanted to be sure I have the main items I will want packed in advance! Don't forget the convenience of Red Box! We already have downloaded the app to our phones so we can watch a movie each night! Dorks...why yes! Yes we are! But...we have done this a time or two! As you can see I do like to over pack a wee bit. But if it makes me feel more comfortable and at ease...why not! I think that is why most people are itching to leave so fast! They miss the comforts of home!  MOST IMPORTANT ITEM TO BRING: your camera! Extra batteries, charger etc! Do not leave home with out it! We have a Flip video camera I am thrilled we can now easily bring with us too!!