39 weeks today.
and OH so ready to meet our new little punkin!
{as of today's appt, I am 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced...
so just waiting for labor to start now!}
I packed this past week for the hospital,
to be ready when the time comes!
When it comes to things like this, my planning mind has fun,
making lists (and checking them twice. No, really!)
I'm sure I've overpacked, I do no matter where I'm going.
But I'm also going off of what I had/wished I'd had last time I delivered.
What did you take with you when
you delivered your babies?
Anything you wished you'd had there?
I have a bag packed for me, and one for new baby girl.
I also packed a small bag just for Abigail just in case we have to take her with us to the hospital while we wait for our parents to make their 3 hour drive here.
(though Im hoping I will have enough "notice" that I can labor at home
for those three hours and not have to worry about taking her)
some essentials in my bag:
my new fluffy pink robe, and slippers,
nursing cover (made by my dear friend
Jessi) to use if guests stop by.
a few tank tops that are easy to nurse in, cozy pants,
my pillow that I can't sleep without, a few toiletries.
a few more intimate items I think every new mama
should think about taking with her:
(I say this as a mama and as a trained Postpartum Doula)
Some breastfeeding "comfort aids"
(for me, these hydrogel pads were very soothing for those first few days/weeks)....
AND, dare I say it?
Diapers. yes, that's right. Diapers for YOU.
I personally think this is one of the best kept secrets for new delivering mamas.
Most hospitals give you huge terribly uncomfortable pads to wear in your underwear for the first few days, as most women have bleeding after they have delivered.
...But the Diapers are MUCH more comfortable and easy to manage.
Just take it from me, it was worth it.
I also made sure it was okay in L&D that we bring our stereo to play our iPod on.
We made a playlist for Abigail's delivery,
and I'm almost done making one for this time around.
Worship music is very calming for me.
I'll never forget the worship songs helping me through last time,
even as I was pushing with Abigail, I remember what song was playing when she was born.
a few other things I've made notes to not forget to take:
camera (and charger!) - for obvious reasons!!
phone (and charger!) - to let everyone know she's here!
computer (and charger!) - to share pictures with you, if time and energy allow!
the carseat is already installed, ready for a little bitty.
(though today Abigail leaned over and said "MY carseat"...
hmm i see where this may be headed, yikes.)
I wrote out some scripture that I can look at,
or that Parker can read to me during the labor.
My desire is to draw all my strength from HIM and
I know I will need all the reminders I can get in the midst of pain!
I'm so thankful to have a God who is SO trustworthy
that He will do what He says He will do,
and I believe He has told me that
He will give me the strength and perseverance
to make it through this...with MUCH JOY at the end!
in Baby Girl's bag,
I packed a swaddle blanket (the velcro Summer brand was my FAV with Abigail!),
a few socks, a hat, a couple of onsies,
and of course her precious "going-home-outfit"!
Something new and different I have ready this time:
Big Sister and Little Sister gifts!
I know A is only 2, so she doesn't totally grasp what
will be happening, but she does understand a little bit!
So we got her a gift to GIVE to her new baby sister,
so she feels like she has participated in welcoming her.
(she helped me pick out a cozy blanket!)
And we got her a Big Sister gift FROM the new baby...
a stuffed giraffe she LOVED at the store, and I went back and bought it later.
(it will be worth the battle of prying it out of her hands when she saw it for the first time). :)
Now that I'm all packed, we are just ready and waiting for
this new little bundle!
I've been using my "birthing" (excercise) ball to help rock this baby into readiness,
and drinking my Rasberry Leaf Tea and using Primrose Oil!
We truly believe she will come when God is ready for her to come...
but I'm also just doing some natural things to help get things started!
"Hello sissy! Come out and play!"
We are so ready to meet you, little one...
Today we got to hear baby's heartbeat and Abigail came with us to the appt.
So all day she's been saying "baby heart beep!"
SO so cute!!!!
Do YOU have any recommendations
of things to pack when you have a baby?
Anything you wish you'd had?
Any worship songs you labored to or think I should add to my playlist?
I'd love to hear!
(and I think it'd be beneficial to first time mamas to hear your tips!)
linking up and sharing hearts
here
