Packing for the Hospital - The Daddy Bag

While it may be a little harder to get your husband to pack his bag for the hospital (does it sound like I have experience with this??), there are a few things you don't want him to forget! Here's my list of must-have items for my hubby to make sure he is comfortable.

Electronic Items:
1. Cell Phone and Charger
2. Camera and Charger - if you have a different camera than your cell phone
3. Optional: Video Camera and Charger (There will be no video of my labor; therefore, we will not be including this. Just wanted to put it in there in case you wanted a memento of your baby's birth.) 
4. Laptop and Charger - want to make sure that hubby can watch DVDs, connect to the internet and do some business emails? (After the birth of course!) Then he may want to take this!

Clothing:
5. Board Shorts - It may feel good for you to get in the shower or tub at the hospital during the labor. I would highly recommend that Dad brings a pair of swim trunks or board shorts so he can be your support system while you find a little "liquid" relief.
6. Flip Flops - A total no brainer! Whether he is in the shower or walking around the room, he will certainly thank you for remembering these!
7. 3-4 Comfortable Changes of Clothes and underwear - sounds like a lot, right? Well... if his clothes get soiled or if you stay for more than 48 hours, he just may need an extra shirt and shorts/jeans.

Sleeping:
8. Pillow - Bring a little of home with you! Make sure he has his favorite pillow (with a bright pillowcase) so he doesn't complain about the bed (or lack of one).
9. Optional: Blow Up Mattress w Built in Pump- Luckily our hospital has loveseats that convert into beds and are semi-comfortable. If your place of labor doesn't or if he has back problems, you will want to bring a blow up bed for him to consider sleeping on. If you don't have something to lay it on top of that's sterile, consider bringing additional towels or a cheap painter's drop cloth to lay under it.
10. Blanket - Does he need something to snuggle up with at night? Absolutely! With the swing in temperature in hospital rooms, it's a good idea to bring a blanket from home. Especially if he is a bigger guy - one blanket from the hospital may not cut it!

Snacks:
Regardless of the time of day and/or night, Dad (and you) will get hungry. Here's a few ideas for easy to pack items that won't spoil before you make it to the hospital. (Note: You may still want to designate someone to bring fresh fruit and some perishable items to the hospital for you following the birth.)
Packs of Nuts - Think almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc.
Fruit Leathers
Protein Bars (our favorites are Quest Bars!!)
Protein Shake Packs (our favorites are Only Protein sticks!!)

Misc:
Toiletry Items - Soap, Shaving Cream, Razor, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, etc
Gum

I think that about sums it up! Have anything else to add?
The printable guide for all of my packing lists will be available tomorrow!

- Tiffany

Packing for the Hospital - The Baby Bag

Continuing with my "Packing for the Hospital Series," I wanted to share with you what will be going in my little one's Baby Bag.

 

 

1. Muslin Swaddling Blankets - I don't know about you, but I'll admit it - I'm picky! I want to make sure that the photos we take of our little one shortly after birth and beyond don't have the normal striped hospital blanket that I think all hospitals purchase. Instead, taking two of my own will solve that! (As pictured: Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddling Wrap - Prince Charming)

2. Diapers - Again, I'm a stickler for a more natural route. While we aren't committing to cloth diapers due to obligations which would make it near impossible, I have chosen to go with Honest's chlorine-free, child-friendly diapers. (As pictured: Honest.com's Skull Print Newborn Diaper and Lumberjack Print Newborn Diaper)

3. Natural-Friendly Baby Care Products - If you didn't guess from my linen swaddling blankets and "special" diapers, I'm picky! I am choosing to bring our own baby shampoo/wash, lotion, powder and ointment (vs. petroleum jelly, which yes, does contain petroleum!) (As pictured: Bert's Bees Baby Talc-Free Dusting Powder, Bert's Bees Fragrance-Free Shampoo and Wash, Bert's Bees Baby Nurturing Lotion, Bert's Bees Baby Ointment)

4. Cotton Burp Cloths - I've stashed a few of these away just in case someone is visiting and there is a minor "accident" or they want to be prepared just in case they are. We are planning to breastfeed exclusively, so we shouldn't need these for feedings, but better safe than sorry! (As pictured: Carter's Cotton Burp Cloths)

5. Newborn Going Home Outfit - enough said! (As pictured: KicKee Pants 100% Bamboo Newborn Set)

6. 3 Month Size Going Home Outfit - because he may be a big boy! (As pictured: KicKee Pants 100% Bamboo Coverup)

7. Baby Wipes - The hospital will likely supply you with these, but if you want to use the brand you will be using at home or if you have a preference, no harm in bringing your own! One package should suffice. (As pictured: Honest.com's Baby Wipes)

8. Nail Clippers - There is a lot of controversy with new moms as whether or not you need these. I have agonized (sad, huh??!?) over whether or not to include these, but decided that they are small and take up little room. If I need them, I have them. If not, no harm done! Uncomfortable with clippers? You could bring a nail file if that would make you more comfortable. (As pictured: Safety 1st Baby Nail Clippers)

9. Socks - Again, the hospital will likely give these to you, but you may want him or her to have something a little more stylish! Pick out a few pairs of your favorite miniature socks and stash them in the bag! (As pictured: Converse Newborn Socks)

Tomorrow - The Dad Bag and Last Minute Items

- Tiffany

Packing for the Hospital - The Post Partum Bag

This bag is DEFINITELY a little heavier to lift! Who would have thought that you needed so much? However, I really think I will use most of what is packed, especially if my stay is longer than the anticipated 24-36 hours I am hoping for!

Here's what's in my "Post Partum Bag":

1. Comfy Elastic Pajama Pants with Coordinating Nursing Tanks - I have polled several people and while they did say that a nightgown would be the absolute easiest thing to wear post delivery, it may not be the most comfortable. You see... I move a lot when I sleep so I tend to tangle myself up in nightgowns. That equals an unhappy Tiffany! (As Pictured: The pants are from Target and so are the nursing tanks - they will be great for afterward too!)

2. Going Home Shoes - I'm still wearing heels, so I thought wedges would be appropriate to go home in from the hospital.

3. Soft Nursing Sleep Bra - This is a great nursing bra to sleep in or just to wear under a shirt or tank.
It's an extra one in the bag, just in case something happens to a nursing tank! (As pictured: The bra is from Target)

4.  Comfy Socks - More cute socks from my comfy collection in my labor bag! Again, you may just want to slip these on when you are lounging with baby and hubby at night when all your visitors have gone home, but at least you will have them!

5. Comfortable Cotton Underwear - You may never wear these, but bring a few pair that you don't mind having to throw away in case they get "damaged."

6. Going Home Outfit and Structured, Full Coverage Nursing Bra - Let's not be delusional! None of us are going home the same size we were before we got pregnant. However, it doesn't mean that you can't look cute! I have packed a simple black knit dress that I wore before I was pregnant and as of today can still wear. It's versatile but makes me feel cute! (As Pictured: The dress is Mercer and Madison and the bra is from Target)

7. Pillowcases - I am bringing two pillows from home - one for me and one for the hubby. It's a good idea to have some distinguishable pillow cases that the hospital won't confuse with their own since I'm too big of a baby to have to use the hospital's pillows (or rocks shall I say?!).

8. Disposable Underwear - Let's face it - you may need some extra coverage but may not want to use the bricks that the hospital gives you for pads. Pack a few pairs of disposable underwear in your bag and you have them if you need them! If not, you didn't waste too much money!

9. Disposable Nursing Pads - While the hospital may have these available to you, you may go through more than they give you initially. Just take a stash of these individually wrapped pads and it will control any leaks you may experience while friends and family are visiting.  (As Pictured: Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads)

10. Always Infinity Pads - A favorite among mom's as a good alternative to a hospital pad if it provides the right coverage for you, pop some of these in your bag as well! Be sure to purchase the highest absorbency rating - they are still really thin! (The Overnight Variety would probably work best, but you can find the Heavy Flow in most stores.)

11. Towel and Washcloth Set - I'm told that your first shower after you give birth is heavenly. Why ruin it with the hospital's nubby, scratchy towels? Bring some from home that you wouldn't mind if they got a bit messed up and enjoy that taste of freedom!

12. Lanolin - If you are planning on breastfeeding, you may want to bring along some 100% lanolin cream to help with soreness. While the lactation expert at the hospital may provide you with some, it's best to have some on hand in case they can't get it to you right away. (As Pictured: Lansinoh 100% Lanolin)

13. Zita West's "Comfort Down Under" Repair Cream - After reading reviews by several Mom blogger's I decided I had to have this in my arsenal of after birth care! Chock full of good vitamins and essential oils your body needs for repair this seems like it will definitely help facilitate the repair process!

Tomorrow's Post is the Baby Bag! (That's the best part!)

Tiffany

Packing For the Hospital - The Labor Bag

I spent countless hours scouring the internet trying to determine my best options for what to bring to the hospital. Finding that perfect balance between what I will want and what I need is a fine line that I want to ensure I have done my best to reach.

Here is what I have come up with for my labor and delivery bag, also known as the "Labor Bag". At the end of the week, I will be posting a nice printable checklist for you should you want to consider packing for yourself what I am taking.

Here goes...

1. Beach Towel - I didn't want to bring a really good towel from our house, but I wanted to make sure that I would have access to a towel that drapes across my belly (so I don't get cold) should I choose to take a shower or soak in the tub during labor. Enter the beach towel! I'm also told that hospital towels are pretty much worthless!

2. Exercise Ball (Birthing Ball) with Pump - While your hospital may supply these, do you really want to use one that has already been used by another laboring woman? I don't know about you, but the thought of that really grosses me out! To take a little pressure off of your hips and spine during labor, you may find that you like using a birthing ball or exercise ball.

3. Flip Flops - Many women have suggested slippers, but that makes me think they would just get dirty (or totally nasty if there are any spills). Flip Flops will go anywhere with you and require little effort to get on. The shower, walking the maternity ward floors, to and from the restroom. Easily cleaned or get some cheap ones and just toss them! (The flip flops pictured are Havaianas)

4. Zita West "Pre-conditioning Down Under" Oil - Not sure if I will use this in the hospital, but it's great to have on hand as massage oil or for your doctor, nurses or doula to use to help you avoid nasty "battle wounds" during the pushing stage.

5. Toilet Paper - Yep, I went there! Wet wipes or toilet paper are not only a good idea for you before you get to the pushing stage, but take some for your hubby and support people too! If your hospital is confused and thinks that sandpaper is toilet paper, you will be glad you put this in your bag!

6. Soft Slideproof Headbands and Ponytail Holders - this is a no brainer. Say you are bored and need a distraction - have your someone on your support team braid your hair! It may be relaxing and you will look totally cute while you deliver!  Have bangs? No problem! Keep them out of your face with a soft, velvet or sport headband.

7. Lotion and Lip Balm - I am packing a separate toiletries bag, but I may want some lotion and lip balm on hand while I'm in labor in case my mouth or face get dry.

8. Hospital Gown - Yes, I got my own! And for good reason! I am the kind of person that is way more comfortable if I am more comfortable with how I feel. Enter the Pretty Pushers Hospital Gown! It's made to be disposable, but if you wanted to, you could have someone take it home and wash it. It has special slits and ties for access for an EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitor), epidural/spinal access and of course is concealing of special parts that make it OK for you to walk the halls.

9. Bradley Student Handbook - Just in case we have a question or need to look up ideas for positions, it will be nice to have something to refer to. (Will likely not be used by you but by your support person.)

10. Comfy Socks - Hot one minute and freezing cold the next? Having something super soft to slip on and off may just amp up your comfort level a notch.

11. Lollipops - Keeping your mouth wet during labor when you don't want to take a sip of water is a good thing! The action of sucking actually helps with the labor process as well!

12. Gum - Sometimes you just want something to chew! Enough said! (You can have this as backup as well just in case your hubby forgets to pack his and he drinks a little too much coffee!)

Tomorrow's Post will be The Post Partum Bag!

- Tiffany

Recognizing Your Limits - Exodus 18:17-18

I am so grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. I have had a decent amount of energy throughout my pregnancy, but as soon as I hit that 36 week mark at the beginning of the week (along with an awful battle with sinus and congestion issues), I hit a brick wall. I'm told that this is not uncommon. So if you aren't there yet ladies, don't say I didn't warn you!

It seems that I can't do more than 30-45 minutes of physical effort (like cleaning the house or walking the dog) without getting extremely exhausted and needing to nap. This is totally unlike me. Nap? That word was NEVER in my vocabulary before (and I'm hoping it's not for long). When I can sit down and finish knitting a cowl in less than 3 days, you know something is wrong with me!

 

In my bible study this morning, I came across this passage from Exodus 18: 17-18 in which Moses' father-in-law warns him, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone." NIV.

Wow! What a powerful message! Although not in my same context, it's totally transferrable! We can't do EVERYTHING on our own and we DON'T have to! Look around - I'm sure there are people that would be willing to help you with something (most likely anything) as long as they are capable and can make the time.

I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me out in the last few weeks, especially this week. My husband, whether he realizes it or not has been a tremendous help - willing to pick up food if I don't feel like standing at a stove for an hour to cook a meal and completing a few tasks around that house that I normally would have done. My biz partner, Whitney, who also blogs at heandsheeatclean.com with me has been supportive and understanding - especially when I can't uphold my end of the blogging bargain. My girlfriends have been extra sweet, inviting me to go shopping or grab some fro-yo (yes, frozen yogurt is a clean cheat of mine!) to get my mind off of things.

Moral of the story, let people help you. You may feel as though you are a burden, but knowing your limits and eventually being able to return the favor will honor you and God more than you will realize.

Have a great day!
Tiffany

GIVEAWAY :: Win a $100 Gift Card to For Two Fitness!

You may have seen my post on Friday, when I was featured with my "Mom-In-Training Green Protein Power Smoothie" on For Two Fitness' blog... well guess what??!!?? It's time for a special SURPRISE! For Two Fitness sent me one of their fabulous tanks to review for our readers and you can win a $100 Store Credit to buy your very own stuff!

Let's start with the review:

Here I am at 35 weeks and 2 days! Only 4 weeks and 5 days to go! (I'm not counting down at all...) 

Fabric - Oh my goodness! With all the changes going on with your body and the lack of "feel good" fibers in some of the maternity wear out there in the market today, I can't tell you how amazing this tank feels! The fabric is lightweight and stretch yet soft and super comfortable. I could definitely sleep in this tank! It keeps you dry and washes/dries quite well with your laundry machines.

Fit - I was a little worried that the size small would be too large in the top, but it fits perfectly! The length couldn't be any better either - I still have some room to grow yet it covers the basketball that I'm smuggling these days quite well! The tank does not have a shelf bra in it, which I am thankful for - that means there is no annoying piece of elastic to jab you in the back or the sides! I put a regular racerback sports bra on with it and voila! It's perfect!

Functionality - This tank is definitely made for what it is designed for - working out. It's also great to run errands in (which you can find me doing that today!). Be careful - you will get lots of attention and compliments with your shirt! People love them!

The Giveaway:

Want a chance to win a $100 Store Credit to For Two Fitness? The tanks retail for about $50, so that means you can get two! They also have amazing fitness pants and other products! Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter and be sure to complete all necessary elements for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!
- Tiffany

I'm Featured on For Two Fitness!

I've been working with the staff at For Two Fitness and they featured a recipe I created for a green smoothie that is perfect for expecting moms (and even if you aren't expecting)! It's specifically designed to help curb your sweet tooth cravings and provide you that extra kick of protein and vitamins (from the spinach and fresh fruit) that you need!

The Mom-In-Training Green Protein Power Smoothie

Check out the recipe here!

P.S. Check back on Sunday - I have an AWESOME opportunity for you coming straight from For Two Fitness!