Hey guys! If you tune in to this week's podcast you'll hear of Kaela's actual surprise that a Birth Plan is, in fact, a real, true written down plan. A list. We've talked a lot on the podcast and also IRL about how with birth, nothing goes according to plan... even if it's your fourth baby! So your Birth Plan should be just a list of preferences, really. A set of contingencies; a plan with some backup plans. Henceforth let's call it Birth Preferences... a set of ideal preferences for labor and delivery, post-partum, and even hospital newborn care that might help you think about your birth in a more well-rounded way. Take a spin through this great template from The Bump and see if it helps you craft your own!
Along with having an idea about how you'd like for your birth to go, we've also compiled a list of must-have's for Kaela's Extra Fancy Hospital Bag! Believe it or not, you'll need next to nothing for your little one at the hospital--they will provide everything you need from diapers to wipes to swaddles to clothes and even to formula and pacifiers. OF COURSE, you can (and should) pack anything you want or need that's extra special... some examples include:
1. Extra Swaddle Blankets like these from Swaddle Designs: https://www.swaddledesigns.com/collections/muslin-swaddle-blankets/products/muslin-swaddle-blanket-single-pastel-pink-xoxo
2. Adorable newborn hats from Jamie Rae Hats https://www.jamieraehats.com/Pink-Stripe-Hospital-Hat-with-Peony-Appliqu%C3%A9-_p_4778.html
3. Mommy & Me outfit for newborn photos
4. Robe
5. Nightgown
6. Couple of nursing bras
7. Camis or tank tops
8. Several pairs of boy shorts or full coverage panties
9. Loose pants
10. Makeup bag
11. Dry shampoo, hair brush
12. Toothbrush/Toothpaste
13. Deodorant
14. Slippers and flip flops (for shower)
15. iPad, iPhone
16. Chargers
17. Pillowcase and blanket
18. Snacks
19. Going Home outfit for baby
20. Going Home outfit maxi dress for mom
21. Insurance information, driver's license or passport
22. Copy of the Birth Plan
23. Camera
24. Pediatrician contact information
**Make sure carseat is correctly installed**
In addition to your goodies and stuff for the baby, you should also make sure your partner is well prepared and his (or her) list is definitely different than yours. Corri's husband had one goal: look nice when he met his son for the first time. Honorable! We salute this!
If you're interested, check out these best-selling books for dads to-be written by Jen's husband Adrian of DadOrAlive. They are available (and some of the other items on the hospital list above as well) on www.amazon.com/shop/totlunchbox ... look in the Parents-to-Be section.
What things are missing, what are absolute must-have's and what are things you should just leave at home? Do you have any suggestions for our mama-to-be, Kaela? We'd love to hear what your favorite things were that you took to the hospital or birthing center.