Houston Newborn Photographer and Mom, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, shares the ultimate hospital bag checklist when delivering at Cy Fair Hospital in Northwest Harris County.
Hi, fellow mothers! Thanks for stopping by! Today's blog post is an overview of the top things you might have when packing for a hospital stay at Cy-Fair hospital. This caters to Cypress Medical Center because I am currently pregnant with my fourth baby, who is due any day, and this is the only hospital I have experience delivering at. As a professional newborn photographer based in Houston, TX I am also a mommy to three little girls and so I like to think I've learned a few things about packing for the hospital. Before we get started, here's a little preview of my family. If you've visited my blog before, nonetheless, you may recognize Emma, Lucy and Amelia, who my husband, Kevin, and I like to call The Tiny Tribe of Wild Women. My beautiful friend, Brittney, of Us Plus Love Photography, did these photos for us and she's my go to for family photography!
As you may notice, I am super pregnant! Our fourth is a little boy, named Jack, and he's due in just a few weeks. I feel like this pregnancy has gone by so quickly, so this week I am finishing up my hospital bag packing. Babies arrive when they arrive; sometimes it's early, sometimes fashionably late, and sometimes right on their due date. You never know. Let's gets started!
The Essentials: Photo ID, Insurance Information, and Your Birth Plan
If you're type A like me, you've probably already done all of your pre-registration for the hospital by around 30 weeks or so. However, even if you've done all of your paperwork and submitted your forms, ID, and insurance, for example, it's still best to have these things on you. I have copies of all them as well as the physical cards. Moreover, your birth plan is very important because it's acts as your autonomy. Every woman has her vision for how she'd like the birthing plan to occur; this will help make sure everything goes as smoothly as it can.
Cell Phone, Charger, and DSLR Camera
Once you're checked in and at the hospital, you never know what will happen. You may sit for many hours before baby arrives or you may barely make it through the door. With my second baby, for example, named Lucy, I barely made it to the hospital and also missed my epidural! However, with my third baby, I did arrive early and made sure I had my cell phone so I could call the important people in my life, my charger so that my phone would not die, and of course my DSLR camera so that my husband could capture any moments. If you do not have a DSLR, make sure your camera is charged because once baby is earthside, I am sure you'll be really excited to snap a few photos of baby's first breaths!
Toiletries
Giving birth, no matter your birth plan, is a huge feat! I promise you're going to want a hot shower at some point during the hospital stay. My favorite toiletries are a gentle shampoo and conditioner, luxurious body wash, exfoliating face wash, and then of course things like deodorant. It'll make you feel a little more human afterwards and help feel more normal.
Comfortable Pillow for you and for Dad/Partner
At Cy Fair Hospital, at least, the space for Dad or your partner to sleep in is not exactly inviting. Of course, your spouse or partner may not want to stay overnight, however, my husband likes to be with the new baby and myself. I always pack him an extra set of clothing, his favorite pillow, and also a comfortable blanket. While blankets/pillows are provided for Mom, not much is given to Dad. A small comfort, like a favorite pillow, is a nice way to relax as you get to know the new baby.
Snacks or Local Menus
Cy Fair does not provide meals for Dad, either. I have learned to pack snacks for my husband. Mom is given meals, of course, but Dad is left to his own devices. By bringing local menus that cater to eateries near the hospital, your husband can call in meals for delivery or to go orders. My husband liked the Chipotle near 290/Highway 6, ha!
Comfortable Shoes for Walking
Believe it or not, a pair of walking shoes makes a world of difference! Before getting my epidural, just going for a short walk around the hospital room really helped me relax, breathe, and focus on getting through the contractions. They are pretty painful once you're in active labor, so just a comfortable pair of shoes, like Crocs, make walking easier.
2-3 Comfortable Nightgowns or Pajamas
Like shoes, you'll want a clean change of clothes for after delivery. Once you no longer need that pesky hospital gown, you'll be really happy to have fresh, clean, and new pajamas. I always purchase a new robe and super soft pair of socks, too. My feet are sometimes still swollen and your hormones are all over the place; one minute you're hot, then you're cold! Don't forget to focus on yourself a little bit. The first 48 hours of meeting baby are all about nursing/feeding/getting to know baby, but keep your own comfort in mind as you rest, heal, and get ready to go home with your newest bundle of joy.
Breast Pump, Breast Pads and nursing bras and nursing tank tops
I always bring my breast pump to the hospital! With each of my children, I did exclusively pump. Because I'm self employed, I often go back to work very quickly (usually a week or less). Pumping is ideal for my family. It means baby can have breast milk, but that my husband, who is the stay at home parent, can also help feed baby since I'll be working full time. However, whether you choose to nurse or pump, the breast pads will help with leaky breasts as your milk will be coming in. The nursing bras and tank tops are a life saver because you *will* be cluster feeding often if you go the nursing route. Easy access makes your life more simple, I promise! Plus, the nursing bras are ideal for nursing and are more comfortable.
A notepad or journal
A notepad or journal is an excellent tool to have on hand in the hospital. You'll be filled with many emotions from excitement, joy, uncondirional love, and maybe a little apprehension. You may want to record your thoughts before labor and even as you welcome baby into your life. Meeting baby is one of the most exciting moments in life, becomming a mother is soul changing, and I have found writing my thoughts and preserving them has been really nice to read, especially on my kiddos birthdays.
Going home outfit for baby
Of course, your going home outfit for baby is the final item you will love having on hand! I may have picked out 3-4 choices for our little one who will be arriving soon. You'll be so excited to dress baby and pack him or her up in their car seat as you head home. :-)
Specializing in posed baby portraits, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer serving the surrounding areas including Houston metro area, Cypress, Katy, Spring, The Heights, Sugar Land, West University, Bellaire, and The Woodlands, TX. In addition to breathtaking newborn images, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting couples.
