groWingard

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Hospital Bag for the New Mommy

I wanted to make sure I was ready to go to the hospital, but I had no idea what I would need. I looked around online and this is what I ended up taking and using:)

2 Pillows - You will want something more comfortable for you and for whoever might be staying with you. We only brought 1 and it would have been nice to have one for me and for Daniel.

Thin Robe - This was REALLY nice. I put this on over my hospital gown as we walked the hallways.

House Slippers - They are really comfortable and needed as we walked around.

Baby Book - I actually found time to fill it in. You also don't want to forget any of the details.

Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Hair Dryer/Make-Up - This is optional. I was in the hospital from Tuesday - Saturday. On Friday, I was ready for a shower and to feel a little bit normal. It felt good to blow dry my hair and put some make-up on. We also took some pictures that were half way decent while we were in the hospital.

Boppy - This has been the one baby item we have used the most. We use it to hold her and put her in to sleep. LOVED it!

Cute Baby Clothes - We had fun dressing her in clothes that were not hospital shirts and blankets. You also need something to take her home in.

Soft Baby Blanket/Swaddle Blanket - I have told everyone to buy one nice swaddle blanket. Some babies don't need to be swaddled. Genevieve did not need to be swaddled. We use coccoons my cousin Lisa made if needed. However, if your baby does need to be swaddled, you can always buy more. I do think once she moves to her bed, we will use sleep sacks.

Going Home Outfit for Mommy

Dad's Bag: Don't forget to pack a bag for the dad. We went into the hospital unexpectedly and I ended up having to pack Daniel's bag quickly and he didn't have everything he needed.

Mommy Rest:)

I was ready! The one thing you hear OVER and OVER again when you are pregnant is:
"Rest while you can."
"You are going to be so tired."

I wasn't worried about being tired while I was on maternity leave, but I was REALLY worried about being tired when I went back to work. I was worried about getting everything done.
The transition has been MUCH easier than I thought for one reason: I have slowed myself down. Things that I thought were important before she was born are just not that important anymore.
Before I had Genevieve, I never really, truly relaxed. Even when I was resting, I was thinking about what needed to be done. I needed to clean the house, work on a grad paper, finish that work assignment, etc., etc., etc. My brain was constantly going.

Having Genevieve has completely changed me. Doing simple thing like making her laugh, dangling toys, making silly sounds, giving her baths, and just being with her relaxes me. I take naps with her because I just want to be with her. I look forward to walks with her. I love playing dress up. I feel relaxed and I love it.
If it's possible, I am more rested as a new mommy. I know it seems crazy, but it is true. I want to enjoy my daughter, especially being a working mommy.

Now, don't get me wrong: I still have my moments. I just told Daniel that I felt like I was doing more chores than I was spending time with Genevieve and that was not okay. I told him I wanted a full day of NO chores and just spending time with Genevieve for Mother's Day. Of course, he said the exact right thing. He said, "Why don't I just help more with chores and get you something else for Mother's Day."

When I was pregnant, I was worried that giving baths, changing diapers, and feeding bottles would feel like chores, but it COMPLETELY doesn't. I LOVE it all.