Our Wonderfully Made

Wow… I cannot believe we are here! Packing our hospital bag was such a surreal experience, and one I never knew for certain would come. Which is probably why I waited until 38 weeks pregnant to finally pack up! Being a first time birther, I reached out to my community for advice and tips on what we should pack for this trip of a lifetime. Being a frequent business traveler for years, and loving to travel personally as well, I have had plenty of practice packing bags for short or long trips (and now that I think about it – I always procrastinated packing those bags too haha). This though… goodness this was so much different. I wasn’t checking the weather to see if I would need a light sweater, or summer dresses. There is no itinerary for how many days I would need business attire and what the dress code is where the event will take place. No heels, jewelry, or laptop this time. This is the shortest travel distance I have ever packed for, yet the most out of my realm, nerve-wracking, exciting, and curious bag I’ve ever prepped.

.

Before even grabbing a bag, I started going through my friend’s suggestions of what (and what not) to bring, and jotted a list down in Notes on my phone. Every time I had a new conversation with someone, I’d either add or delete from that list, customizing to our needs. There were definitely some key suggestions that seemed would be great for any birther, and some that didn’t fit my personal needs, or others that I knew I’d appreciate having, whereas the next woman may find totally useless. I found having this list on my phone for a few weeks was really beneficial for feeling somewhat prepared, all while giving myself time to mentally (and emotionally) get to the action of packing. It also made things a little less overwhelming, and more organized.

.

I broke my list into four camps:

1. My needs

2. Branton’s needs

3. Baby’s needs

4. SNACKS

.

Here’s what I chiseled down to for packing for my needs (please remember this is for me personally – I may have packed more or less than necessary, but it is what makes me feel confident and comfortable knowing I have – whether we use it or not!):

Top Left to Bottom Right:

1. Nursing Bra – Bravado Body Silk Seamless Yoga in Dove Heather (for post labour)

2. Black Regular Sports Bra (for labour)

3. Black Nursing Tank Top – Glamourmom LONG Nursing Tank

4. Robes
– I packed two robes for labouring to avoid wearing a hospital gown that makes me feel like a patient. Likely do not need two, however they are so light and small to pack up, it wasn’t a big deal!

5. Nursing Nightie and Robe – Motherhood Maternity
– This was a gift from my mama, as she encouraged me that it would be so nice to wear something comfy and cozy for the hours after birth and after the first shower (plus feeding friendly!).

6. Going Home Outfit
– Again, something comfy and cozy (that could also fit a gigantic pad in lol). Just something simple:
My favourite leggings – Black Bliss Bamboo Leggings by Prana Vida (Winnipeg girl!)
Long cozy peplum top and purple aztec light blanket vest.

7. Water Bottle!

8. Socks & Panties (maternity style)

9. PADS (which I have actually swapped out for much bigger pads by popular advice lol).

10. Toiletry Bag:
– Deodorant (all-time natural favourite from Portia Ella: Hola Deodorant!)
– Face Wash (again, a natural favourite from Portia Ella: Sahajan Essential Oil Cleanser)
– Travel sized shampoo & conditioner
– Toothbrush & toothpaste
– DoTerra essential oil roller balls (the PEACE and CONSOLE)
– “Emergency Kit” – gifted from my sweet friend it has odds and ends in there! Hair elastics, bobby pins, loose change, etc.

11. “Water” Shoes…
– So many women suggested bringing flip flops for the shower (especially seeing as I will be birthing at HSC and let’s be real – those showers are a little grungy…). BUT I do not own flip flops and really didn’t want to go purchase a pair just for that, so I thought these little jelly shoes I’ve had since our honeymoon would do the trick. 🙂

12. Towels & Face Cloth…
– Okay, many of you may think this is overkill but I LOVE my Norwex bath towels. They fold up super slim, so are great for packing, and I’m really not a fan of the idea of using tiny scratchy hospital towels after pushing a baby out of you know where.

13. Glasses (to see my beautiful babe with, of course!)

14. BONUS: The Bump! 😉

.

There were also a few other items I’ve added to our bag since packing:

15. Bluetooth speaker
– Music is so important to me, and has always been a big part of my life – whether as a tool through healing, striking a memory, or through worship. For me, this is a must.

16. Nursing Pillow (handed down from a friend)

16. My Birthing Necklace!

In my last post, Baby Shower for Our Rainbow, I shared the story behind these “birthing beads”, and how some wonderful women in my life have contributed to this support necklace for birth. There were a few beads that, unfortunately, did not fit on the cord for the necklace, but I have saved each and every one! I’m so thankful to have such supportive women in my life, and to have this necklace as a reminder through labour of the many women who have birthed before me, women who are praying for us, and supporting us.

.

Here’s what I packed for Branton (which is substantially less, but c’mon – who’s the one giving birth here?!):

Top Left to Bottom Right:

1. Swim Shorts (to help me in the shower)

2. Coming Home Outfit (simply shorts & tee)

3. Socks & Boxers

4. Water Bottle (gotta keep this guy hydrated too!)

5. Toiletry Bag

.

Few items not pictured, that he will leave in the truck until needed:

6. Cot
– When (two!) friends suggested this to me, I thought it was crazy, as I’d never think of that on my own. But apparently the rooms in the hospital are so small that often there is not even a chair available, which leaves no place for Branton to sleep. Thankfully a very sweet friend has lent us their fold-up cot that takes up no more room than a collapsible camping chair!

7. Pillow & Blanket

I packed both his and my items (along with our snacks) in one duffel bag, and baby’s items in his own diaper bag! (We decided on the FAWN Design diaper bag for it’s easy access, pocket storage, backpack strap, and design that suited both Branton and I. :))

.

SNACKS!!

Okay, so for snacks, I kept it pretty basic:

1. Jar of mixed nuts, seeds, and dates.

2. Hydralyte – electrolytes to add to water bottle (orange flavour)

3. Dehydrated Fruit (picked up from a local farmer’s market)

4. Local Gluten-Free/Vegan Granola Bars & Cashew Protein Bar
– Made by Nosh on This, for you Winnipeg locals!
– These are in the freezer until we leave for the hospital.

5. Assortment of Larabars

* I also added a few honey sticks I picked up at the market the other day, as recommended by a friend! 

.

And of course, our little guy’s very own bag of goodies:

Top Left to Bottom Right:

1. Swaddle Blankets – Aden & Anais
– These blankets mean a lot to me. It was the first time we stepped foot in West Coast Kids, and it was after I had a really emotionally difficult day, frightened of losing this baby, too. Branton and I got out of the house and drove around, eventually ending up at the store, where I thought I would step out in faith and make our first purchase there on something for the baby. I allowed myself to believe this could happen, that we would go full term, and one day our babe would be swaddled in these very blankets. Kind of crazy to think here we are, six months later, packing them in his little diaper bag for his first few days earth side!

2. Cutest Socks Ever
– These also have a story! Two years ago (pretty much to the day), we found ourselves wandering the streets of Portugal, a trip we only decided to go on after losing our first pregnancy, with Lyric, and needed a getaway. This was another act of faith. We saw these adorable tiny, white, simple baby socks, and both stopped to look at them. We kind of looked at each other, sadly, that we didn’t have a baby for these. We decided to pick them up anyways, as a reminder that one day we would have and hold our baby, who would wiggle his little toes in these socks. 🙂

3. Scratch Mitts – Juddlies

4. Newborn Hat

5. Baby Bum Cream – Baby Butz 

6. Baby Nail Clippers

7. Burp Cloth

8. Cooling Spray (for the lady bits post-delivery) – Matter Company, Substance line
– I LOVE this company and the ingredients they use! This one has witch hazel and aloe vera in it. 

9. Lanolin Nipple Cream – Medela 
– This was hands down the top recommendation – both product and brand – to have on hand at all times.

10. Disposable Breast Pads – Medela 
– I have disposable ones for the hospital, and also some washable ones for at home.

11. Baby Clothes!
– As we don’t know how little or big our rainbow babe will be, we packed a few different sized sleepers and my favourite rust-coloured outfit from Anchore Deep

12. Baby Wash – Shoosha (Unscented)
– If the hosptial insists on using baby wash for his first bath (hoping to wait 24 hours), then I would rather they use a kind I trust, rather than something harsh. Although, perhaps their first bath is only with water? Something for me to look into still!

.

We also packed some diapers and wipes in the travel change pad gifted from a sweet friend, pictured below. 🙂

And, of course his little rainbow knitted onesie peeking out – the very first item we purchased for babe (shared more about the meaning behind this little number in my post, How Community, a New Diagnosis, and “Coincidence” Led us to our Rainbow Baby, Expected June 2018!)

.

Overkill? Obvious “first-time” parents bag? That’s okay… I’m happy to bring in these two bags, and have things on hand whether we end up using them or not!

.

Baby Boy, oh my sweet little baby boy – I am over the moon excited to meet you!! You have brought so much sunshine into our lives, and have truly been a light through the darkness. You are loved beyond measure, and I can’t wait for our eyes to lock, to hold you, kiss you, and spend a lifetime loving and guiding you.

.

Any last guesses when babe will arrive?? Due date is June 23rd!

.

XO,

Kayla