What’s in the bag

With the exception of a few things and Tom’s clothes –he just has to pick out what he wants to take (comfy clothes, a swimsuit for the bath if he feels like joining me, man stuff)- the suitcase is pretty much packed and ready to go.

suitcase

Here’s what we’ll be taking along with us on game day:

Snacks:

snacks 

-Clif bars (for the Pilot), Honey Stingers (my fave energy chews), Larabars, protein, almond butter, oats, mints

-Macaroons, brownies and Trader Joe’s PB-filled pretzels for the nurses

-A water bottle that will be easy to constantly refill and have with us

bottle

Travel toiletries and toothbrushes:

-Floss, toothbrushes –we didn’t want to deal with taking the electric with us, mini toothpaste, floss

-Nipple cream and nursing pads

 nipple cream

Clothes:

-2 nursing tanks, a nursing bra, lulu pants, a zip-up long hoodie (as a coverup), nursing PJs, socks for me

clothes

-Flip flops for the shower and moccasins

-Baby’s coming home outfit

outfit

We wanted her to be warm and comfy, so we decided on a Zutano onesie with her pink ears hat and owl jacket

-Tom’s clothes and moccasins

-Boppy

boppy

-Duffel bag for everything the hospital sends us home with

Grab last-minute:

-Pillows and a blanket for the Pilot. We bough super inexpensive ones that could be forgotten at the hospital or covered in hospital germs and it would be NBD

-Last-minute toiletries (makeup, contact stuff and glasses, face wash, moisturizer, dry shampoo, chapstick)

-Flip cam, laptop + charger, camera + charger, iPhones and chargers

-Wallets, IDs, cash

Still need to:

-Get scrapbook paper for her first footprint and handprint- a reader suggested this to me on my “what to pack” post, and I love the idea

-Pack Bella’s overnight bag- she’ll be staying at the madre’s while we’re in the hospital. Just need a fresh bag of food and treats, since she already has beds and toys at mom’s

-Write a birth plan. As you guys know, I wasn’t going to write one because the midwives, Tom and our doula know the type of birth we’d like to have, and having a “plan” for a birth is pretty much guaranteed go differently than you anticipate. From what I hear, you’re flying by the seat of your pants (except chances are that you aren’t wearing any), making educated decisions along the way. However, our Bradley teacher and midwives recommended bringing a birth plan to the hospital, not for our birth team, but for the nurses we’ll be working with. They post the birth plan on the door, and each nurse that comes in will know what your wishes are (for example, waiting for the cord to be cut, having baby placed immediately on my abdomen, having any immediate testing be done in my arms, and nixing the eye treatment gel are important to us). We’re not going to make it super detailed, just focus on the important things, and try to find ways to make it funny and not annoying to read. I’ll post it after we write it up 🙂

The good news is that we don’t live too far from the hospital and will (hopefully) have plenty of time to gather everything up and pack last-minute items. We’ll be at the hospital for 2 days –since insurance will pay for it, we’re taking it. It will be nice to make sure we’re all good to go and breastfeeding is going well before we head home- and I’m thinking the fam will help us if we forget or need anything while we’re there.

<3

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98 Comments

  1. Ashley on December 21, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Just a tip! My brother and sister-in-law only brought one “going home” outfit, and it didn’t fit my niece! Might want to pack one size bigger or smaller just in case! (IE: If you packed a newborn, bring a 0-3 months, and vice versa.) 🙂

    • Amanda on December 21, 2011 at 7:04 pm

      I agree with this! I know in my mom’s case, I was too big for newborn clothes (‘cuz I was a huuuuge baby) and my sister was early and needed preemie stuff. Then again if you’re so close to the hospital maybe just have the extra clothes and home and have a relative pick them up if necessary, since you’re so close.

      • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:15 pm

        this is EXCELLENT. i totally need to pack a bigger sized outfit, just in case

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:22 pm

      i didn’t think of that at all- thank you!

      • Megan on December 22, 2011 at 10:19 am

        And in our case our estimated 7-8lb baby was only 6lbs- So we packed newborn clothes and needed preemie! He swam in the newborn clothes and in my opinion froze on the way home because it wasn’t snug. You just never actually know what’s going to happen!

  2. Marci on December 21, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Sounds like you guys are ready. I’m excited for y’all too!

  3. Amie Hutton on December 21, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Hi Gina,
    I am a long time reader and I am so excited that you get to meet your little girl soon! 🙂
    Just curious as to why you are deciding against the erythromycin eye gel??
    As a maternity nurse we are educated that this gel helps to prevent infections that may occur due to the bacteria that naturally occurs in a woman’s vagina.
    Happy Christmas,
    Amie

    • Sarah Crowder on December 21, 2011 at 3:57 pm

      I can’t speak for Gina but I can for myself. I am refusing the eye treatment because the bacteria you refer to is associated with STDs for which I have already been tested. Some people still choose to accept the treatment in the rare case of a false negative, because they are not aware of what the bacteria is that their baby is being treated for, or because they have the STD.

      • H on December 21, 2011 at 7:04 pm

        Never heard of (any of) this before since I’m a few years away from baby time…totally curious, Is there any negative effects of the test? I get that you don’t think you need it but is there a downside to it or is it in the “can’t hurt” realm?

        • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:14 pm

          yep, sarah is exactly right- the eye gel is used in case the mom has std’s which the baby would be exposed to during birth. when you’re pregnant, they check you a couple of times for std’s and i’m negative, and i don’t want baby to have blurry vision during a critical bonding time

          • tracy on December 22, 2011 at 11:00 am

            isn’t a baby’s eyesight going to be blurry regardless? i don’t believe they can see very well until they are a bit older…



          • Fitnessista on December 22, 2011 at 11:20 am

            they can still see you close up, and it’s important for breastfeeding too.
            i just don’t see a point in it if i don’t have std’s, which is what the gel is intended for



      • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:19 pm

        exactly

        • Ginna on December 21, 2011 at 9:23 pm

          Just FYI, we went to our hospital’s childbirth class the other day and the instructor told us about her daughter who opted out of the eye ointment but the baby ended up getting an infection and had to take 10 days of antibiotic eye drops 4 times a day. And she didnt have an STD. Much easier and less painful for the baby to do the eye ointment.

  4. aislin @ scribbles by a on December 21, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    so excited for you!! sounds like a well thought out list!

  5. Jessica on December 21, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    Can I be SUPER graphic for a minute? Sorry, but this is something people don’t tell you about after giving birth.
    It is messy after giving birth. The hospital should have those light blue absorbent pads that look like puppy pee pads. You will want to sit on one at almost all times while at the hospital and dont wear nice pants. You will want to wear the throw away undies they give you. Yet no matter how you place the pad in those undies, nasty stuff will leak. Sorry!!! I have 3 daughters and each time I thought I could place the pad just right, change it more often, etc, and every time I put on a decent pair of pants in the hospital, gunk got on them. So if I were you, I would find a few pair of pants you dont mind ruining, and wear those instead of Lulus.
    I like the most absorbent maxi pads with wings and disposable undies for the first few days. Once you go home, it should settle down. But seriously, it is gross and going to the bathroom is a process.

    • TanyaS on December 21, 2011 at 3:23 pm

      I second that. I would have to say all items taken should be considered somewhat disposable.

      • Brittany on December 21, 2011 at 3:40 pm

        that pad is for people who can’t control what comes out of them (graphic, i know). They totally look like dog pee pads! I know not all hospitals have them on the beds during the day ( I am studying to be a nurses aid) so you should make sure to ask for one.

        • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:20 pm

          ahhhhhhh!

          • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey on December 21, 2011 at 8:38 pm

            I was there with my sister when she had my niece – um, they’re so telling the truth. They basically give you a diaper to wear! ha!



          • April on December 24, 2011 at 9:36 am

            I agree with the above posters. As much I wanted to look somewhat presentable when people came ot visit, with all the “gook” coming out, I didn’t want to ruin my own pants so I kept on the hospital johnny and the net undies they give you and I wore my own (inexpensive, in case it got stained) bathrobe from home over it. It was still easy enough to nurse, I just pulled the hospital Johnny down off one arm (I had on my nursing bra underneath) and if anyone was in the room I covered up with a blanket. OH, who am I kidding, if it my mom or MIL, I let it all hang out. And if D’s grandpa or dad was there, I just made them wait in the hall till I was done nursing. LOL It will be a kind of go-with-the-flow as it all happens. I’m so excited for you! I’m one of those crazy people who enjoys labor (I did have an epi but I wait until the last possible minute I can get it, so I could experience enough of the laboring process with both kiddos, and I’m so thankful for that! I personally needed the epi cuz of how exhausting it all is, I needed something to help keep me going.) GOOD LUCK!!



          • Fitnessista on December 24, 2011 at 12:40 pm

            haha i think i’ll be doing that too. no men in the room allowed until i get the hang of nursing… awkward.
            thank you 🙂



      • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga on December 21, 2011 at 6:22 pm

        I third that…ANYTHING you bring with you to the hospital, consider it possibly a one-and-done item. Don’t bring anything fancy…between the blood, lochia, meuconium, leaking breasts, everything else…birth is messy and whatever gets on certain things, you may just want to treat them as gone-forever’s rather than try to salvage or wash them. I am cheap too so it takes a lot for me to say that!

        No one told me to leave my pretty stuff at home! But to each her own, of course!

        • Azka on December 21, 2011 at 7:24 pm

          I fourth that! Don’t want to be dealing with gunk on nice things – also, I found that wearing snug (in the butt) pants was way too uncomfortable for the first couple days and I just wanted to be comfy baggy pants that had seats that didn’t cling.

      • Steph on December 21, 2011 at 10:17 pm

        I third that!! Bring extra pads and ugly clothes/undies you don’t mind ruining. Just keepin it real!

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:21 pm

      ehhh, looks like i might go get some comfy target pants

      • irina on December 21, 2011 at 8:13 pm

        i just had my baby on 11/22: i totally agree – forget the nice clothes, PJs, etc, the hospital gowns and undies work perfectly and you just won’t have the energy for outfits after the birth. I had a gown, which was great to use as cover up, but that is about it, all other items went straight back home. Bring an outfit to go home in for you… and boppy… you will probably not use it, I would suggest leaving it at home. I ended up with emergency C-section and could not use it at all till now. Hope you have an awesome birth, best of luck, stay flexible!!!

        • Jessica on December 21, 2011 at 8:27 pm

          I will politely disagree. I used the boppy from day one. I would take it 🙂

          • JennP on December 22, 2011 at 11:58 am

            I would totally take it too! When you’re not using it for nursing, it makes the most amazing and supportive neck pillow!!

            My mom marvels at the Boppy everytime she sees it. She’s like, “why didn’t anybody invent that before I had my kids?!”



          • April on December 24, 2011 at 9:38 am

            Same here! I LOVED having the boppy at the hospital! I second bringing it!



        • june on December 22, 2011 at 9:56 am

          I agree with the throwaway clothes. Loose pj bottoms were perfect for me for day 2, a cheap night gown was good for the first day when you had to go to the bathroom the first couple of times because bending, and pulling down pants were difficult, and the nurses always come in to check your bleeding (so gross–never thought I’d have so many strangers checking my girl parts) Anyway. i actually had a really quick birth, but the soreness makes you stiff from the waist down. totally uncomfortable. I agree to save the boppy at home, there will be plenty of pillows to help you prop up the baby if necessary, but as you they teach you how to nurse, you’ll find some positions are more comfortable than others. (the football hold, which is easiest for most people didn’t work for me and my munchkin at all). Have an outfit to go home in ready – i think the LuLu’s would be fine, i wore cotton yoga pants and were happy with the extra support it gave the ginormous maternity pads. (if you didn’t buy some already, you will definately need them–unless the hospital will give you a couple packs (mine did)-if not, overnights with wings!! you will bleed for a few weeks after.

          Also, I brought a copy of my medical records from my OB. Lab results, sono results – not sure if everyone needs to, but i’m so OCD organized, i carried the copy in my purse for 2 weeks before my due date and scanned all the pages and emailed it to myself and husband so I always had a copy on my phone so I could forward it if i needed to, haha–i just realized how crazy i sound.

          Good LUCK!! Hope it is easy and breezy–unfortunately, it will hurt like motha! When they say women can tolerate more pain than men, they are referring to this process. I only needed to push twice but i felt my girl parts ripping and i was in so much pain i couldn’t respond to anyone talking to me. I was in a complete daze the whole time.

  6. TanyaS on December 21, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    Wowzers, that’s a full bag. Not sure that you’ll need the nursing pads/cream quite yet. It will be a few days until your milk “comes in” and causes issues.

    Do you know if the hospital provides diapers? I had to take my own.

    • Mandy on December 21, 2011 at 6:00 pm

      Baby is still going to nurse a lot the first few days, even with just colostrum. I found the lansinoh cream a great thing to have on me in the hospital to keep sore nipples at bay. With the pads I agree.. I actually didn’t have any use for them at all.

    • Holly on December 21, 2011 at 6:29 pm

      I used the nursing cream from day 1 (but I have sensitivity issues). No harm in bringing it – it doesn’t take up all that much space in the bag!

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:21 pm

      yep they provide almost all of the things we need to take care of baby

      • irina on December 21, 2011 at 8:15 pm

        totally bring the nipple cream – you can get a sore nipple after the first day of feeding (I hope not but I did) so for sure bring the cream, pad – probably no need, unless your milk really gushes out on the 3d day (unlikely…)

  7. Laury @ thefitnessdish on December 21, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    all set!!! great packing…very practical! I so over packed!

  8. Beth on December 21, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    Hi Gina!
    A quick suggestion for when you come home to your sweet Bella with her new sister 🙂
    Before you come home, send a blanket that your sweet bundle has been wrapped in home with your madre to let Bella become familiar with the new baby smell. When you and the Pilot come home to Bella… have him carry in the baby so that your hands are empty to love on the 4 legged baby for a bit so she’s not jealous.
    This worked well for us when welcoming both babies into a house with 2 big, loving fur-siblings 🙂
    Wishes for a speedy delivery so that you can meet your girl!!
    Beth

    • Brittany on December 21, 2011 at 3:42 pm

      That is such a good idea Beth!!

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:20 pm

      that’s a wonderful tip- thank you!

      • Wendy Heath on December 22, 2011 at 4:03 pm

        That’s exactly what my folks did when I was born… my dad brought home stuff that smelled like me. When they actually brought me home, Sugar (redbone coonhound) smelled me from head to toe and then wagged her tail like “well, look! Mom had a puppy!” She was my protector from day one…

  9. Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn on December 21, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    Too cute. I love that you packed energy gels. Cracked me up!

  10. Tiffany on December 21, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    I second what Adhley said- my friend brought only newborn clothes and her son ended up weighing 10 pounds and didn’t fit into them! I overpacked and didn’t end up using much of what I brought but it’s much better to be over prepared. Another great thing to have is your own music. We brought our iPod docking station and it was nice to have that to set the mood, both during the birth and for the rest of your stay.

    • Callie on December 21, 2011 at 5:54 pm

      I also agree with everyone.I brought only one outfit (size 0-3 months) and it ended up being waaaayyyyy too small.Also the exercise pants I brought to wear home did not fit and my sneakers that I wore to the hospital could not fit on my feet to wear home.My feet swelled up 10 times their normal size for about 4 days after.Flip-flops would of worked great for me but I live in Canada and it was January.

  11. Samantha on December 21, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Your coming-home outfit for the baby is soooo cute! Love the owl jacket. It sounds like you are all set and ready to go! Can’t wait to meet the little one!

    • Tonya on December 21, 2011 at 4:07 pm

      I second Samantha. That is one of the more adorable outfits I’ve seen for a baby! LOVE it!! It sounds like you’re set and good luck, when the time comes!

      • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:19 pm

        thank you! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:20 pm

      thanks, samantha!

  12. Tami on December 21, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    i would add
    “throw away undergarments” like someone said, things are messy, beyond messy and you don’t want to ruin some of your favorite things. seeing if you can take some of these pads people are referring to home, or get some before the time comes. there is no way to be gracious about this…things are leaky….breastmilk and other stuff.
    i would add straws to your bag, it might be difficult to drink out of that bottle when you need to, say, nursing the baby, you will need all hands on deck but if you have straws you can lean in and get a drink much easier

  13. Dawn on December 21, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    FYI everything the hospital “gives you” isn’t free. We didn’t know this when we had our first, luckily we had tricare, but still it was kind of annoying knowing that we still had to pay for the things that they just “gave us”

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:19 pm

      good to know- we have tricare, too 🙂

    • JennP on December 22, 2011 at 12:07 pm

      Well, you have to think of them more as “supplies” than gifts, and they bill your insurance for those things to cover their costs. It’s easy to forget, but a hospital is a place of business. Patients are their customers and the patient and/or the insurance company are the ones who foot the bill for the goods and services that they offer.

      I guess it depends on your plan, but we have Aetna. We met our deductible long before the birth and hospitalization, so all of that stuff was completely covered and paid for by our insurance.

  14. Shannon on December 21, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Another good idea is for the Pilot to wear a plain white t-shirt so the nurse can put her footprints on his shirt too! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:19 pm

      oh, that’s cute!

  15. Jen@FoodFamilyFitness on December 21, 2011 at 4:32 pm

    Looks like you have everything covered!!!!

  16. Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance on December 21, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    I love hearing how excited you and Tom are through your writing. I’m counting down the (unknown) days too!

  17. Andrea of Care to Breed on December 21, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    The only thing I never thought of bringing/having was granny panties. I needed them because of my c/s scar (my low rise undies hit right at that spot) but I’m sure I still would have needed them because the post partum pads are freaking huge. You may not need them while you’re at the hospital (they give you mesh underwear and like Jessica said above, you may prefer something disposable) but you may want them the first week or so. After about a week, I was able to use regular pads.
    And I think I may have that same nursing bra in your picture. It is sooo comfy. I often forget to take it off before going to bed. Even though I’m done nursing, I’m gonna keep on wearing it because I can not go back to underwire after living in maternity & nursing bras for over a year.

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:18 pm

      seriously. underwire is the devil

  18. J9 on December 21, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    Further to what others have said about messiness — you need throwaway granny panties and I would suggest a nightgown. After my first was born it was too much work to get pants on and off while I was in the hospital. The nurses were always wanting to check things down below and it was hard work going to the bathroom and needing to worry about the huge pads, pants, peri squirt bottle etc.

    As well — do you have baby wipes? The first poo is like tar and it tricky to get off the baby. Our hospital had the worst wipes — they were so rough.
    So excited for you! It sounds like you are well prepared:-)

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:16 pm

      that’s a great point- i’ll pack some wipes 😉

      • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga on December 21, 2011 at 7:26 pm

        I can’t shut up on this post…sorry 🙂

        But my hospital also had the flimsiest wipes…uber cheap. You’d think the diaper/wipe co’s would swag them with the good ones, but no. Crap wipes. And crap wipes make for the crap-cleaning, i.e. black tar, realllllly hard. And you’re a new mom and don’t want to “hurt” your baby and are extra gentle and it’s a big mess. Bring your own wipes.

        And granny panties, 100% yes. Ugly ones that you dont care if they are bled on b/c they will be. Consider them one-time use panties.

        Not to put too fine a point on this stuff but NO ONE told me. I was decked out with cute PJ bottoms and cute panties and 1 bra. Not good!

  19. McPinks on December 21, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    Looks like a great bag!! – I second the idea of making sure there is disposable stuff, things get messier than you think.

    On a side note I am jealous of your Clif and Lara Bar flavs….I have never seen them here in Canadaand they sound delish! :p

    All the best with the birth!

  20. Brooke @ sweats & sweets on December 21, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    This is so exciting! Makes us feel like we’re there with yall!

  21. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga on December 21, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    Bring multiple bras as well as pants/bottoms. You will be bleeding, a lot. And it’s like the worst period of your life and you will be leaking, over everything. And stains and leaks are nearly inevitable and bring plenty of bottoms. Sorry to be so graphic but better have too many options than not enough.

    And a hair tie or many. You may keep ponytail holders in your purse or whatever but something to tie your hair up was a must for me.

    And…best wishes for an amazing birth!

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:15 pm

      thank you, friend <3
      (and thank you for keeping it real- that's the kind of thing i appreciate so much. i love hearing what everything is REALLY like)

  22. Pure2raw twins on December 21, 2011 at 6:28 pm

    thinking of you guys!!! xoxo

  23. Dani @ RunFitMama on December 21, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    Blanket for baby. They will probably check your carseat before you leave and it’s usually suggested not to put a jacket on a baby in a carseat. This way the straps are more snug and secure. It’s cold in Vermont and we used a JJ Cole Bundle Me (I think that’s what it’s called). But regular baby blankets will work just fine!

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 7:24 pm

      awesome- will add that to the list

    • Erin on December 21, 2011 at 8:59 pm

      I’ll second this – we’re in Illinois and my son was born in December (5 years ago – hard to believe!) and we were told not to put a jacket on him but to cover him with blankets while in the car seat or use the bundle Me – you’re in a warm enough area that a blanket should be fine.

  24. Elizabeth @ reads recipes runs on December 21, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    You are seriously the cutest ever! You’re so thoughful, bringing things for the nurses. You are more than ready to go. Half the time I can’t even remember to bring my lunch to work…

  25. Azka on December 21, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    Just wanted to add that having a birthplan for the nurses is really, really helpful! I had the same attitude – broad guidelines for how I wanted things to proceed but was flexible (though I did mention that I had a strong preference for pain meds-free birth if mom and baby were doing fine). My delivery nurse who had read my plan helped immensely in encouraging me to have a medication and intervention free birth when towards the end I was about to crack and started talking about epidural in between contractions. She began to tell me how far I had come, how good I was doing, and how very likely it was that baby was coming soon – and he was! came 1.5 hours later! afterwards she told me that she could tell from my birth plan that I was very committed to natural birth and she wanted to do all she could (within reason) to help me achieve my goal.
    It helps, too, because in the heat of the moment when you’re trying very hard to focus you really don’t want to be pestered with questions about what you want or dont want…
    Good luck with D-day!

  26. Stephanie on December 21, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    When I had my son, we didn’t get transferred into a regular hospital room for recovery until almost midnight. This is when I was allowed to eat for the first time in a very long time (probably 15 hours). The cafeteria was closed and the snack cart had only meat options. Everything is pretty much closed at that time too! Even if you have worked eating snacks into your birth plan you will be very hungry later and may have few options! My husband had a hard time finding good foods to refuel me after that workout! You should def plan to have somebody bring you a good healthy meal for when you are hungry after it is all over!

  27. Angie on December 21, 2011 at 8:45 pm

    http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=68131&vid=1&pid=898555&scid=898555052 This skirt SAVED me! I needed to get dressed after the birth and feel human. You’re getting checked constantly, so pants aren’t realistic for immediately after birth (but great for coming home in). This and a nice nursing tank helped me feel great for guests and just overall after birth. And it was cheap enough I didn’t care if it got ruined (it didn’t, FYI). Highly recommended!

    • Fitnessista on December 21, 2011 at 9:25 pm

      amazing! did you get it in the store or online? i’m worried if i order it, it won’t get here on time. i’ll definitely check at the store, though! that would be perfect for labor too, since i don’t feel comfortable totally naked in front of strangers

      • Angie on December 21, 2011 at 9:27 pm

        Yup, that was my plan too. But I ended up being 100% ok being naked in front of everyone 🙂 I got it in store, but it’s seasonal here in MN (obviously ha ha) so I wouldn’t be able to find it now- you might though!

      • Lisa on December 22, 2011 at 12:23 am

        they have them at the store now, also since you are in a warm climate target may have them too…my target sells swimwear year around and they are always by the swimwear sold to be a “cover up”

        • Fitnessista on December 22, 2011 at 12:51 am

          thank you! i’ll go check tomorrow

      • April on December 24, 2011 at 9:43 am

        Honestly, most of us DON’T like being nakey in front of strangers but after this experience, you’ll be so tired, sore and in awe of that baby that you won’t even realize have the time that you are exposed to the world! (especially if you tear at all and they are stitching you back up). Everyone SCARED Me about that but seriously, they give you something to numb you up down there and it’s going to happen while you are HOLDING YOUR BRAND NEW BABY GIRL and loving on her!! 🙂

  28. Amber L on December 21, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    These comments are SO informative. I love your family section. I have so many pages book marked to help me out through my pregnancy. It looks like u are ready. Maybe she will make her appearance soon! P.s. Love the owl jacket! It’s so cute! I’m thinking of doing an owl themed nursery for our little girl. There are so many cute ideas it’s hard to decide.

  29. Jenna on December 21, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    I don’t remember where I heard this, but bring a pretty pillowcase to put on the pillow behind you. That way you will have a nice background behind you when all the first pictures are taken. Also it will bring some color and/pattern to the pictures rather than the drab, hospital white pillow and walls.

  30. jrm on December 21, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    Full disclaimer: Have not had any babies but have had a bunch of knee surgeries. Last one was outpatient and I wore a larger longer lenth dress. I know that sounds ridiculously dressy but it was just a cheapie target cotton and just so easy to put on. I was still pretty high from anthesia and didn’t want anything going over my knees and swollen legs. Throw on a dress and Toms jacket and Voila!

    I have always found myself having some anxiety w/my proceedures. I like to remind myself that the people who will be caring for you — do this often. They are trained and ready — it is what they do. I love to plan for every type of possible outcome but when it comes time — breathe deep and have faith (not to say that you don’t have faith but you have such an awesome support sytem I think you’ll be great).

  31. Babette on December 21, 2011 at 10:17 pm

    Just my two cents on the nip cream. I had my daughter in December and between the cold and my already super sensitive skin I found the Lansinoh to be too rough to put on. It never went on smoothly and I always felt like I was tugging at the nips way more than desired. I would highly recomend the Medela Tender Care, you can get it at target and it was sooo much more soothing to put on.
    Good luck with everything, I’ve become a huge fan over the past few months and am sending good thoughts your way for an awesome birth experience!!

    • Fitnessista on December 22, 2011 at 12:50 am

      the one i have is motherlove brand- have you heard any reviews on that one? it’s supposed to be pretty good
      thank you so much for the good thoughts and luck. i definitely need it 🙂
      xoxo

      • Ashley on December 22, 2011 at 1:34 am

        My work sells motherlove and people buy it all the time and say it’s great. Our marketing department even donated some to Planned Parenthood so it could be given to new mothers who couldn’t afford “luxury items”.

  32. Helen on December 21, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    ^ Agree with the suggestion to bring hair ties. It’s such a simple little thing, but if you have long hair, once you’re in pain, having hair all over your face can be super annoying.

    It sounds stupid, but isn’t just insane packing a little outfit because you’re literally going to be leaving the house and coming back with a small human being? 😀 It’s like the best shopping trip of all time.

    When is your actual due date, if you don’t mind my asking?

    • Fitnessista on December 22, 2011 at 12:29 am

      it is- it’s amazing 🙂
      jan 6

  33. Julie on December 22, 2011 at 12:07 am

    Gina, I read you almost everyday and have been following you since you got pregnant. Congratulations!! It is such a special time just waiting to see when the baby will be born. I wanted to say if you have not gotten a breast friend nursing pillow-you should get one. It is like the Snoogle of nursing–it will save you while nursing. The boppy is great for older babies, but for a newborn, the breast friend is the best thing for positioning the baby. I wish I had had one with my first baby at the hospital.

    • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga on December 22, 2011 at 9:12 am

      Agreed. BreastFriend trumps Boppy for smaller babies. I has a firmer, flatter surface which is great for the sub 10 pound set. Some babies and moms do great on the Boppy from day 1, but putting my lactation educator on here, the BreastFriend rules for the early days and/or smaller babies. Plus, it’s adjustable and you can really customize it in a way you can’t with the Boppy.

      I love both pillows but they both have their roles/purposes.

  34. Ginger on December 22, 2011 at 12:52 am

    agree with the others abot buying some larger than your usual size (and larger in general ha ha) panties at Target for the hospital and the days afterwards. I bought a 5 pack and that was sufficient. Most of those were ruined and I think one pair of PJ pants (NOT like they were soaked in blood, but couldn’t wash them in time to get it out). The puppy pads as someone called them above + numbing spray + tucks type pads + ice packs + some other pain relieving gel thing were like the cocktail of choice at my hospital and were AWESOME. you will feel like you are wearing the hugest diaper ever though so don’t wear pants that are tight in the butt AT ALL 🙂

  35. Geetha on December 22, 2011 at 1:55 am

    My uterus is hurting!!! :)) so excited for u. Can’t wait to see the lil’ bundle of joy. We r all with u in spirit Gina, through this whole process. Good luck to u dear. Don’t worry too much about the awkwardness, in a few days everything will calm down.

  36. Katy Widrick on December 22, 2011 at 8:38 am

    I love reading through the comments. This is my favorite part about blogging (and reading blogs). We all come together to support each other and offer advice!

    I’m on #ginababywatch, big time.

    • Fitnessista on December 22, 2011 at 10:33 am

      seriously- it’s the best thing ever 🙂
      miss you! <3

  37. Megan @ Notes to Hunter on December 22, 2011 at 9:26 am

    Hi Gina – I had an unexpected c-section and had to stay at the hospital for 3 nights. I would throw an extra top and pair of pants in your bag just in case. I know a c-section is the last thing you want, but I was not prepared (never imagined I would have to have a c-section!) and didn’t bring enough comfy clothes with me. I wasn’t as mess down there because of the c-section and only want to wear my comfy pants.

  38. Taran on December 22, 2011 at 9:37 am

    I don’t remember being very messy down their either. I mean ya it was like a super heavy period and after birth you have horrible cramps because your uterus is trying to shrink back to normal again. I guess everyone is different. One other thing I don’t think anyone has mentioned is to use the little squirt bottle they give you – it helps so much when you have to used the RR to relieve some of the pain.

    I’ve been reading your blog since you’ve been pregnant and I just have to say you are the cutest pregnant women I’ve ever seen! I can’t wait to hear your birth story. I hope it all goes fast and smooth for you and the pilot. PS—-he seems like he’s going to be a great coach!

    Good Luck – soon your will have a precious baby to hold in your arms!!

  39. Ashley on December 22, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    I would love to see your birth plan! It would be great if you could post it after you finish writing it. I’m due in May and have mostly the same wishes you do for my birth. I was also considering not writing a plan but the way you put it – it seems like a good idea to, especially the way you plan on writing it 🙂

  40. Kim on December 22, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    That is so sweet that you brought something for your nurses! I am in nursing school right now, and I know it is little things like that that will make me love my job even more one day.

  41. Julie S on December 30, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    You are so wise to take advantage of the full hospital stay offered by insurance. Good luck!

  42. Lara on March 29, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    Hey Gina, just re-reading this post. Do you remember what brand your nursing bra/tanks were? Your whole outfit looks so comfy–any tips would be great!

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