What To Pack Into Your Hospital Bag {Pregnancy}

From my previous experience at the hospital, I've learned that there are only a few essential things a mother needs when she's going to the hospital to give birth. Here is my new updated (from experience) check list for labor and delivery.

Hospital Bag Checklist:

• Insurance info, hospital form (if any)

• 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor

• A warm robe for after delivery (lots of people come visit and you want to look a little bit like a human being)

• 2  maternity bras (no underwire) and nursing pads (the hospital may provide those)

• Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)

• Toiletries and personal items — hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends

• Make up (you will be so glad you have some on hand when friends and family show up to visit

• Headband or ponytail holder/clips

• Your favorite snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed)

• Cell phone and charger

• Camera, empty memory card, battery/charger

• Slippers that can get dirty

• Blanket (even in summer hospital A/C is very strong)

• Nipple cream (those boobs will hurt)

Take it or leave it:

• Boppy pillow for breastfeeding after

• Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit)

• Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one but you can ask for 50 of them)

• Hairdryer

• Heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky)

• A few pairs of soft underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)

• A ruin-able nightgown or pajamas (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)

• Breast pump, if you plan to use one

• A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner (leave it in the car just in case)        

For the Baby:

• Approved car seat

• A coming-home outfit (girl or boy) 

• Warm blanket (for the ride home)

• Full diaper bag with all the essentials that you can leave in the car for the ride home. Just in case it is long and baby may need a diaper change or change of clothes.

The BEST Strawberry Cake {Recipe}

I found the perfect white cake recipe! Honestly, everyone who tried this cake loved it and I can see why. It's light, fluffy, whipped cream frosting is perfect for summer and finished off with strawberries. I love how the flavors play together and the fact that it's not too sweet. I found it on Pinterest (where all great things can be found ha!) and pinned it on my board if you want to see the original (from Jenny Can Cook). I mean if her cake is so delicious, what else does she cook that's amazing? Check her out!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 
  
• 1 1/3 cups low fat buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 egg whites
• 
  
• 2 lbs. fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar for strawberries
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream 
• 3 Tablespoons confectioner's sugar for whipping cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper & grease paper.
3. Sift dry ingredients onto wax paper & set aside.
4. Combine buttermilk & vanilla & set aside.
5. Beat butter & sugar in a large bowl for one minute.
6. Beat in egg whites one at a time.
7. On low speed, alternate adding flour mixture & buttermilk mixture, ending with the flour.
8. Spread into pans & bake 20-25 minutes.
9. Cool 10 minutes and remove from pans to cooling rack.
10. While cake is baking, put strawberries and sugar into a large bowl, stirring occasionally, mashing a little.
11. Whip the cream with sugar until firm.
12. Layer half the berries & juices on bottom cake & cover with cream.
13. Place the second cake layer on top and cover with remaining berries & their juice. Cover the whole cake with remaining cream.

Lin Up: Full Time Mama

LBD {Bump Syle}

  

dress: Target
bag: Ivanka Trump
bracelet: TJMaxx (similar)
wedges: Kate Spade (similar cheaper version)
watch: Fossil
sunglasses: Kate Spade

Coming back from such an exciting weekend, full of parties, family and fun is hard. But I love my quiet Mondays and actually look forward to taking it easy (if easy were laundry, cooking and grocery shopping ha!). I love waking up in the morning and lounging in bed knowing that I don't have to be anywhere at a certain time. Making big breakfast and just spending time playing with Jonathan, catching up on my emails and planning the week. 

Speaking of planning, I'm planning on shaking this beba out of me as soon as possible. Although it's getting a little hard to work out (I took only one walk last week), I'm getting to the point where I will do anything to make sure she arrives on time.

link up: The Tiny Heart

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