Jun 24, 2016

What's in My Hospital Bag? & A Giveaway!

When I was pregnant with Zoe, I tried to be realistic when packing my hospital bag. I scoffed at the idea of bringing makeup and a bunch of clothes thinking I'd just be in a hospital gown most of my stay and trying to make it on zero sleep. And a "going home outfit" for both baby and me? We literally lived 5 minutes away. Going home wasn't a big deal.

So I kept my hospital bag pretty minimalistic. In hindsight, I'd say too minimalistic. Yes, we had everything we needed and if we had needed something else, Landon could've run home to get it...but I was definitely in the please-don't-leave-me phase postpartum and when he went home once to shower, it felt like he was gone for an eternity. 

After watching and reading some hospital bag videos and posts, I've decided to take a different approach this time around.

I'm not going to say it's a totally "more is more" approach, but it's definitely a little bit indulgent in my mind. Let me explain my reasoning...

As I've mentioned before, labor recovery and postpartum life was really hard for me, physically but mostly emotionally. In fact it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. As time has gone on, I wonder how much of that could have been better if I had allowed myself to do some "indulgent" things in the hospital. It was bleak and cold outside; what if I had asked someone to bring by some beautiful flowers for the room? It was freezing INSIDE; what if I had asked a family member to run home and bring extra blankets? I was so grossed out by my own body's recovery process (and too embarrassed to ask for help) that I didn't even want to shower at the hospital, let alone put on makeup; we all know how awesome a good shower can make someone feel, and maybe I would've felt more like a powerful new mama with some mascara on. And finally, what if I had planned on some super comfortable yet cute outfits? I probably wouldn't have felt like such a slob with visitors coming in and out.

These are just some thoughts that have come to mind in the past few months. So when PinkBlush Maternity graciously offered to send an item of clothing to try, I immediately knew what I wanted: a pretty robe for the hospital. 



Even if I have a lengthy, painful labor (please no!), in this robe I can envision myself confidently recovering with my newborn baby on my chest and husband by my side. I'm even thinking I might do my hair and makeup before going to the hospital if the time allows.


Totally not what I will most likely be wearing at the hospital, but for the sake of this little photoshoot...

Robe - c/o PinkBlush maternity
Maternity tshirt - Old Navy
Sleep shorts - Target
Sneakers - Vans

I don't have our bag completely packed yet (did I wait until the last minute to order new nursing bras? You betcha!) but the plan is as follows:

Suitcase:
Boppy, folder for paperwork, reusable bag for taking any extras home, trash bag for dirty clothes, flip flops for showering, snacks, Bible, Rosary, camera, chargers, blanket for me, blanket for Landon, Bullet Journal, pens, robe, comfy pants and shorts, nursing tanks, nursing bras, underwear, comfy shirts, sweatshirt, "going home" outfit for me and baby, baby clothes in newborn & 3 months sizing, blanket for baby, clothes for Landon, purse with things like phone, wallet, etc. Whatever is normally in my purse!

I did manage to pack my toiletry bag though since, as noted throughout this post, I'm much more concerned this time around with having some things that will make me feel like my most real self.

Inside you'll find:


Toiletry bag: Tooth care sets for Landon and myself, floss picks, lip balm, face wash, deodorant, lotion, nipple balm, hair ties, dry shampoo, headband for when washing my hair, brush, sample shampoo/conditioner, body wash, face wipes, random hotel set with nail file + Q-tips + cotton pads, face lotion, eye cream, disposable nursing pads, pads.


My (mostly) drugstore makeup bag: face powder, bronzer, blush, brushes, eyebrow gel, eyebrow pencil, eye brightening pencil, mini mascara, brightening concealer.

Are all of these essentials for everyone? Heck no. If you feel beautiful and confident in no makeup...or you're just too sleepy to even deal with it all...I say, you go girl. Seriously. This is more of an experiment for baby #2. So much could happen and if I don't get to shower or put on some mascara this time around either, oh well! I will definitely be letting you know what happens, though, because I have a feeling making the recovery process that much more pleasurable will make me a happier mama.


Are you someone who has been wanting to try PinkBlush clothing or accessories? They're giving one of you guys a chance to win a $75 credit to their online shop! Pretty sweet, huh? Might I suggest a gorgeous robe, wrap dress (for maternity wear AND nursing!), or a pretty flowy top? Of course it's up to you what you choose--you don't even have to be pregnant or nursing! they make gorgeous clothes for everyone--, but those are just some of my current favorites ;)

Please enter via Rafflecopter below. The giveaway will run until June 30th! Please note that if you have won a PinkBlush giveaway within the past 3 months, you are not eligible this time around.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!!

***Edit 7/1: The giveaway is now CLOSED and the winner will be emailed shortly :) Thanks for participating!!!

11 comments:

  1. I have had quite a few things sitting in my cart from PinkBlush for awhile, mostly for some weddings we have coming up (even though I don't quiiiite need maternity stuff yet): the Blue Floral Fitted Maternity dress and the Magenta Fitted Maternity dress are my two current favorites! But let's be honest, literally everything they have is suuuper cute.

    I was soooo nervous/hesitant about taking a shower at the hospital after Kate was born, but oh. my. gosh. it was the highlight of my stay! I was so glad I did - definitely recommend for this time around. I *really* needed one by the time I could stand because we'd been there for 3 days at that point, which made it feel even better - but it definitely made me more mentally prepared to see visitors and such, too, even if I felt weird/gross everywhere else. :)

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  2. I enjoyed your post! I agree, whatever we mamas gotta do to feel as comfortable as possible! :) And thanks, I hadn't heard of PinkBlush before! Neat shop!

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  3. I enjoyed your post! I agree, whatever we mamas gotta do to feel as comfortable as possible! :) And thanks, I hadn't heard of PinkBlush before! Neat shop!

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  4. Beautiful robe! Wish I would've had something so love;y to wear when having my kiddos. Maybe next time around? :)

    All of their clothes are dreamy but I especially love the Aqua Floral Draped 3/4 Sleeve Maxi Dress (http://www.shoppinkblush.com/p-15346-aqua-floral-draped-34-sleeve-maternity-maxi-dress.aspx?DepartmentID=2)

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  5. Pregnant with baby #2 and would love a beautiful hospital gown! Love these!

    http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/p-20705-mint-green-floral-rose-deliverynursing-maternity-robe.aspx?DepartmentID=1

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  6. So many cute things, it's hard to choose! I'm due in December and have started looking for cooler temperature clothing and this dress would be great! http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/p-18952-charcoal-wrap-v-neckline-34-sleeve-maternitynursing-dress.aspx?DepartmentID=1

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  7. Love their tunic style tops – perfect for pairing with leggings or skinny jeans. I really like the ivory v-necked one with black stripes.

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  8. I didn't know they had nursing clothes too! I want this nursing dress for a wedding we're going to I'm October! http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/p-21835-navy-blue-floral-sash-tie-maternity-dress.aspx?DepartmentID=1

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  9. You and your bump look adorable In that robe! I honestly think it makes a big difference psychologically if you can feel vaguely cute during those first few days when you actually feel like you've been hit by a truck, but you're still getting your picture taken with your sweet new baby. So I'd be tempted by a pretty robe too, but I also like the idea of a nice maternity gown for the inevitable future pregnant military ball: http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/p-21418-burgundy-mesh-neckline-ruched-bust-maternity-evening-gown.aspx?DepartmentID=1

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  10. Love a lot of their tunic/nursing tops and this dress: http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/p-21843-navy-blue-floral-sash-tie-maternity-maxi-dress.aspx?DepartmentID=1. I'm airways up for more comfy sleep clothes because I'm big on comfort! Prayers for you and sweet baby! And thank you for the chance! I try to take little indulgences to the hospital because as dreamy and beautiful and wonderful our babies are, a toll has been taken on our bodies!

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  11. Love a lot of their tunic/nursing tops and this dress: http://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/p-21843-navy-blue-floral-sash-tie-maternity-maxi-dress.aspx?DepartmentID=1. I'm airways up for more comfy sleep clothes because I'm big on comfort! Prayers for you and sweet baby! And thank you for the chance! I try to take little indulgences to the hospital because as dreamy and beautiful and wonderful our babies are, a toll has been taken on our bodies!

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