Mom ( @adventures.of.dre ) in the Cozy Nursing Hoodie after giving birth to her son.

Are you almost due? Here's what's in my hospital birth bag!  At 38 weeks pregnant, I will suggest starting to pack your bag by at least 37 weeks since everyday that passes you may be more tired and overwhelmed with many more things you will want to get done.  Not to mention, at 38 weeks you never know when your little bundle of joy will want to make his appearance!

Use this list to help you along the way in deciding what essentials you will need and maybe a few optional items to help your experience be more comfortable. Remember, even if you forget some items, don't sweat it mama!  You're sure to have plenty of help, support, and resources around you to ensure you have all you need for D day.

Try not to overpack because clutter or not being able to find what you need can be more stressful than helpful.  See if the things below will work for you and add any additional items as needed. 

Pack your Hospital Bag Checklist:

• ID, forms, insurance card, pocket money, and birth plan.  Note: Many places will allow you to be pre-registered so you won't have to worry about forms and such. If you do this, they'll have your information in the system so it's less to worry about. Also, some hospitals/centers will have a board where you can mark off your birth plans, or you've discussed this previously with your doctor.  Its just less to worry about and less things to bring.
• Phone charger/electronics
• Nursing Bra(s) wireless; 1-2
• Nursing pads
• lanolin/nipple cream
• Disposable/ruinable undies for big pads and/or disposable mesh undies. Note: Check with your hospital to see what they provide for you. Most likely they will give you this, but nonetheless, you need to be stocked with extra pads and you might like having your own undies for when you are at home.
• Toiletries such as hair shampoo/dry shampoo, conditioner, body soap, face cleanser, face moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash. Use all Travel size as possible.
• Natural oil such as 100% shea butter to stay moisturized. This doubles as your go to for lips, neck, hands, etc. This way you don't need to pack multiple moisturizers and also if it gets on the baby it will be okay.
• no skid comfy socks
• Eye stuff for contacts or eye glasses
• BB Cream, concealer, mascara, and lip stain. All these are quick and easy to apply for when you need a pick me up and may want to take a few pictures.  Just a touch of each can freshen you up and make you feel good.
• Perineal washer such as the "Mom Washer" aka Fridet by Frida Baby. Witch Hazel and hemorrhoids cream as necessary. 
• Nursing tank tops and Relaxed Nursing Hoodie.  These make nursing as people are coming in and out of the hospital room easy, comfortable, and keep you covered and warm.  The nursing hoodies are comfy enough for skin to skin with baby for extra bonding love. The fit of these items will work for postpartum recovery as you will still be "pregnant looking".
• loose clothing like big sweat pants with tie (not tight elastic) or nightgown
• soft towel
• robe

Optional items can include music (probably on your phone already), reading material, snacks, aromatherapy oil, and your own pillow.

Use zip lock bags for easy viewing, storing, and disposal.

Be sure to not forget the baby's CAR SEAT and a going home outfit.

Have your partner also pack a light bag with an overnight outfit and toothbrush.

I am using very inexpensive bag(s) to pack my items or you can use any easy to zip open bag you already have. No need to buy a special bag for this. You can also bring an extra reusable bag to include the items the hospital is going to be giving to you to bring home. 

Good luck mamas and remember, you got this!! This is what a woman's body is meant to do and if you miss a few things, no big deal, you're little love bug is all you really need. 

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Becoming a mom is actually a really busy time in one's life.  As the big day approaches you will have more doctor's visits, more things to organize, a baby shower to think about, remodeling your house, worrying about family and friends coming into town, and figuring out your work situation.  Not to mention you will make plans regarding your pediatrician and insurance.  The cherry on top is the slew of effects that will come with your growing bump, which can include continued sickness, getting slower, becoming heavier, tiredness, and overall uncomfortableness.  

With all this said, do not feel pressured in having to fit in some of the "must do" tasks you might feel obligated to have to do because of what you see in social media, read in checklists, or maybe someone told you what they did and now you think you need to do it also.

1. Maternity Photoshoot

Set up a tripod at the beach or a park and take a few "natural" looking pics while walking towards the camera. Maybe grab a selfie stick and take a laying down pic with your partner with a colorful blanket underneath you.  Recruit a friend to snap a few photos, or grab your DSLR and stop someone to take a few quick pictures in an outdoor setting.  Maybe set the timer on your camera in the perfect spot.  

These are all ideas on how you can get some pregnancy photos without having to spend the time and drop the big bucks for a maternity photoshoot.  Don't feel pressured into it!  Do you really envision yourself posing with a chiffon dress flying behind you and would you frame it? If not, taking some fun and in the moment pics can definitely do the trick.  Go black and white, use Layout app to create a collage if you wish, try the Baby Story app, print them out on Snapfish or another photo service, and voila, sentimental DIY photos. 

2. Creating a Dream Nursery

A baby doesn't know if it's in a nursery filled with lace drapes, fuzzy bunnies, and a lit up marquee sign bearing her name.  All the baby needs is lots of love, to eat, to poop, and a safe place to sleep. 

Don't feel like you need to go all crazy Pinterest style, or hire an interior designer, to get your nursery space decked out for all of Instagram to go gaga about.  The essential needs are what is most important and there's plenty of room for creativity with some rearrangements of your bedroom space and incorporating colors in new room accents or photos.  The thing that should be on your to do list here is making whatever space you have, as organized as possible with storage, and placing away baby things in a way that will make your life as easy as possible.  Concentrate more on a nursing space, or feeding "haven", because that's what you'll be utilizing most when baby is born.

Tip: A changing table is more of a nice thing to have, rather than a complete necessity.  At times you're gonna change the baby where ever (like the floor, the couch, the bed) and not on the changing table.  Get a good changing pad first and foremost and think of the changing table second if you're concerned with money and space. 

3. Moving your Home Completely

There's no need to get up and move. New leases or new mortgages, this is just a ton of work, lots of money, and possible stress you don't need while preggo.  Especially, a little one is just that...little. She's not gonna give you minus points because you are taking her home to your one bedroom apartment.  Plus, a smaller space encourages going outside and enjoying more time on stroller walks and getting fresh air which is beneficial for both baby and parents. 

Now, if it seems necessary for some city dwellers to move because of the space issue, tackle this as early on during your maternity phase because it will get physically harder the later you wait. 

If you can wait, make your way over to the Container Store and get to space making.  Do this by donating clothes you haven't used for over a year, getting rid of stuff in the garage, storing things you don't need, redoing your closet to accommodate the baby's clothes, and get savvy with all the transitioning products that are meant to multifunction and save space, like the Babyletto Gelato 2 in 1 Crib.

Having a transitional crib is a space saver.  Dress up the space with an adorable rug that matches your style, and find a comfy reclining chair for nursing bliss.

4. Having to do Prenatal Yoga

You've heard of it.  You may have some friends telling you how they did it.  You can read about it all over the internet.  Some people do it with goats.

Don't feel like you have to do it too!  While prenatal yoga has tons of benefits, many exercises during pregnancy are equally beneficial.  Simply walking helps reduce chances of preeclampsia, excess weight gain, and boosts energy.  There are other choices of workouts while pregnant, and paying for yoga classes doesn't always have to be one of them.  

5. Childbirth Classes

Okay, knowledge is power and the more you know...well the better.  Is it gonna be the end of the world though if you don't do a childbirth class?  Nope.  Many moms say that once they hit active labor everything they learned and heard in the past went out the door.  Listen, women have been giving birth since forever - infinity -and beyond.  It's a great option and we're not saying not to do it, but if you skip it don't stress out,  you're gonna still be able to do what you need to do.  

Tip: Most childbirth classes cost money, so if you are in a money bind to choose a class to take, choose an Infant CPR class instead.  This is something you will want to know how to do.

6. Eating your Placenta

Placenta encapsulation is a beautiful thing, if done correctly.  Mammals have been consuming their placenta since the beginning of time, aka placentophagy.  Some people go raw with smoothies and other creative recipes.  If you don't have it done right, the process could introduce bacteria and other nasty outcomes from not selecting the utmost caution or most professional service to do this for you.  Eating your placenta may have many benefits like a faster postpartum recovery and better mood as some moms claim, while the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology says these are not scientifically proven or documented.  There are no proven health benefits, so, unless you are determined to drop the cash, take the chance, and have it done perfectly, don't feel like this needs to be on your priority list.  Make a very well balanced diet with lots of milk boosting foods at the top of your to do's when the baby arrives. 

7. Buy a Traditional Diaper Bag

Yes, you need a diaper bag.  No, you don't need a traditional one labeled as "diaper bag".  First off, they are pretty pricey and with the way they look, really scream "Hello everyone, I'm a diaper bag".  With the stylish nursing clothes available, chic strollers, and trendy baby wraps out there that really make mom style go to a whole other level, you may want to up your diaper bag game to match.

Get savvy and find an big tote, backpack, or shoulder bag that has more of your style in mind.  Buy an organizer insert and there ya go, a "diaper bag".  Find something that has a waterproof or easy to clean liner and make sure your insert is full of pockets and fits well in the bag.  This way you look good, feel good, and you still can accomplish carrying around your baby's necessities.  If you are up for a little splurging, there are higher end designer "diaper bags" that have everyday and long lasting use due to their chic colors, plain exterior, and multi functioning design. 

Tip: Reduce your chance of a "packed to the brim" diaper bag by staying organized, packing that diaper bag like a pro, and filling it with only what you need to get through the day.  Like having a wipes holder that holds 20 wipes instead of bringing the entire 100 pack with you.  Pack a dry/wet bag, change of clothes, extra diapers, more wipes, and also all the "extras" for emergency in a separate bag that stays inside the car.  This way your diaper bag isn't one hundred pounds while you are out and about. 

Keep going mama! You're doing great! If you can squeeze these things into your pregnancy experience then totally go for it, but if not, don't think twice about it!  Prioritize and do what you can, little by little, day by day.  You are growing a human so you get a hall pass for taking it easy and in the end, every mom to be journey is different and will require different needs.  Pick and choose what matters the very most for you to accomplish.  Enjoy the path you're on and embrace the moment. 

Be prepared for the big day with our Third Trimester Checklist.

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Shop for Breastfeeding clothing Hoodies, Tee Shirts, and Tanks. 

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You've made it - The third trimester is here, and while you're more uncomfortable and exhausted, you can also see the end in sight (even though you can't see your toes haha)

As you reach the end of your pregnancy, there probably isn't much on your mind beyond meeting your little one for the first time. 

Evens so, you might wake up one morning with an unrelenting desire to do something. Clean, organize, bake. No matter what it is, your body wants to get ready. 

This is called nesting, and it's an instinct most women experience in the weeks leading up to delivery (if you never experience it, don't worry. Plenty of women don't).

This instinct can be overwhelming though. What are you even supposed to do these last few weeks?

Use our third trimester checklist to put that nesting urge to good use in these last few weeks. 

Diaper Prep

Chances are, you've already decided how you're going to diaper your baby. If you haven't, now is the time to make that choice. Cloth, Disposable, or a mix of the two.  Maybe you want to skip diapers and do (EC) elimination communication. 

There are tons of choices, and there are lots of ways to fit your budget and lifestyle. 

No matter what you choose, though, now is the time to make sure everything is in order. 

If you are using disposables, make sure you have packs of newborn and size 1 diapers ready. Some babies fit fine in newborns for a few weeks, while others skip them and go straight to size 1. 

Disposable pro-tip: Resist the urge to open any packs of diapers before you actually bring your baby home. 

The hospital will give you diapers to bring home with you, and you can return unused packs for store credit if it turns out your baby doesn't need the smallest sizes. 

If you're using cloth, now is the time to finish your stash and prep your diapers. Remember that natural fiber diapers sometimes need to be washed 8-10 times before they are ready to go on a baby bum, so give yourself some time.  

Make sure you have your wet bags and washing routine figured out and prepped now so that all that fluff is ready for your baby's bum when you bring them home. 

Hospital Bag

Nothing seems to give new mamas more stress than the hospital bag. 

Truth be told, it isn't as big a consideration as many first-time moms think, and there is no need to bring your entire nursery with you. 

A good option for your hospital bag is whatever diaper bag you will be using. 

A good third trimester checklist for your hospital bag:

Some Comfy Nursing Wear

You'll be spending a lot of time in bed while you're at the hospital, and while wearing the hospital issued gown for the duration is an option, it isn't the most comfortable.

Wearing your own clothing will help you feel more like yourself, especially when people start coming to visit.  Find some nursing tanks and tees that you will want one or two of to bring with you.  Styles that not only work for feeding, but postpartum everyday wear, and even well beyond are great investments especially if you plan to nurse a lot or do pumping when you return to work.

A few onesies

New babies pretty much all look like potatoes, and while hospitals have great security systems, it's nice to have something that differentiates your baby from all the others on the maternity floor. 

Pack a few onesies or sleepers to dress your baby in while you stay at the hospital. 

Going home outfits for you and baby

This is a given. Keep in mind that you will probably still need some of the same clothes you were wearing, so pack an outfit you might have worn in early second tri. Stock up on functional, transitionary tops that work for nursing and while you are in the postpartum stages such as the robertwilsonassociates low neck swing tank or Relaxed Daily Nursing Hoodie. 

Your own toiletries and pillow

You'll want to take a shower, so bring your own products. 

Also, the hospital provides pillows, but they aren't exactly the picture of comfort, so having your own might help you stay comfy. 

There are more things like paperwork, camera, money, disposable pads/undies, etc. etc. that you will need so Read more on how to Pack your Hospital Bag like a Pro.

Choose a pediatrician

Most hospitals don't like you to leave the hospital without a pediatrician ready. 

Take the time to start researching and choosing a pediatrician in these last few weeks. 

Make sure their philosophy on child health matches yours and that you agree on things like vaccinations, medication, behavior, and discipline. 

Look into childcare options

While you're checking out pediatricians, start looking into who your support system will be, especially if you will be returning to work. 

Not everyone has help or family nearby, but having an idea of a few occasional options may save you some hassle in the long run.  You will be surprised how many people would love to help out, even if it means hanging out at your home while you take a few hours to take a nice bath and do something good for yourself.

If you are thinking about childcare, know that many quality childcare centers are on a wait, so make sure you get in early. 

Design your Nursing Haven

Yes, if you plan to breastfeed or pump you will find much success designing a space in your home with a few essentials. Water bottle handy (you must stay hydrated while breastfeeding), a comfy rocking chair, a blanket and nursing pillow, a few burp clothes, and a book or music nearby will really elevate your nursing experience.  

Add more needs as you think of them that will create this area as a peaceful and relaxing designated spot for feeding.  Dad can even use this area for cuddles, bottle feedings, and skin to skin time with his child.  

When mommy is happy then baby is happy too, and that will make for a successful bonding relationship for you and your new baby. 

Take a class

If you haven't taken a childbirth class, now is the time. 

You can also use this time to learn more about breastfeeding or babywearing. Check into what your local offerings are. 

These classes can also be an awesome time to meet other moms in your area. Start building your mom tribe now. 

In Los Angeles, The Pump Station & Nurtury offers tons of lactation expertise and classes.

Pre-register at the Hospital

The last thing you want to do while you're in labor is sign forms and fill out paperwork. 

See if your hospital offers a pre-registration option. This may come with a third trimester checklist for your health from your providers, and often this will come with a hospital tour as well so you can see the maternity facilities. 

If you have a birth plan, you will also want this ready and discussed with your doctor as necessary.

Laundry Time

Wash baby's clothing before he or she arrives.  We recommend more garments with less frills, glitters, and dyes as baby's skin is extra sensitive to rough textures or chemicals.  Just like the cloth diapers, you may want to wash your soon be bundle of joy's clothing in advance and more than once as needed.

While you are doing laundry, pump up the jams on your sound system and do a good sweep of the house by throwing away and donating unused items and clutter that you haven't used in years. Have the carpet cleaned, or do a through dusting to rid allergens and cobwebs that may have been missed.  Coming home to a clean home will be relaxing and starts your baby off in a calm, clutter free environment.

Do some meal prep

Some moms have the luxury of a village that will bring them home-cooked meals in the weeks after their baby is born. 

If you don't, or if meals from other people's kitchens just aren't your thing, take a weekend to put together some freezer meals. 

Soups, casseroles, and pasta sauce all freeze great and will keep your family fed while you are recovering and bonding with your new baby. 

If you have grocery delivery such as Amazon Prime Now, Instacart, or DoorDash in your area...take advantage of it.  It's a total lifesaver and timesaver, especially if you are city mom where there are lots of stairs, less parking, and traffic. Skip it all with a press of a button.

Make the Best Use of Our Third Trimester Checklist

As you go through the last few weeks, remember that the most important thing is to understand that there is no pressure here. 

Do the things on the third trimester checklist if you like, or leave them to later. Read the entire "like a boss" list of our Third Trimester Checklist here.

Use this last trimester to reconnect with yourself and your partner, and get ready for your life to change in the next few weeks. 

If you can make it happen, take some time for you and your partner. Get a massage, go on a babymoon, or just take a weekend to breathe and do nothing. Self care IS VERY essential to be balanced.  Read our tips of self care before baby arrives here.

Life is about to get crazy, and taking some time to relax will help put you in the right frame of mind to welcome a new life. 

Keep going mama! You are doing amazing!

SHOP tops for maternity, nursing, and beyond.

Read tips on Breastfeeding in the First Few Days.

Find the Three Ways Maternity to Nursing Wrap here.

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