Mama's Hospital Bag

I've mentioned before that I've got my bags all packed and I think I'm ready to go! I've been having stronger contractions the last couple of days. Some are painful, some I hardly notice except for my belly becoming very hard and tight. Nothing is very consistent and obviously haven't led to full blown labor, however, I think baby is packing up shop and is preparing for his move-out any day now!

I had no idea what the heck to pack in my bag. I've soaked up suggestions from friends and a trusty Google search and below is what I've decided to go with.

For labor (all of these things I feel comfortable tossing after it's all said and done):

- A large tank top (men's size medium): easily removable and is long enough to cover my bum if I decide to only wear the tank when in the room.
- A flowy maternity skirt, short & black: to wear if I need to walk the halls, or want to be a bit more modest in the room but can also have easy access to whatever the midwife needs to see.
- Sports bras (a size up from what I normally wear): I'm bringing a couple to wear in the tub and if I just want to rock the sports bra instead of the tank.
- A robe: I've been told you can go from hot to cold and vice versa all throughout labor. A light robe might help the cause as well as keeping from flashing the nursing staff.
- Honey sticks: for a quick boost of energy. After all, they tell me this can take 20+ hours!
- Coconut water energy pouches: for an electrolyte boost and hydration.
- Red raspberry tea bags: I've been told this can help contractions be more efficient. I plan to have someone make it then put it over ice. I may be wrong, but hot tea sounds terrible while in labor.
- Chapstick: Breathing "HeeHeeHooo" during contractions (x's 100) can really make your lips dry... I found that out in my preggo class.
- A water bottle with a straw: A friend told me to have this handy between contractions to keep fluids up as well as moisten your throat.
- A massage tool: While in contractions, counter pressure feels so good. Matt's poor hands will get tired if he has to keep it up for 20+ hours. We bought a $3 massage tool to give his fingers and hands a rest.
- Socks: Although, I kind of like the ones they give you at the hospital because they have little traction pads on the bottom...
- Two big towels: I've been told that the hospital "towels" are the size of a washcloth.
- Music playlist to keep me going and hopefully help me to relax.

After birth:

- Nursing bras: no underwire
- Nursing tank tops: easy access
- Yoga pants: two pair
- Witch hazel spray: to numb the soreness/pain
- Witch hazel pads: in case I need new ones right that second and I don't want to wait for the nurse to give me more
- HUGE granny undies: two sizes too large. I probably will just wear the mesh undies at the hospital (these things are hideous and wonderful, people) but I figure if I need undies, I don't want them tight on my body.
- Another robe: in case the other is in the trash...
- Socks
- MaxiPads (extra, super, heavy duty): just in case. I hear the only way to go is using what the hospital has.
- Motherlove nipple butter: sore nipples and a sucking baby... you get the idea.
- Hair brush
- Shampoo/ Conditioner
- Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
- Lotion
- Snacks: in case I don't want what the hospital has
- Camera
- Phone Chargers

Hey veteran mama's, have I missed anything?

Slow Motion

"UHHH...Slow motion for me, slow motion for me, move it, slow motion for meeee..." (Holler at some Juvenile (who? and where is he now?) and 2002 high school days)

*I apologize in advance for the huge glass of whine and complain that's to follow...

In all seriousness, my life is in slow motion.

Nearing 38 weeks and I resemble a sloth.

"Just hangin', barely movin'...you say something?"

GIFSoup    

 A friend emailed me today and asked, "how are you feeling?" Instead of my normal, "chipper" response of, "pretty good considering!", I responded with"I feel tired like I was drugged with benadryl (but it's an IV drip that I can't turn off) and possibly like the blueberry girl from Willy Wonka might have felt..." Probably a little too honest, but people, it's the gosh darn TRUTH.

I wish there was a better word than "fatigue", because it's just not working for me. I don't think it adequately describes the intensity of the the lethargy and sluggish feelings that wave over me throughout the day. You bet I took my lunch hour and passed out on the hard, cold ground of my office floor the other day. Just me and some commercial carpeting, all snug as a bug. I admit it and it was the best 40 minutes of that work day. No shame in that game.

My brain, my feet, my arms, my head, my mouth (the words coming out of it) and even my eyelids are too slow to respond with any normalcy. It's all mushy. And heavy. And sleeeeeeepy.  It's got me wondering if I'll have or recognize that "surge" of energy at the onset of labor I hear and read about. It's got me wondering if I'm going to sleep through it all! Okay okay, dramatic, I know.

It should be against the law to work during your third trimester!

p.s. People, 40 weeks equals 10 months, NOT 9! Why do they always say it's nine?

Maternity Clothes

I've had a few people ask me where I bought my maternity clothes once I started showing. The truth is, I started wearing maternity clothes the moment I started to feel uncomfortable (16 weeks). I quickly learned that my comfort was much more important to me than trying to fit into my non-preggo clothes. I don't think I really started showing until about 20 weeks. At 16 weeks I was still able to wear most of my normal tops, but I sprung for maternity leggings and skinny jeans right away. Matt had also bought me a belly band and that was really nice for those moments when I was lying to myself about the girth of my waist. Plus, I sit most of the day behind a desk and quite frankly, the button and zipper from my non-preggo pants were so annoying, I just couldn't be bothered.

The stores I had the most success with were H&M, Asos.com, Gap, Loft and Target.

Clothing Must-Haves

First, stop denying the inevitable and embrace it! While you are forced to say goodbye to your old body for a while, you are growing a precious child! It's a beautiful, beautiful thing.

- New Bras. You may have to do this a couple times! It feels so much better when the "girls" are comfortable. Plus your back will thank you. I also bought bigger sports bras. And quite frankly, when it was just me and Matt at home, I let them be free. Pregnancy boobies are so painful. Target has bras that won't break the bank and you can feel sort of okay about tossing if necessary. I also had some luck finding "nicer" bras at Nordstrom Rack.
- Maternity Tank Tops. Get all the colors. Yes, the ones made for baby bellies. At first you may not fill it out, but you will!! And you will be thankful! I layer the crap out of these babies. First wearing them under more "flowy" tops I already had. Then as things progressed, I'd wear them with cardigans, light jackets, and on their own (because my body temperature is on high!). Mine are from Target and Gap.
- Maternity Leggings. Yes, good ol' legging but with a bonus belly panel that fits over your belly. I have three pair and I wear all of them every week. I wear them with longer tops, with tanks, to bed... basically if they aren't dirty, they are on my body. Once I bought these, I felt like I could BREATHE.
- Maxi Skirts and Dresses. If I'm not wearing my leggings, then I have a maxi dress or skirt on. At about 8 months I realized that pants, maternity or not, are the devil. Swelling is part of the process when it comes to growing a baby and nothing reminds you more of that then a pair of pants. Do yourself a favor and buy a few dresses or skirts. Bonus, they don't always have to be maternity. I had the best luck with dresses and skirts at H&M and Target. I've also been able to wear a few I already had.

Your turn, any other mom's out there have suggestions for those seeking advice!?