Well, we are officially 18 days away from our due date (!!!), and here we are at that familiar stage in pregnancy where we can’t wait to meet our tiny person, but we are also simultaneously terrified to meet said tiny person because of all the work we know is ahead.

I figured now is as good a time as ever to get the old Hospital Bag packed and stash it in the car. You know, in case I go into labor during one of my four daily Target trips and need to hightail it to the hospital.

What I’m trying to say is, I’m keeping my orbit fairly close these days. If it’s happening beyond a 10-mile radius from my house or the hospital, no dice.

On that note, here’s a look at what’s coming with us for Round 3 to the hospital to welcome Baby Girl!

The Hospital Bag

I already have a pair of these pants that I’ve been wearing to lounge around the house, so I am going to bring this pair of Pink Blush Maternity pants to the hospital with me to, well, languish in my bed in. Super soft, nice and loose, and the drawstring will be kind to post-baby belly. Yay!

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Ranking high among the many un-sexy garments of new motherhood is the nursing bra. Necessary evil. But the truth is, a comfortable nursing bra is the single most vital undergarment when you have a person attached to your boobs for an average of 10 hours a day.

I really like these basic ones from Target and stocked up on those for home. But this time, I am trying something new so I’ll also be bringing along these new ones (seen above) because I’m a rebel like that.

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Okay, I have to shoot you straight here. Me bringing this to the hospital may be a bit of wishful thinking, since I’m not sure I’ll be able to even wrap this around my waist, but a girl can hope, right?

This is my beloved Belly Bandit that gets major mileage in the weeks after I deliver. It cinches in your waist and gives a great feeling of stability in the months following delivery, C-section or not. I’m dubious about their actually “waist-shrinking” abilities, but I do firmly believe this helped me to firm up much quicker than I otherwise would have, with both deliveries.

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I was gifted this LL Bean tote bag a while ago and have used it for every delivery. Admittedly, it’s not the biggest, but it easily fits 2-3 outfits (rolled, not folded) and trial or small sizes of all my toiletries, as well as the other items you’ll see below. It’s super durable and washable too, which always counts for something when you’re dragging it through a hospital for days on end.

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Also Coming Along…

Clothing

More Pajamas/Loungewear

These pajamas from Target. Say it with me: “Button down pajamas are a new mom’s best friend.” You will need easy access to the ta-tas. I don’t even mess with the expensive pajamas because … there will be spitup. So. Much. Spitup.

Slippers

I usually bring along a pair I swiped from a hotel. Also great for hospital-hall-touring? Airplane socks. I have a well-curated collection in the ever-stylish colors of vibrant lavender and shocking teal, because I like to remain a shining beacon of #fashioninspiration even in the throes of searing pain. (Shoutout to the doc who’s gonna get a closeup of these puppies during my pushing.)

Here’s a good slipper option:

Women’s MUK LUKS Cuff Slipper Socks

Toiletries

• Shampoo and conditioner packets. (If you are able to wash your hair more than once in the span of 2-3 days, then maybe pack bottles. But I can’t be sure this has ever happened in the history of women having babies.)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Basic makeup. For me, this includes concealer and mascara. I have brought more with me in the past, but never used it. In fact, I don’t think I ever even used the mascara and concealer. But there are women out there who are far superior to me in their personal grooming habits immediately post-baby, so if that’s your jam, pack it up.
• Hair ties. Because there will be sweat.
• Razor
• Hairbrush
• Hair dryer. (Non-essential for some, but my hair will take approximately 4 days to air dry, so I pack a travel dryer with me just in case.)

Baby Stuff

• Cute baby clothing and accessories. Chances are there will be a hospital photographer wandering the halls, offering to take the first professional snaps of your little one. Or, maybe you will be taking your own. Either way, it’s a good idea to have on hand a couple cute things–like a blanket, bloomers or headband–that will make those first pictures even more personal for you. See Exhibit A, above, where Andrew decided to drape our hours-old baby in Notre Dame gear. Aaah, college loyalty.
• Nursing pillow. Not necessarily an essential, but it does make nursing more comfortable. I like this one.

Note: Usually hospitals provide you with a few swaddles and your first diapers. Check beforehand to be sure, but there shouldn’t be a need to pack these.

Etc.

• Camera and/or smartphone. Each hospital has a policy when it comes to video recording, but still pictures are generally okay.
• Phone charger. Don’t leave home without it!
• iPad. If you have a moment (you won’t), maybe you can catch up on a book or downloaded magazine. (Did I say yet that you won’t?)
• Headphones/Speaker and downloaded music for delivery. I prefer to listen to the rhythms of my own tortured breathing, but if YoYo Ma is more your thing, make sure you’re prepared.

And now, we wait! What an exciting time!

Any moms out there have any tips on other good things to bring along to the delivery room? I’m all ears! Let me know in Comments below!

Sonni Abatta is a lifestyle and mom blogger based in Orlando, Florida. Have a story tip or collaboration? Reach out! Sonni@SonniAbatta.com.