We wanted a surprise this time around. With baby number 2 we did not want to find out the gender before birth – there are just way too few good surprises in life – so this one will be amazing. That does not diminish the fact that I’m a planner and want to be prepared. Though I missed most of the common prepping things this time around (birth prepping class and gymnastics, finding a mid-wife ect.) for various reasons, there are a few things I did do.
I got a hair cut. I got a pedicure (sort of a no brainier after week 36 when physics stand between you and your feet). We have made arrangements for child care for our first born. I have made arrangements with the local hospital and am registered to give birth (not sure if they would send me away with contractions had I not registered 
) and I have packed my bag for the 48h hospital stay.
Looking at my suitcase there in the hall way makes me feel calmer – more ready – less panicked in the moments to do feel some sort of contractions – it gives me a feeling of “there is something I can do” in a situation that more or less just happens to you – thanks nature.
So here we go. This is what I’m bringing:
CLOTHING
1. For the first night: a button down night gown – totally granny style, nothing sexy about it (hence no photo) – but if you do plan on nursing, the button down anything will become your best friend.
2. A comfy nursing tank top and pajama pants (for night 2 after the birth, when you don’t run too fat a chance to ruin your pants by “leakage” – sorry folks, but Imma tell ya how it is), comfy socks (yes it is summer and hot, even here in Germany, but there is nothing worse than cold feet!) and some comfy (maternity) underpants.
3. For the day I’m bringing yoga pants, a nursing tank top and a zip up cardigan (easy access nursing moms – you’re catching my drift here).
4. My homecoming outfit consisting of maternity jeans (yes, yes, yes bring your maternity pants, leave your regular pants AT HOME!) and a lose blouse (notice the buttons) and a nursing bra.
BEAUTY AND HYGIENE (man folk skip this part – you”ll get grossed out)
1. “Leakage” treatment – yes, there will be leakage from all of your body openings for a few hours/days after the birth. The hospital provides most things you need for regular “leakage stopping” – but let’s face it, hospital and my very own princess standards of care are a gaping canyon.
- your preferred brand of tissues (that sand paper from the hospital doesn’t do it for the princess’ face – and there will be tears!)
- Lansinoh nursing pads – hands down the best nursing pads for sensitive skin!
- Lansinoh Lanolin cream – quick relief for for overworked boobies and the baby can “nurse” right through it (<- lifesaver!)
- a clothespin for all nursing outfits that don’t have buttons, just in case you need to hold some part of your top up or away and want your hands free to focus on baby’s correct position
- protective nipple hats just in case your skin is on the sensitive side while your baby is on the hoover-power-sucking side
- a squirt bottle for cleaning the sector area with each bathroom visit (present from US hospital where Mia was born, as well as the disposable panties)
2. Your toiletry bag. All the thing you need to feel like YOU. Some smelly good body wash, face wash, deodorant, tooth brush, chap stick (I can’t live without mine) and what have you!
3. Make up. Here is the blatant truth. Afterbirth pictures with mom and baby and daddy and … are a nice idea. You want to capture the moment, right after baby is born – instead of snapping that photo in which mom will look like crap and not being in the moment – skip it, shorten it, zoom in on baby. Take pictures after mom had a shower, a chance to do her hair, put on something other than a hospital moomoo and put on some make up. I will trade real and authentic shots of “I look like like I just got hit by a bus” for some staged good looks any day! Amen!
ENTERTAINMENT & ELECTRONICS
Most of this you will probably not get to use, but who knows how quickly your contractions are progressing, or how many just you moments you might get. These Items will make it into my bag.
1. The book I’m reading right now (The Help).
2. iphone and iPad plus chargers = music, videos, cell phone and internet
