Although I'm usually on top of getting things done in a timely fashion, I waited until week 37 to execute my hospital bag essentials. I didn't want to pack a bunch of unnecessary items and focused on things that would make me feel comfortable with my short stay in the hospital. I opted to wear my hospital gown the entire time I was in the hospital because, yes, things get really messy. So, the items below are the items I definitely used during and after delivery. I would recommend also to bring snacks, a water bottle, a portable speaker to play tunes, a camera, essential oils to smell in the hospital, and toiletries. I would recommend putting up some positive affirmations on a small cardboard, poster, or photos to put up in the room. My delivery room happened to have a television as a focal point and I am so thankful my doula had various objects to distract me.

1. Essential Oil Diffuser: I've been into smelling lavender and palo santo like crazy. So, I went ahead and bought this small oil diffuser to bring with me to the hospital. I also purchased some lavender oil too. This was a lifesaver in the postpartum room.

2. Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter: I read good reviews on this item and is safe for baby. I mostly keep this product at home, but I am glad I brought it with me because my nipples needed constant lubrication. I also bought the Clary Collection Nipple Balm to keep in my purse/baby bag.

3. Earth Mama Angel Baby Postpartum Spray: Yes, your crotch will be on fire and that this will help soothe your lower region, especially if you tear.

4. Bamboobies: I liked the design of these washable nursing pads and are beneficial to prevent leakage.

5. Blanqi Postpartum/Nursing Support Leggings: I wore these leggings on our way home and a button down shirt from Madewell for easy access on our car ride home. I liked them so much that I purchased two.

6. Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Corset: After delivery, it feels like your internal organs are all over the place, so this definitely helps with feeling normal again.

7. Duffle Bag: I've had this bag for a while and didn't care if it got dirty. It is a sturdy bag that has a compartment for shoes. I have a floral print that is no longer for sale, but if I had to get this bag again, I would pick a simple gray.

8. Makie First Hadagi: I had been eyeing this cute onesie for a while and like the versatility it offers in terms of snaps and ties.

9. Spearmint Love: KnotBow Headband: how could I not put this on her head?

10. MAMA Jersey Bathrobe: Even though I packed this robe, I didn't end up using it because I didn't want to get it ruined with bodily fluids. However, I definitely wore it during my pregnancy and when I got home for easy breastfeeding access. This style sold out fast, so you can purchase a similar one here.

It's so easy to get lost in the plethora of information out there on how to be pregnant and what you need to get. From experience, you don't need a lot. It reminds me of when I planned my wedding. I tried to keep things minimal to keep costs down and I had the same mentality about being pregnant. I knew that I didn't want to buy a ton of maternity clothes, but that I wanted to buy things I could transition into after having the baby. I also became hyper-aware of natural and cruelty free products.

While my belly grew, I had and still have a hard time buying maternity clothing. I was so disapointed with the clothing out there for pregnant and nursing mothers that you either had to pay an arm and a leg to get a cute outfit, or look like a total mom from another planet. I would often buy clothing that wouldn't necessarily fall into the maternity category. I wanted to find clothing that I could invest in and wouldn't become disposable. The top stores that I gravitated towards that offered the most comfort and versatility include: (this is just my experience and in no way is this sponsored. I hope this deems helpful for current or future pregnant moms)

ASOS Maternity: cute and hip clothing that has edge
Madewell: I know they carry maternity jeans, but I never tried them on. I purchased clothing that easily fit my belly and just sized up from a small to a medium.
HATCH collection: pricy yet sophisticated clothing; think investment pieces
Target: basics that you will wear daily
Urban Outfitters: You have to be selective here because they do not cater to pregnant moms, but sometimes the fit is big enough to accommodate a belly.
Loyal Hana: I have yet to purchase a piece here, but plan to once I get into the groove of nursing.
Birkenstocks: These shoes were amazing for my last trimester. My feet would swell up if I was on my feet too much and they were a lifesaver.
Nisolo: I wore the huarache sandal all the time. They expanded to fit my foot easily and were easy to slide on and off. Wearing shoes that you cannot slide on are quite difficult to put on 2nd and 3rd trimester.

1. Fat and the Moon Growing Belly Balm: At first, I thought that this would be difficult to get out of the jar; however, this ended up being my favorite lathering balm to apply at night. I love the way this smells and that I can pronounce all the ingredients. I tried Palmer's Shea Butter Lotion, but I seriously felt like I smelled like a cup of hot cocoa. If you are into smelling like that, then buy that product. I just wanted a subtle cocoa butter scent without it overpowering my senses and this product does the trick. Prices range from $16-20, depending on where you buy it, but it is well worth the cost to avoid future stretch marks.

2. Herbivore's Moonfruit Superfruit Night Treatment: At the beginning of pregnancy, I broke out on my face with pimples. So, I decided to give this product a try and it has lasted me my entire pregnancy for my night cream. I paired it with the Lapis facial oil and it is a dream. I currently do not have any pimples on my face and have been keeping it glowing since the day I put it on.

3. Megafoods Baby and Me 2 Vitamins : I took these vitamins three months before even thinking about getting pregnant. I accidentally took the wrong dose at first, but soon realized that you must take two a day. The pills are pricy, but I like that they are dairy free and you can take them on an empty stomach.

4. 32oz. Hydroflask : This waterbottle helped me regulate how much water I was drinking in a day. I knew I had to drink two rounds of this to get sufficient hydration. I would often drink 32oz. before leaving work and then another round of 32oz. before bed. It was a challenge since I wanted flavored or carbonated water (so weird).

5. Jade Yoga Mat : Although for the first five months I was rock climbing, spinning, and doing pop physique, I have been super consistent with practicing Iyengar yoga at Yogaworks and Yoga Darsana. This is, by far, my favorite yoga mat. It has a rubbery feel, but doesn't smell like rubber. It is not super padded, which helps with nailing my poses.

6. Current/Elliott x Hatch Jeans: I wanted jeans that I could wear after delivery and these jeans served me well all nine months. I loved current/elliot jeans prior to being pregnant and knew that it would be a worthy investment. I purchased black and blue in the skinny version.

7. Grown Alchemist Intensive Hand Cream: Persian Rose : My hands became so dry while being pregnant and I gravitated towards this scent and it easily became a staple in my purse.

8. Rituals Incense: This scent saved my life throughout my pregnancy. I became so sensitive to smells that I only wanted to smell palo santo. These sticks stay lit like incense and don't go out as easily as a regular palo santo.