To pack it or not to pack it, that is the question!

Welcome to the third trimester, parents! You've made it this far, and while it might feel like there’s still a long road ahead, trust me—those last few weeks will fly by! This is when the real nesting kicks in, and it's time to get ready for the big day.

Like so many expectant moms in that final stretch, I found myself bouncing on an exercise ball, walking laps around the house, and doing all the labor prep stretches and perineal massages I could manage. The nesting instinct hit me hard—I was cleaning, organizing, and re-organizing every corner of our home, getting ready for the little permanent guest who’d soon be joining us. I wasn’t sure when to start pulling everything out of boxes, trying to balance the need for clean and sanitized with the excitement of getting everything ready. But my wise mom reminded me that our new, precious, mysterious roommate was going to need all these things for the next 18 years, so I needed to be prepared.

We set up the upstairs changing station first—a changing table stocked with wipes in a warmer, a matching changing pad, diaper pail, and all the creams, salves, and washcloths we’d need for any emergency. I even placed a small pack of sealed diapers in the organizer to keep them sanitary until baby arrived. After baby came, I made sure to keep a burp cloth on top of the bin to keep those newborn diapers clean from dust and germs.

Our downstairs setup was more compact, with a diaper caddy filled with a changing pad, wipes, cloths, onesies, and all the essentials for a quick change.

Breastfeeding was a bit tougher for me since my IBD was active during my fourth trimester. Dehydration and malnutrition made the journey challenging, so my breastfeeding station evolved as we went along. The setup that worked best for me was a rolling utility cart next to my glider. It held my electric breast pump, a Haakaa for letdown and clogs, hot/cold therapy packs, nipple cream, nursing pads, milk storage bags, swaddles, diapers, wipes, sanitizer, pacifiers, snacks, and my go-to hydration solutions.

We put these stations together right after the baby shower, using all the wonderful items from our registry. My best friend and mom helped me create peaceful, functional spaces that both my partner and I could easily use. Once everything was set, and the nursery was ready, we checked off the final preparations—ready to welcome our new addition.

Final check list:

✅ Installed the car seats

✅ Washed and folded those adorable baby clothes

✅ Practiced babywearing

✅ Assembled the stroller and bassinet

✅ Decided who will be in the room as labor partners

✅ Gone over birth plan with OB and labor partner(s)

👏🏾 Packed the hospital bag!--But what the heck do I put in it?

Ah, the hospital bag. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the endless lists and 

opinions on what to pack. Thankfully, my doula from Lamaze class gave me the best advice: think about your comfort, the baby’s needs, and pack two things that will make your hospital room feel like home, just in case you need to stay longer than expected. This advice was a lifesaver, especially when my birth plan took an unexpected turn, and I ended up needing a C-section.

So, what did I pack? Well, I actually had three bags: one for me, one for my partner, and one for the baby. We wanted to make sure our little one’s first days were all about bonding, so that meant Daddy needed his own bag to stay with us at the hospital.

Following our doula’s advice—parent comfort, baby’s needs, feel like home, and expect the unexpected—we laid out everything in three weekend bags and started editing down to the essentials.

Mommy:

• Comfort: Robe, abdominal support band, perineal healing foam, nursing bra and pads, nipple cream, disposable underwear, cooling maxi pads, breast pump, nursing pillow, aromatherapy oil, moisturizer, compression socks, device chargers, dry snacks, your favorite coffee, and a baby-wearing wrap.
• Feels Like Home: Body pillow.
• Expect the Unexpected: Packed for three days.

Daddy:

• Comfort: Comfortable shirts and pants, change of underwear, device chargers, and snacks.
• Feels Like Home: Blanket and pillow.
• Expect the Unexpected: Packed for three days.

Baby:

• Needs: 2 swaddle blankets, hand mittens, socks, 2 gowns, 2 kimono or onesie sets, 2 hats, formula if you’re using it, a preferred pacifier, and a cute going home outfit and car seat cover for the first ride home.
• Feels Like Home: A sibling’s shirt or one from a parent who might not be able to see the baby in those first days.
• Expect the Unexpected: The baby’s size might surprise you, so don’t stress if you need a last-minute run for a different size outfit or socks.

And here’s my best advice: prioritize comfort in your postpartum clothing. Soft cottons that keep you warm or cool are key as your hormones stabilize. Leave some space in your bag for the goodies the hospital will send home with you—especially the perineal bottle and cooling wipes.

Don’t forget to ask for a lactation consultant after birth, even if it’s just to help with latching or using your breast pump. Pack sterilized pump parts in clean bags, and make sure your car seat is installed by an expert early in the third trimester. Practice fastening and unfastening the buckles before the big day, so you’re a pro by the time baby arrives.

You’re almost there, parents! You've got this!