What to bring when giving birth.

 St. Vincents (big sigh)

With the benefit of hindsight, there are 2 things I wished I had brought to the hospital with me when I gave birth to my first child 4 years ago - make-up and an open mind.

 Name tag (just in-case I forgot who I was)

I left the first behind because for some reason I thought that make-up  wasn't maternal or necessary when you are basking the glow of new motherhood.  That is probably because my maternal role model, my incredible mum, never wore a scrap of it.  She gave birth to 4 children in an 8 year span, ran our family farm, breastfed effortlessly and parented exceptionally, all without facial enhancements.   I'm sure her reality wasn't as simple or easy as it was in my mind, but she is still worthy of the pedestal I have put her on.

 My little bundle.

But as I left the hospital feeling unbelievably fragile when absolutely everything in my life seemed to have changed overnight, I wish I had put on a little lip gloss or blush as it would have made me feel more like, well...me.   

 Me and my little bundle.

When my second child was born during a cold December I knew I needed a warm robe.  It was my mission and when I found the perfect one, I felt so much more prepared to give birth.  Honestly I think I might have worn it twice, but it more than served it's purpose putting my mind at ease on the eve of her birth.  In addition to my robe I brought with me menus for local restaurants (honestly, there really is no need to eat hospital food), warms socks, the phone numbers of several lactation consultants and a well stocked make-up bag.

 Me and my new bundle and my now big first bundle.

The second I left behind because I never considered that I could have a c-section and certainly never read that chapter in my assorted pregnancy and birthing books.  If I had read about them I would have understood why they are necessary and accepted that as the method of my son's arrival.

Going home to Brooklyn.

 

So in closing I am not necessarily advocating make-up or chapter reading, but I am encouraging that you give yourself what you need to take care of yourself when you meet your baby for the first time.  Bring with you what brings you comfort and makes you feel like you. I lost sight of who I was as I searched for the new mother in me.  When I reclaimed myself, motherhood felt so much more natural. 

Bump Brooklyn