Pregnancy Prep-The Playlist

In prepping for my labor and delivery, I have decided one very important thing:

I need some good tunes!

Silence makes me a bit crazy. I did love hearing baby girl on the monitor kicking and overall rocking it while I was in for observation, but the rest of the time I was going absolutely nuts.

While I was on my hospital tour/birthing class yesterday, I found out that I can have some tunes set through the speakers in my labor room-sweet! I have no idea how I missed that both times I've been in the labor rooms for observation, but oh well.

Also, I have Spotify Premium just for this purpose. It allows me to listen to all of my music without commercials and make multiple playlists.

I've broken my playlist into three main parts:

Early labor:
For early labor I'm going "chill". I need something to help me calm, and music is great for chilling me out.
Some of the selections include:
Iron and Wine Naked as We Came
Ed Sheeran Kiss me
The Head and the Heart Rivers and Roads

Active labor:
Still chill, but with a bit more beat...
Some of the selections include:
Jeremy Messersmith Ghost
Royal Teeth Wild
Vance Joy Play with Fire

Transition:
I'm choosing to see birthing as a triathlon, and transition/pushing are definitely the "run" for me.
With that in mind, some selections include:
NONONOs Pumping Blood
Matt and Kim Let's Go
Passion Pit Take a Walk
Crystal Fighters You and I

Each playlist is about an hour to an hour and a half long. I know it won't get me through the whole thing, but it is a start!

Obviously, this isn't a complete list, but it was a lovely way for me to spend my Sunday afternoon.
If you're interested in a complete list, let me know and I'll send it to you.

Hospital Prep for the Type-A Lady: Part 2

With my out-of-town baby shower this weekend, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and pack my hospital bag! Using several guides via Pinterest (you know you love it!), I have packed a bag perfect for staying in my particular hospital. 

To break it down, I have mommy stuff:

• 2 pairs boxers
• 6 pack granny panties
• PJ pants
• 2 nursing bras
• 2 nursing camis
• 2 loose, soft, cozy shirts
• Jeans
• Cozy T-Shirt
• Nursing Pads
• Cozy  robe
• socks with no-slip grip
• Mommy Tech stuff
• Camera (fully charged battery, plus charging pack)
• Charger for tablet/ cell phone
• I will bring my tablet and cell, but both are consistently in my purse, so I didn't want them in the hospital bag. My playlist will be on my cell phone. 
• Home Sweet Home stuff 

• Blanket 
• body pillow
• aromatherapy reed diffuser in my favorite scent
• lollipops (for a little sugar rush)
• Bath stuff

• yummy smelling shampoo/conditioner/body wash, etc
• extra soft toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste
• nail polish (want pretty nails for pics)
• hair tie, as well as soft headband
• 
  
• Baby Info Folder (filled with your papers from Part 1)
• My doula will have
• honey sticks/other small snacks
• massage ball
• labor ball
• aromatherapy oils

Of course, there is baby stuff too!

• 2 outfits
• Boppy
• Hats (Rock Chalk!)
• socks
• stuffed giraffe
• this giraffe will also be my designated pain crusher (aka: I will squeeze the crap out of this little guy during contractions)

Also, her carseat will be installed as soon as I hit week 32 and am done with baby showers/having to lug around stuff. I also have a bag of gifts for nurses and other staff/labor support (will share in a later post). 

Obviously, this list is different for everyone, but hopefully this is at least mildly helpful for some.