Selecting a namesake for your new baby is both exciting and a daunting challenge. Many people believe that the name you are given shapes and influences the person you grow to be. With that being said, do you choose a strong name? Or an etherial and elegant name? How about looking to past centuries for inspiration? Each parent will gravitate towards a different type of name based on their own values and life experiences.

I originally wrote this blog post years ago when I was anxiously waiting for the arrival of my first baby. Fast forward to present day, I’ve had two babies and stayed in the hospital twice during my two labor and deliveries. I have basically re-written the majority of this blog post, now coming from the perspective of a more experienced mama.

My second baby was born during peak pandemic times and I had to deliver him by myself in the hospital. My husband was not even allowed to enter the hospital building. My son was born past 41 weeks which meant I was super pregnant and not in any mood to fuss around with extra baggage and things that weren’t absolutely necessary.

The hospital bag that I packed for delivering my second baby was truly in minimalist style with only the essentials that I knew I would need. It worked out well, I didn’t have to haul around a big heavy bag and I had everything I needed.

In this guide I’ve also included more third-trimester things to get done before baby arrives. Packing your hospital bag is one of the many steps in preparing for labor and bringing baby home.