What’s in my Hospital Bag: NY Times Bestseller Leslie Bruce

With her due date just two weeks away, #1 New York Times bestselling author and award-winning entertainment journalist Leslie Ann Bruce is ready to go. As mom to Tallulah (age 3), this isn’t her first rodeo and she’s learned a few things along the way.

“First, Allow yourself to be flexible. Most expectant mothers build up so many ideas about what life will look like when your little person arrives, but what ends up happening is usually the one thing you didn’t prepare for,” Bruce said. “Day two can be quite challenging. Babies are born with a full stomach, but by the second day, they’re usually hungry and chances are your milk hasn’t come in. Whether or not you choose to supplement, is entirely personal...but that being said, knowing that there’s a reason for the sudden madness can be a bit of a relief.”

Leslie is also the mastermind behind Unpacified (if you haven’t checked it out, you’re missing out!), a parenting platform for women to discuss motherhood through an unfiltered, judgement-free (yes, please!) lens. With that said, she doesn’t hold back her honest thoughts on the upcoming delivery.

“The part where an actual human being needs to evacuate my body,” Leslie said when asked about what part of delivery she’s most nervous about. “The end result is obviously an incredible blessing, but the journey to get there is like some Lord of the Rings sh*t.”

Leslie who plans to celebrate the delivery of her baby boy with a large glass of sauvignon blanc says for the delivery of her first daughter she packed about 45 fashion-forward ensembles. This time, she’s sticking with the essentials (hello, hello baby tops!) for her baby boy and “calling it a day”.

Read on for an inside look on what Leslie has packed and ready to go in her The Little Market Hospital Bag:

blog_card_bruce

Monica + Andy Hello Baby Top ($18)
I’m a huge fan of kimonos for newborns. Not only do you avoid having to pull something over your newborns delicate head, you also allow the umbilical cord to heal by letting fresh air hit it.

My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow ($39.95)
Breastfeeding is serious business, and comfort is key. If your baby is positioned at an awkward angle or your latch is funky, your nipples will pay the price. I’m obsessed with the My BreastFriend feeding pillow, it’s comfortable and convenient.

Lucky Honey The Boyfriend Grip Sock ($16)
After delivery, doctors want to get new mamas up and walking around to help in recovery, so I made sure to pack a pair of non-skid socks. These ones from Lucky Honey are super cute and I can use for my pilates class once I have time to go the gym again!

The Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo ($23)
It’s not just a hospital staple, it’s a staple for ALL of motherhood.

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Wipes ($7.84)
After my C section, getting up and around was challenging. Face and body cleansing wipes are a great way to feel fresh without the fuss of actually having to shower.

Monica + Andy Always Blanket ($65)
You’ll get your fair share of blankets and swaddles from the hospital, but I also like to have an extra one on hand for breastfeeding (in case you have visitors in the room), or for the photo opps that you KNOW you’ll have.

MotherLove Nipple Cream ($10.95)
The stuff they doled out at the hospital wasn’t my favorite, so I made sure to pack this all natural nipple cream which was by far the most soothing and most effective.

Wear Lively The Mesh Trim Maternity Bralette ($35)
Because this is your life now.

Gap Maternity Nursing Gown ($24)
Same as above. You might as well make it easy on yourself.

Medela Breast Shells ($14.99)
These shells designed to protect sore nipples SAVED my life in the early days with my new little human.

Keep an eye out for Leslie’s upcoming book, “You are a F--king Awesome Mom” which will be released in Fall 2019!

Leslie’s favorite newborn Monica + Andy pieces: