Pack Light: 5 Things I Wish I Had In My Hospital Bag (And 5 Things I Definitely Didn’t Need)

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Body jewelry alternatives

This is something I would’ve appreciated a heads up about. My navel piercing was long gone ever since my baby bump began to eclipse over my waistline my second trimester. However, with no plans to breastfeed, I held on to my nipple piercings for the longest. When I got to the hospital for delivery day, I was promptly asked to remove my surgical steel gauges. Now, if you aren’t familiar with the wild world of body piercing, any pierced place on the body that has significant blood flow will close up quickly if jewelry isn’t in place as the body attempts to heal itself. Knowing this, I was super hesitant to take them out (the doctor communicated the request as a precautionary measure in case a defibrillator needed to be used), but it was either body piercings or a safe arrival for my newborn. Check to see if body piercings will be an issue with your delivery since different protocol may be in place depending on your provider. Plastic gauges can often be used in place if metal is not allowed.