Almost two years ago today I posted version 1 of ‘what’s in my hospital bag’ in preparation for Reuben’s arrival. Little did I know that the following week he would be making an early appearance (which means this weekend coming I will officially have a two year old… wild!) So just in case this little girl surprises us in the next couple of weeks, I thought I’d post hospital bag(s) version 2, with some edits of what I’ll hopefully find more useful second time around. I am booked in for an elective c-section at the end of the month, but I think these contents cover all bases should I go into spontaneous labour before then. Also, how cute is this embroidered piece we were kindly gifted from Baby Scan Embroidery of our 16 week scan?! It still doesn’t feel real that this little human will be earth side before the end of the month. I’m at the stage where I feel like I’ve been pregnant FOREVER, and I know this final stage will probably drag in the longest. Anyhoo, onto our hospital bags…
FOR BABY:
Blanket
Teddy (a super soft Jellycat elephant)
Car Seat
Nappies (Eco By Naty size 1)
Water Wipes x 2 packs
Nappy Bags
Soothers x 2
Milton Sterilising wipes
Bibs x 5
Small muslin cloths x 3
Large muslin cloths/swaddles x 2
Socks x 3
Mitts x 2
Short sleeve vests x 4
Sleep suits x 4
Hats x 2
Fluffy onesie for going home
Tote bag for dirty washing
Travel changing mat
FOR MUM:
Dressing gown (just a light one as the hospital is always roasting)
Slippers
Pants x 4 (high waisted ones so they go well above c-section scar)
Socks x 4 (not super fluffy ones like last time as they were far too warm!)
Nursing bras x 2
Nightdress x 1 (for when I’ll still have catheter in after surgery)
Joggers x 2 (with super stretchy waistband so they can be pulled up high)
T-shirts x 2 (large and loose are your friends)
Crop tops x 4 (For under t-shirts, so I can do one up/one down method for breastfeeding while visitors are there)
Going home outfit (leggings and baggy jumper)
Deodorant
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Shampoo & conditioner (just decanted my usual ones into travel bottles from boots)
Dry shampoo (Colab)
Shower Gel (Sleepy from Lush)
Facial wipes (Boots own)
Nipple balm (Lansinoh)
Maternity pads (Boots own)
Breast pads (Boots own)
Facial cleanser & moisturiser (Beauty Kitchen)
Long iPhone cable & charger (so there’s plenty of stretch from wall to bed)
Oh gosh, I think that’s everything. I’ve also packed a feeding pillow this time around to help with breastfeeding, and like last time I have my cool bag and ice packs for placenta storage after the birth! Janette from Sublime Birthing will come to pick up my placenta a few hours after baby is born, so the pack contains everything my midwife needs to keep it safe until then, along with instructions and consent forms. I know the above looks like a lot but it’s basically just a bag for me and a bag for baby (handy to keep the two separate for when you need to send your husband/birthing partner/family member delving into a specific bag for something you know you’ve packed) If I go into spontaneous labour I will also have my CUB birthing seat which I mentioned in this post.
I always get super anxious when it comes to packing for any sort of trip, but to be honest there’s no point worrying because anything you’ve forgotten to pack or realise that you need can 9 times out of 10 be picked up at the supermarket by someone coming to visit you. I never took any of my own snacks last time because I was so sick with nerves I had no appetite at all, but once Reuben was here I was feeling better about eating and he was able to bring up whatever I fancied (of course they feed you on the ward but sometimes some special snacks are nice!) The large tshirts and pants were a quick run over to m&s by my Mum just a few hours after Reuben was born, as I never realised how warm the hospital was or how uncomfortable a c-section scar would be. Makeup wise I’m not even going to bother taking my makeup bag! But have packed some basic skincare instead because feeling fresh and clean when your body feels really groggy is an absolute godsend. No hairdryer or straighteners either, I’ll get my mum to pop some french plaits in my hair like she did last time and that’ll be grand.
Now that my hospital bags are packed and ready to go, I can focus on getting baby’s bedside crib and downstairs changing table set up then that’s us totally ready for her. It’s Reuben’s 2nd birthday on Saturday so we’re having a wee family get together in the house for it, and once that’s out the way it will just be a waiting game before baby girl arrives! I might squeeze in another blog post before she’s here, might being my famous last words haha. Hope this post has been semi helpful to anyone also getting ready for labour and birth, and if you have any suggestions (or noticed I’ve forgotten something) then be sure to leave a comment below.
