Hard to believe I’m in week 34 already! This pregnancy feels like it’s zooming by. We are getting there though. I am now officially on maternity leave and apart from finishing up a few bits and bobs work wise I’m pretty much done!
Last weekend Mum and Dad kindly had the children for the weekend so we could get down to the job of sorting out the nursery. We had already bought the cot so it was a case of cleaning and a new lick of paint for the room and putting the cot and accessories up. There are still a few finishing touches that need doing but when it’s all done I will post the photos on my blog. Watch this space…!
In the meantime, I have been slowly getting around to thinking about the all important hospital bag and what I should be packing in it. I haven’t packed it yet but it’s now time to have the list of essentials ready so I can start getting organised.
First of all though, I have been on the hunt for a good holdall to take to the hospital. The only bag I did have that fitted the job was Brett’s smelly black gym bag which I didn’t really fancy putting the baby’s things in! I did some fairly extensive searching online but it was a purposeful trip to TK Maxx that resulted in me finding this great holdall.
It’s incredibly roomy with an internal zip pocket as well as two further external zip pockets on the side – perfect for toiletries or nappies etc. I also loved that it had a pull out handle so no heavy lugging if you don’t want to and after having a c-section this will make life easier when leaving the hospital as I can pull the bag and my husband can carry the car seat and baby. It comes in this lovely grey and silver design or they also do it in burgundy.
So…what to pack.
For me:
- Hospital notes – very important!
- Two loose fitting, comfortable maternity nighties (particularly important for after c-section)
- Socks and slippers
- A lightweight dressing gown
- Lip balm
- Face wipes
- Hairbands
- Cartons of juice or bottles of water
- Healthy snacks
- Toiletries – cleanser, toner, moisturiser, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner and cotton wool pads.
- Spare toothbrush and paste (so you can pack it in advance)
- Tissues
- 7 pairs of maternity pants
- Maternity pads
- Lansinoh cream for breastfeeding – if you plan to breastfeed, this for me is essential so you don’t get sore.
- Hairbrush and towel
- Make-up and remover
- Two nursing bras and breastpads
- Some loose change (about £10 should be enough)
- Laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Comfy clothes for my few days in hospital – two pairs of loose fitting maternity trousers and a few breastfeeding tops.
- UGG boots for any hospital wanders and for leaving
- My camera! I am going to take my professional camera this time. The first photos of Joshua and Grace were taken on a compact camera and Blackberry! Not great quality so determined to get some decent shots of little man this time round.
- Mobile phone – I will need to check the policy on this as some hospitals don’t like them being used but if anything will be good for a few cheeky videos of baby’s first day.
- iPad and charger – my best friend while stuck in my hospital bed for a few days.
- A few books/magazines – Buddhism for Mothers will be on the list!
- Pen and paper
- My husband can apparently stay overnight on the first night on a camp bed which will be a real help. A pillow, blanket and change of clothes for him then.
- A gift for Joshua and Grace from their little brother (to make them feel special too)
For baby:
- A pack of newborn nappies
- A pack of cotton wool balls for nappy changes
- Nappy cream – I was advised not to use this when Joshua was born by the midwife. I have since gone against this advice as will never forget how upset I felt when I gently wiped his increasingly sore looking bottom and it actually bled. He was clearly in pain and I felt cross that I had not followed my instincts. I used Bepanthen nappy cream ointment and it really helped.
- A towel
- Six sleepsuits
- Six vests
- A cardigan
- Socks
- Hat
- Blanket
- A winter all-in-one suit for leaving hospital – it will be December after all.
- A pack of muslin cloths
- A pack of disposable bibs or six cloth bibs
- A soft toy suitable for newborns.
I think that about covers it!
Tip: Make sure you write your list down and tick it off as you go along so you know you have everything. Keep it safe with your bag.
Great List