Blossoming Birds

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Hospital bags

With my google history you wouldn't think that I was doing this for the second time. Strange that it now seems like a hazy blur.

'What to pack in a hospital bag'

Scrolling through the endless lists on Google I remembered that I didn't use half of it. 

Here is the contents of mine and babys hospital bag. Let me know if I've missed any obvious ones.

My bag

Birth

  • Hospital notes

  • Birth plan- but honestly 'to have baby' is plan enough, if you achieve that you have succeeded regardless of the journey

  • Button up nightie

  • Lip balm (gas and air dries your lips so bad)

  • Slipper socks

  • Slippers (you may be told to go a walk)

  • Night gown (incase you go that walk, last time I didn't have one and done the waddle walk in my nightie. I was passed caring but clearly for the poor people visiting at the hospital it was a sight they would rather not see)

  • Hair bobbles/ hair band

  • Ear phone

  • Some sweets- you can get a bad taste in your mouth so mints or sweets close by are great

  • If a water birth is on your plan a bikini top - unfortunately I have not packed this as due to low blood pressure I will not be allowed in the birthing pool

  • I am also packing magazines as I know I will be induced so the first stages can be long.

After Birth

  • Maternity pads (at least 20) Better safe than sorry with this one and don't bother packing the 'ultra slim' ones for the hospital.

  • Loose Pjs or a fresh nightie if you have a C-section and would rather nothing was touching the scar x2.

  • Dark Granny panties (disposable if you wish but cheap cotton ones would be a lot more comfortable) x4

  • Nursing bras x 2

  • Breast pads (needed if nursing or not, ensures the only risk of spilt milk is from the tea cart)

  • Mobile phone - For contact, music and camera

  • Camera

  • Going home outfit (dress for comfort, maxi/ midi dresses are great but don't forget you will still be about the same size you were at 7months pregnant.)

  • Toiletry bag

  • Tooth brush

  • Tooth paste

  • Shower gel

  • Shampoo

  • Dry shampoo

  • Hair brush

  • Moisturiser (you feel so dry after)

  • Make up (if you wish to freshen up a little before visitors)

  • Tissues

  • Facial wipes

  • Deodorant

  • Perfume (if you could pick up a sample it's great for saving space)

  • Face cloth- if you have had epidural or section you can send your partner to rinse it out to freshen up from bed.

  • A plastic bag (great to put away any dirty or stained clothes)

Baby bag

  • 1 small pack of nappies

  • Baby wash

  • Cotton wool balls

  • Water wipes (99% water for delicate skin)

  • Vaseline/ soda cream

  • Lansinoh nipple cream (if intending to breastfeed)

  • Anti bac hand gel

  • Vests x 4

  • Baby grows x 4

  • Cardigan

  • 1 pair socks

  • 2 hats

  • Swaddle

  • Bibs x 4

  • Blanket

  • Scratch mittens x 2

  • Pram suit (for colder months)

  • Little Teddy or comforter

A spare top and refreshments are great for your birthing partner to bring incase the event itself lasts longer than anticipated *anticipate nothing!*

If you have other kids it can be nice to bring them a small toy from the baby so they don't feel left out. I have a build a bear for Bella with a prerecorded sounding of the babies heart beat that's inside it. Nice to keep and Bella got to make it.

Anything I have missed please let me know!

Anna xx