What to put in your hospital bag

Hospital bags, the holy grail of pregnancy.

First time around, I had no idea what to pack and definitely took too much.

I am going to try and just take the bare minimum this time and pack a supplementary bag at home so Hubster can bring it in, should I need it.

Last time I didn’t take some things which I now know are essential so this is what I am packing. This is for a normal birth. Due to being diabetic, even if I have a normal delivery I will have to stay in for 24 hours to check the blood sugars of the baby.

If I end up having a caesarean, that is where the supplementary bag will come in.

I gave birth in a hospital gown last time because it seemed easier with having a cannula in both hands.

For that reason, I will take two nighties with me for before and after birth.

Whatever clothes I arrive at hospital in, I will wear home so they will be comfortable with a loose, long top.

A selection of old knickers and the couple of disposable pairs I have left over from Boo’s birth.

Plenty of maternity towels-in fact, a whole packet.

A few of breast pads. Your milk doesn’t come in for a few days and I took a whole box last time which was a total waste of bag space.

Toiletries for myself and makeup so I will look semi-descent for any photos. Oh and a towel.

That’s it for me. The labour I will be nil-by-mouth so there’s no point taking snacks. I am going to freeze a six-pack of water bottles so Hubster can bring them on the day.

My other labour essentials are a flannel to run under cold water and cool me down, a pair of socks and a (tinted) lip balm-come on, who says I can’t also be stylish.

For the baby, I will take a small packet of newborn nappies and a packet of sensitive wipes. With Boo I took cotton wool for those first nappy changes on the sensitive little bottom.

Have you ever tried wiping that thick, first baby-poo with cotton wool which then sticks to the perfect bottom? Never again. Give me wipes any day.

Baby clothes will be two vests, two sleep suits, two bibs, one cardigan and a blanket.

Last time I didn’t take a blanket and the hospital provided a towel to cover Boo. It was clean but not as cute and fluffy as a blanket so I am going to make sure not to forget it this time.

I will also take a couple of hats.

 

A snow suit will be left in the hall with the car seat for when Hubster picks us up.

So that’s it. My capsule labour and baby bag. As I wrote previously, my baby change bag is so large that I am hoping to fit everything in there.

Let’s hope it’s soon and quick with a positive outcome.