Packing my hospital bag!

Boredom on a Bank Holiday Monday has led me to write this post about packing my hospital bag! I thought it may be useful to someone as it's sometimes quite confusing to know what you actually *need* to take to hospital with you. Labour and the whole birthing process is so unpredictable I guess you can never be fully prepared though can you?

Firstly I don't know how anyone packs all they need in one single bag! I have a little suitcase and a weekend bag and I'm still struggling for space! I would highly recommend using a little suitcase on wheels-I plan to get Michael to lug it about everywhere anyway ;)

First up I have a weekend bag filled with my stuff. I think giant knickers are very important. Not very attractive...but important. I am normally a size 12 but I have gone up a few sizes in the underwear department during pregnancy and I can't be doing with thin thrilly knickers, so I've packed nice big Bridget Jones ones! In my own bag I have also packed a toiletry bag (see below), breastpads, nighties (with buttons down the front for easy breastfeeding), slippers and socks (feet get cold during labour apparently) and at the last moment I shall pack some comfy clothes, make up and things like camera, charger etc. I know it may seem weird taking make up but for me, I feel that little bit better when I'm wearing at least some mascara. I am fully prepared to look like a sweaty, horrible mess but if I get an opportunity I would like to put some on. VERY importantly I have packed a list of vital numbers: local taxi numbers and numbers for triage, the main hospital and day assessment unit.

I decided to go for mini toiletries just to save on space. You can buy them in Boots for 3 for 2 at the moment and I got things like face wipes, shampoo and shower gel. I also have some Lanisoh cream, hair bands and things like flannels.

In my main suitcase, I have baby's bag as well as a few more of my bits like a dressing gown, nursing bras and lots of maternity pads for that lovely post-birth bleeding (before pregnancy I had no clue that you can bleed for up to 6 weeks after birth, fun times). I have also packed about 15-20 nappies which may seem a lot but I don't know how long I will be in hospital for!

I am using my pretty Hello Kitty (who else) changing bag that Michael bought me for all of baby's stuff. It's so pink, love love love!

In baby's bag I have packed in a lot! Things like a baby bath sponge, cotton wool, muslin cloths, wipes, cream etc. I also packed some socks, scratch mitts, a hat and booties.

The main bulkage comes from all the clothes I have packed! I have lots of vests in both newborn and 0-3 as I am not sure at all what size she will be. Also a few sleepsuits and 2 dresses, one which she will probably wear home! I've also packed a little comforter/bunny we bought her and a blanket. I went for a lightweight one as it can be quite warm in mid-September!

I still need to pack some snacks and drinks for us, things like my camera (I have a new shiny one for lots of cute photos), chargers and my phone which I can only really pack last minute. Otherwise I am READY! argh!

xoxo