Hospital Bag Preparation!

Helloo,

So as if preparing for birth isn't scary enough, you have the panic to make sure you have everything with you. I didn't get the chance to plan mine as my little wonderful ball of joy arrived too early for me to be prepared, cheeky monkey! So here is a look at what you could do with, doesn't matter whether you are having a natural, water or c-section. But what some people have forgotten is you are packing for lots of reasons:

Labour
Birth Partner
After Birth
Baby

You would be surprised at how many people in hospital forget bits and bobs, especially things for the birth partner - this could be other half, friend, parent etc. So here we go with the list:

Labour

Birth plan and maternity notes
Dressing gown
Old nightie or top
Slippers (ones that are easy to slip on and off as remember you can't bend down easily!)
Birth bouncy ball to help progress the birth on
Snacks and drinks, Isotonic Energy Drinks are great to keep you awake
Things to help you relax and pass time.. music, books, magazines or ipad to blog/tweet!
Hairband or hairclip
Extra pillows
Phone - may not be time to use it after birth but you could be hours in labour!

Birth Partner

Water spray or a hand-held fan, to cool you down whilst you're in labour
Comfortable shoes - so they can do all the running around for you!
A change of clothes, you could be there a while
Mobile phone and charger to keep others informed of progress
Camera to take photos or a short film of the birth and early moments with your baby
Snacks and drinks. You don't want a dehydrated, hungry birth partner looking after you

Nothing worse if they have to pop out to get stuff whilst you are about to burst!

After Birth

An outfit to go home in - takes a while for tummy to go down, so comfy stretchy clothes; some maternity wear is your best option!
Nursing bras
Nightie or t-shirt preferably front opening if you are wanting to breastfeed
Breast pads
Maternity pads, make sure you bring a few!
Toiletries - boots have a whole range of great travel sized bits
Towels, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste
Old or cheap knickers, or disposable knickers - high waisted is an advantage especially encase you have a c-section
A little essential make-up (for all those new mum pics!)

For The Baby

A few body suits and sleep suits
Baby blanket - I know you've braught a special one you want them to have!
Plenty of nappies
Bibs
Muslin squares, dummies or whatever takes your fancy - if any!
Hat, socks, booties etc
Outfit to go home in (weather dependant, may need snowsuit in winter!)
Baby car seat - some hospitals won't let you leave by car without one
Maybe a little teddy for it's 1st cot and sleep!
Baby wipes
Cotton Wool - to wash the baby with water
The Bag

So of course you could use any bag for this, or maybe a couple of separate ones. Everytime I go hospital for whatever reason, I end up with around 4/5 bags full of stuff as you leave with magazines and snacks etc. I would personally for such a big thing, use a suitcase or a weekender bag.

How beautiful is this pink glittery suitcase by River Island. Probably a bit over the top, but I didn't want to post a plain boring black one!

There you have it :) is there anything else you had or will have that isn't in my list? Please be sure to comment & let me know!

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook