I follow so many wonderful mummies and mummies to be on Instagram (you can find me there @amyrpigott) and given that half the time I have no idea what I am doing, I decided that I would take my query about when to start packing my hospital bag to Instagram and see when other mums starting packing theirs.
What even goes in a hospital bag?
I asked when I was around 30 weeks pregnant and most people said they started packing before that point – with a few saying that they packed whilst they were in labour. I wanted to aim for some sort of middle ground and with two weeks of Christmas taken away from any preparations, I decided to get on with it sometime in my 31st week. I should preface this by saying I managed to pack everything for me after labour, everything for the baby and Ray largely packed himself a little bag of suggested items for birth partners. I have started packing my during labour essentials but honestly I am now almost 33 weeks (and between week 34 – 36 I’ll pretty much be away for Christmas) and I still have only popped in a few bits and really ought to finish off, so it is at least done by Christmas.
Christmas was my deadline for being prepared so I can come back after the Christmas break and have everything ready for when baby decides to make an appearance. I followed a list we got from our hypnobirthing classes, because I really didn’t want to overpack or end up with far too much (but equally, would rather have more than I need than not enough).
So without further ado, here is what I have packed or plan to pack in my hospital bag – and I’ll do an update sometime next year about the things I used and what I found a waste!
Amy & Ray’s Hospital Bag:
Labour items:
- Birth Preferences
- Maternity Notes
- Nightie to wear during labour
- Lightweight dressing gown
- Flip flops
- Bikini top (to wear in birthing pool)
- Aromatherapy oils & diffuser (for hypnobirthing)
- Flannel
- Tissues
- Lip balm
- Snacks & Drinks
- iPod/Spotify/iPad
- Headband
- Hairband
- Mobile Charging blocks
- Own Pillow
- Toiletries
After labour items:
- Front opening nightie
- Comfy clothes
- Nipple cream
- Breast pads
- Maternity pads
- Large, cheap underwear
For baby:
- Newborn nappies
- Water wipes
- Sleepsuits
- Vests
- Socks
- Scratch mits
- Hat
- Muslins
- Cotton wool pads
- Baby Blanket
- Outfit for going home
- Infant car seat
So, tell me… What was something that you couldn’t live without in your hospital bag?
