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?