Finally Packing My Hospital Bag...
I am now 38 weeks pregnant which technically could mean that Baby Number Two could arrive at any time. I don't actually think this will happen as my body hasn't experienced labour before and I had Mads at 39 weeks via elective c-section without so much as a twinge- but still I think it is about time I got prepared.
With that in mind, this weekend I finally got round to packing my hospital bag. I most certainly am not one of these ladies that pack their bags ridiculously early, in fact I only live about 7 minutes drive away from our hospital so even if I was to go into labour I definitely would have time to get everything packed. Still, there is something really exciting about deciding on the little outfits that our new little lady will wear on the first day she is born and when she first meets her big sister.
Also because I am having another caesarian we will more than likely be in hospital for a couple of days, so I am all stocked up and ready now. Unless I discharge myself after a day like last time which Mr E has told me in no uncertain terms that I am not allowed to do.
Due to the fact that the hospital is so busy, my section isn't for another couple of weeks, so hopefully I won't go into labour beforehand, but if I do my bag is packed ready. And I am so ready as well to meet our new little person and also not have this big heavy bump anymore!
I have tried to pack as light as I can but I still have managed to fill two bags worth of things. My hospital bags are by Pink Lining, and although one is meant as a laptop bag, for the purposes of my hospital stay it contains all my toiletries, breast pads etc.
I have got a few little babygrows of different colours etc for the hospital. I have decided that baby's first outfit will be the most adorable little floral vintage babygrow from The Essential One. It is incredibly soft, and comes with a matching hat so perfect if it is a bit chilly in the hospital. I chose this one partly because it was so cute and partly because The Essential One make by far the softest and comfiest clothes I have found. They also come with little matching bags, so I have put a couple of scratch mitts etc in the bag to take with me, and an extra hat.
I also have another couple of babygrows as well, all being well we should only be in hospital two nights but to be on the safe side I have 4 babygrows with me. I also have her little going home outfit as well and a snow suit for when we put her in the car. Luckily I didn't have to buy this as Mads was born in December so we have her old one.
I have four vests for the baby packed, all washed so they are nice and soft, I went for short sleeved ones as last time I remember the hospital was boiling.
I have the usual things like breast pads, a pack of nappies and toiletries for me like shampoo as after 24 hours with a c-section they encourage you to get up and have a shower. Which is the most painful thing ever but you soon get used to walking again! I have only taken one pack of nappies as they take up so much space but there are shops about so I am sure if I got desperate Mr E could go out for me!
I am planning on breastfeeding all being well, and last time for a good week or so it was so painful it made my toes curl. I didn't buy Lansinoah cream for a few days afterwards last time, when I sent my Mum to the shop for emergencies! This time I have been prepared and will be slathering it on in the hope it does some good. I don't know if it does or not but I am willing to try anything.
I have the usual big old sanitary pads as after a c-section you still bleed a fair bit, I was suprised last time to be honest. And I have big big pants in a couple of sizes bigger, not particularly attractive but when you have a big scar on your bikini line it is important to think practically not fashionably! I will probably have to wear these for a good few weeks.
I bought a new nursing bra the other day to keep me going for the time being, but I will wait and buy a couple more when I know what size I will be properly. My lovely Grandma bought me some great PJ's from Primarni, (Primark) two big shirts that will be great for breastfeeding as I can just open them up when she needs a feed. Also a couple of little camisole tops to go underneath, they aren't breastfeeding ones but I don't think it hugely matters, I didn't wear breastfeeding PJ's last time and I was fine.
I have a massive muslin cloth that I bought in a pack of three, they are brilliant for wiping up baby sick, covering you when you are feeding in public or even for putting over the baby if they are slightly chilly. I highly recommend getting big ones as they seem to have a purpose for everything.
Finally I have a gorgeous knitted blanket from The Essential One, which is so comfy and although we have lots of blankets, we have chosen this one to keep her snuggly in her car seat on the short journey home from the hospital. It is lovely and chunky, and comes in really nice bright colours.
Besides that I have things not shown in the photos- of course my camera, a couple of magazines that I am yet to buy, my phone charger (to make sure I can tweet and text!) and a present for Mads from her little sister.
And that's it.
I think I am ready. I feel ready for this baby. With under a couple of weeks to go I am getting nervous and just want our new arrival here safely and soundly. I am nervous about having another section as I know what to expect, but I have the world's best husband who I know will look after us all, and make sure we recover well.
I can't wait to meet our new little girl.
PS- Did I forget anything? Make sure you let me know if I did!
- Tags: Birth, Hospital Bag, Pregnancy
Comments (21)
Notmyyearoff
Carolin
farfromhomemama
Elaine Livingstone
Susan Mann
Coombemill
My Two Mums
Kat
Joanna
Abby
Kara
Only thing is snacks. Always need snacks. So excited to meet your little girl x
lucy at dear beautiful boy
But I think it looks like you have everything in there. I didn't use lanolin with the little man at all, but I used it from day 2 with the little lady. Her latch has always been better than his was, but I would definitely say the lanolin helped as my boobs got used to the abuse again.
Eeeeek, so exciting. I do love packing the hospital bag, it's so exciting. X
Stephanie
caroline
We've finished packing our bags and am so glad you have two as so do I and I didn't know if I'd over packed!lol
Can't say that you've forgotten anything. The only thing thats that my friend mentioned to me were a notebook and pen for any notes etc and also some munchies. :)
Can't believe how close you are, so exciting! Am sure everything will be well for you. :)
Caroline.x
Mascara and Mud
CherryBlossomRain
Lynn @ more4mums
Emma
RichmondMummy
Hayley @hayleyfromhome
Julie Jones