It's coming up to that time you had dreamed of, your due date, and you will have already sorted the nursery, washed and ironed the baby clothes and set up the moses...
But what about your hospital bag? What in the blue hell do you pack for that?!
Well, let me tell you... when I had my first child in Leeds, I had no clue! and so I packed alsorts of things I thought I would need but actually didn't need AT ALL! Being a Leeds based newborn photographer, I get alot of Leeds and Harrogate new mamas in my studio and they say the same thing, no one really tells them what to take. Yes you can google it, but realistically, you need it straight from another mama, because we speak the truth do we not?!
So... here's my no holes barred, comprehensive guide to what you will need for your birth stay in hospital - I really hope it helps!!
For yourself, you'll probably want to pack:
3 changes of lounge wear / jammies - something nice and loose!
2 or 3 comfortable and supportive bras, maybe a nursery bra
breast pads
something comfy to give birth in, a nighty or dress
3 packets of maternity pads - and I mean the big ones you can get from boots - I didn't bring enough and had to ask for some
3 or 4 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones because they can get a little messy
toothbrush, hairbrush
deodrant
lip balm as your lips get so dry
a nice shampoo for the morning so you can freshen up
fem fresh for your lady bits
hair bobbles
makeup if you need it for the next day - it was nice to feel human with a bit of bronzer on the following day!
your hospital notes
towels and a face cloth
ipad and books - chilling out to the latest netflix is a must!
fine mist water spray - I recommend La Roche Posey Thermal spray
front-opening or tops if you're going to BF
any medicine you might need
dressing gown and slippers
dried fruits and some sweets to keep that sugar up!
your big pillow - we called it the boss pillow as it was huge!
a TENS machine for some pain relief
Mints or chewy as your mouth can get super dry
For the baby, you might want to pack:
a hat depending on the season
bodysuits, vests and jammies
nappies
an comfy outfit for going home in
cotton pads
blanket
muslins and lots of them!
a car seat
nappies
You might not also be thinking about this at all - but if you are like me you will be! With my first child, I had a photo straight after birth and as much as I love it, I look like I've been dragged through a hedge.. not that it remotely matters! so, second time round, I decided to have my eyebrows and eyelashes tinted and I felt so much better and much more me! Like I say, it really doesn't matter what you look like as its a beautiful time, but I really loved feeling more human, and it did wonders for my confidence second time round!!
I hope that helps, and hopefully some of you might use it as a mini checklist for your exciting upcoming births! I'll see some of you in my studio soon!
Thanks
Louise x