With my google history you wouldn't think that I was doing this for the second time. Strange that it now seems like a hazy blur.

'What to pack in a hospital bag'

Scrolling through the endless lists on Google I remembered that I didn't use half of it. 

Here is the contents of mine and babys hospital bag. Let me know if I've missed any obvious ones.

My bag

Birth

• Hospital notes

• Birth plan- but honestly 'to have baby' is plan enough, if you achieve that you have succeeded regardless of the journey

• Button up nightie

• Lip balm (gas and air dries your lips so bad)

• Slipper socks

• Slippers (you may be told to go a walk)

• Night gown (incase you go that walk, last time I didn't have one and done the waddle walk in my nightie. I was passed caring but clearly for the poor people visiting at the hospital it was a sight they would rather not see)

• Hair bobbles/ hair band

• Ear phone

• Some sweets- you can get a bad taste in your mouth so mints or sweets close by are great

• If a water birth is on your plan a bikini top - unfortunately I have not packed this as due to low blood pressure I will not be allowed in the birthing pool

• I am also packing magazines as I know I will be induced so the first stages can be long.

After Birth

• Maternity pads (at least 20) Better safe than sorry with this one and don't bother packing the 'ultra slim' ones for the hospital.

• Loose Pjs or a fresh nightie if you have a C-section and would rather nothing was touching the scar x2.

• Dark Granny panties (disposable if you wish but cheap cotton ones would be a lot more comfortable) x4

• Nursing bras x 2

• Breast pads (needed if nursing or not, ensures the only risk of spilt milk is from the tea cart)

• Mobile phone - For contact, music and camera

• Camera

• Going home outfit (dress for comfort, maxi/ midi dresses are great but don't forget you will still be about the same size you were at 7months pregnant.)

• Toiletry bag

• Tooth brush

• Tooth paste

• Shower gel

• Shampoo

• Dry shampoo

• Hair brush

• Moisturiser (you feel so dry after)

• Make up (if you wish to freshen up a little before visitors)

• Tissues

• Facial wipes

• Deodorant

• Perfume (if you could pick up a sample it's great for saving space)

• Face cloth- if you have had epidural or section you can send your partner to rinse it out to freshen up from bed.

• A plastic bag (great to put away any dirty or stained clothes)

Baby bag

• 1 small pack of nappies

• Baby wash

• Cotton wool balls

• Water wipes (99% water for delicate skin)

• Vaseline/ soda cream

• Lansinoh nipple cream (if intending to breastfeed)

• Anti bac hand gel

• Vests x 4

• Baby grows x 4

• Cardigan

• 1 pair socks

• 2 hats

• Swaddle

• Bibs x 4

• Blanket

• Scratch mittens x 2

• Pram suit (for colder months)

• Little Teddy or comforter

A spare top and refreshments are great for your birthing partner to bring incase the event itself lasts longer than anticipated *anticipate nothing!*

If you have other kids it can be nice to bring them a small toy from the baby so they don't feel left out. I have a build a bear for Bella with a prerecorded sounding of the babies heart beat that's inside it. Nice to keep and Bella got to make it.

Anything I have missed please let me know!

Anna xx