packed: my hospital bag

My bags are packed

and I can officially say that we are as ready as we'll ever be for Splodge's arrival.

I guess the contents of most mummy-to-be's hospital bags are pretty similar

but they are also really personal too.

This is the bag with all the things you will want

at a time when you are going to be uncomfortable, in pain and quite frankly at your worst.

You want things that will make you feel happy

and anything that makes you feel a bit more comfortable has to be a winner.

When I packed my bags last time

I was exceptionally organised and compiled lists in advance.

And in a feat of pregnancy/new baby brain

I actually had the forethought to keep the lists,

so when I found them a couple of months back

I was pleased to discover that I already had a starting point.

Most of what went in the bags was used last time

and anything that wasn't was more than likely stuff that I still wouldn't want to go without

. . . just in case!

We will be taking three separate bags to the hospital with us;

one for me, one for baby, and one for daddy.

This is what we did last time

and I'm glad we did.

You don't want to be digging past pristine little baby sleepsuits and hats

to find a hair band or some socks

when you are in the middle of labour.

Having different bags means that the baby bag can stay tucked out of the way until its needed.

My hospital things are packed into a lovely Cath Kidston weekend bag size holdall

which my hubby got me as a present to put my hospital things in last time.

I know lots of people opt for small suitcases

or holdalls with wheels

but I find my bag just the right size for what I need to take.

I guess some people would say that I travel pretty light for a hospital bag

but then I don't really plan on being in hospital after the birth for any longer than one night at the very most

and if I have to stay longer and I need more things

then I would rather that my husband brought in what I needed then

rather than take lots in the first place.

But that's just me.

From my experience last time

you need very little in the way of 'stuff' for actual labour.

I have two long-ish nighties (that cover your bottom) for potentially labouring in

although last time I ended up in a hospital gown

which suited me down to the ground.

The reality is that whatever you wear will get dirty

and so wearing a hospital gown and avoiding ruining my own things was fine by me.

I also have a pair of socks packed for labour

as your feet can get cold.

And I have plenty of hair bands and hair grips for if my hair is annoying me or making me hot.

I have a little pot of Vaseline packed too

because the gas and air made my lips really dry last time.

And obviously I have my maternity notes packed in this bag

so that they don't get forgotten and

so that they are easily accessible for when we get to the hospital.

Most of the contents of my bag are for after the birth.

I have a new set of PJs because it's one thing I wish I had done last time.

The reality was that I felt pretty scummy after birth last time

and had taken some old favourite pyjamas to wear.

After having a bath and being transferred to the ward

I couldn't help feeling that a nice new pair of PJs would have made me feel nicer,

especially for those all important photos,

so I have a new set

(with a strappy top so that I can breastfeed easily.)

I have packed some slippers too

and some more socks

as I really hate having cold feet.

For that lovely post delivery bath and freshen up

I have brought miniatures of all my favourite smellies;

shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, toothbrush and paste, moisturiser and a hair brush.

I guess it's down to who you are and what you're like

but I also have a compact version of my make up bag.

I appreciate that some people really could care less what they look like

but I know that I always feel better with a bit of mascara on and a bit of blusher.

I packed my make up as a bit of an after thought last time,

but I did use it and felt better for it.

I have two nursing bras packed as well as breast pads.

I didn't use breast pads last time until a few days after when my milk came in

but I have been warned to take them

as your milk often comes in quicker the second time.

I have to say that having tried and test many different brands last time

that I am a big fan of the Johnsons ones.

Maternity pads are a must, and I have packed two packets.

Yes they are thick and bulky

but the extra cushioning is a must

and unlike sanitary towels,

which can contain various chemicals that help you feel driers,

the maternity pads don't and are therefore gentler.

My midwife really strongly advises against using sanitary towels until at least a few days after birth

and say that although bigger, the maternity pads are better for the job.

I've also got four new pairs of knickers.

It might sound crazy to have new ones, but they are only cheap

and I'd rather wear proper cotton pants than those disposable ones they sell.

There is one item left to go into my bag

and that is my going home outfit.

I haven't packed this yet because I don't really know what I'll want to wear

as I don't really know what the weather will be like.

I'll more than likely pack some leggings and a long top/dress

but I'll see how I feel nearer the time.

I'll just make sure it's something comfy

and that it will accommodate my belly,

because as nice as it would be,

we know I won't be getting straight back into my pre-pregnancy clothes just yet.

So, have I forgotten anything?

Did you have any items that I haven't that were an absolute must have?