What’s In My Hospital Bag – the second time around

With my first pregnancy, I had everything researched, and my hospital bag packed and ready to go really early on. This time, I barely just got it all together at 36 weeks! The second time around, it really does just fly in!

I spent so much time on Pinterest the first time, looking at other people’s lists of what to pack. They helped me a lot and so I wanted to share my packing list with you. Hopefully, it will be useful to someone else!

I like to pack the ‘just in case’ items, I’d much rather have it than wish I had packed it! Some of these things I might not end up using as it’s likely I might not even spend a night in the hospital (If everything goes well they sometimes let you go home a few hours after, especially the second time). However, birth is something that you cannot predict. As much as I don’t want to think about any complications, it will be so much less stressful if I have everything ready to go if there are any.

So here’s what I’ve packed in my hospital bag:

Toiletries:

• Lip balm – Oh how cracked and dry my lips were last time after labour. This is one thing I will not be leaving behind this time!
• Toothbrush – In case of an overnight stay or I feel the need. Sometimes your teeth just feel gross right?! I have a travel one that I’ve put in there so that it’s just ready to go and I don’t have to think about throwing it in when we’re going out the door.
• Toothpaste – Just a small travel sized tube ready to go as well.
• Nipple cream – Going from zero use to being used constantly can make your nipples so sore. Especially when the baby is learning to latch correctly, I would highly recommend having this with you.
• Maternity pads – I have a couple of options here; ‘maternity’ pads that are designed for this and also the most heavy duty Always pads that I could find. I’ll have to keep you posted on what’s better but from what I remember the maternity ones weren’t that great.
• Breast pads – Breast pads are a pain in the ass (any suggestions of some good ones that don’t roll up would be appreciated!) however, they are pretty essential with the amount of milk that will leak, whether you breastfeed or not.
• Hand cream – I HATE the feeling of dry, catchy hands and with the hand washing you’ll be doing with a newborn, it’s nice to have.
• Deodorant – I use an organic spray from Salt of the Earth. It’s lavender and vanilla flavour and smells divine!
• Hair bands – I find having hair in my face annoying at the best of times. I want to be able to get it out of the way during the sweaty workout that is labour!

For me:

• Knickers – I’ve packed 4 pairs, as the hubby can’t stay overnight anyway, he can always bring me some more in if needed!
• Nursing bra – I have a couple of cheap nursing bras from last time but my plan is to invest in some good ones when my milk comes in. I’ve heard it’s better to wait as your boobs will most likely change size! Don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that won’t fit properly.
• Going home outfit – I’ve packed a pair of stretchy top harem pants that are comfortable and will fit around whatever size my tummy will be when I leave. Then a nursing strappy top and a loose maternity top.
• Snacks – I’ve got a couple of protein bars, Jelly babies and then a smoothie in the fridge ready to go. During the later stages of labour I didn’t really fancy eating anything more substantial than that. Especially after throwing up!
• Dressing gown – Always nice to have an option of another layer when surrounded by strangers!
• Birthing outfit – I have a couple of options depending on what I feel like at the time. I have a long baggy black top that is super comfy and then a very large buttoned nightshirt. Both will work for breastfeeding afterwards so will just go with what I’m most comfortable in. I also have a really stretchy sleep bra as well.
• Pjs – Here’s hoping I don’t have to stay overnight on a ward!
• Headphones – I *think* that I’d like to try music this time and figure if it’s in my ear it will help me stay in the zone more.
• Breastfeeding pillow – It’s a bulky thing to have to take with but I think it’s so worth it to save your tired arms. I like any of these things that make life a little easier with a newborn. I have a Boppy pillow and absolutely love it!
• Water bottle – Labour is thirsty work. Last time my husband was just bringing me cups of water from the fountain, it meant a lot of trips back and forth as the cups were pretty tiny!
• Socks – Clean socks for going home are always good.
• Flip flops – I don’t own any slippers and so these are an alternative to being barefoot in the hospital. Also nice to have in the shower too.

For baby:

• Nappies – I’ve packed 8. Again hubby can bring more in if needed! We’ve got some standard pampers and then we love the Kit & Kin nappies that are eco-friendly.
• Cotton wool – I’ve got a smallish bag of cotton wool for the nappy changes. (I can’t actually remember if the hospital provided this last time but better to have it than not.)
• Hats – Just a couple of cute cotton hats to keep their heads warm.
• Scratch mitts – It’s not nice to see new scratches on their little faces so I think these are a must.
• Baby grows – I’ve packed two neutral ‘Newborn’ size baby grows.
• Sleepsuits – Again, I’ve got two ‘Newborn’ size sleepsuits.
• Muslins – I’ve just got two lovely new Aiden + Anais muslins. I’ve left the well-used ones for a little later.
• Blanket – The hospital do provide blankets but it’s nice to have your own and then you’ll need it when coming home to keep them warm.

Random:

• Present for sibling – I’ve read this advice in so many places. It’s meant to help make the entire world flipping upside down a little easier for your older child. We didn’t get anything crazy, just some Paw Patrol stickers and colouring.
• Present for the midwife – I don’t even know the midwife’s name that helped me bring my son Jax into the world. I feel bad for that and am determined this time to show more appreciation to these wonderful people that get us through one of life’s most challenging situations! I’ve got a box of chocolates, nothing fancy but just a something so that they know they are appreciated.
• Change for parking – you don’t want to be trekking around trying to find the hospitals ATM so you can go home with your little one.
• Phone charger – Personally, I want to be contactable after birth and to let my mum know what’s going on e.t.c so this one is a must!
• Hospital Notes/Birth Plan – I’m now keeping my notes in my bag when I’m not using them for appointments. Definitely something you don’t want to forget in the rush out the door!

Another thing that I’ve done to prepare is buy these maternity mats. I’ve got one in the car incase my waters break while out and about and then I have one for the bed incase they go at night. Having to clean up amniotic fluid from your car or mattress is not something you really want to be doing in labour or when you get home from the hospital!

Is there anything that I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments!

Ri x