The Hospital Bag

I have begun the laborious task of packing a hospital bag. I'm actually still undecided whether I want a home birth or to go into hospital (edit: I have just reserved a birthing pool to hire so I can have a home birth, so hope I never need to take this carefully packed bag anywhere!). I'm packing the bag anyway, just in case is always good, but also because everything will be in one place and I won't be trying to send Thomas all over the place to fetch things!

I am going to use the Ju Ju Be - Be Prepared that I previously wrote about, you can find the original post here. It's way too big to use as a nappy bag for Noah now instead we just use a little back pack for short trips or the BFF for longer trips (post to follow on that at some point I'm sure!). I have written a ginormous list though, which even the BP may not handle! I can't remember what I took last time and I'm sure I didn't touch most of it! I do like to be prepared though as the bag says!

So is my list of what to include in your hospital bag

• Dressing gown - always good to feel a little decent
• Slippers and socks
• An old nightie or tee to birth in
• Massage oil - Noah was born back to back, all Thomas did the whole night was rub my back when I was contracting. I wish I had had a lovely scented oil then.
• Vaseline - I always have dry lips but air conditioning in hospitals is the worst!
• Isotonic drinks and plain snacks - just incase I''m in for a long haul!
• Books/kindle/magazines/iPad
• Ipod speakers
• Hairbrush, hairbands and grips - will definitely be popping my hair up into a french plait for post birth photos!
• Make up - I can't stand to look at the photos of me with Noah after he was born, I fully intend to fake it!
• Spare clothes for hubby/birthing partner
• Swimming things for us both - I really want to make sure I actually get to the water this time!
• Charger for iThings
• Fresh, comfortable, breast feeding friendly clothes
• Nursing bras
• Wash things - including nipple cream, breast pads, maternity pads and a towel
• Baby clothes - I have 2x vests, 2x sleepsuits, booties, a hat, 2x cardigans, a going home outfit and a blanket
• Newborn nappies

Then I also have a post it with things to grab at the time;

• Camera - make sure it is charged!
• My amazing pregnancy pillow that is great for lying down, back support and will be good for breastfeeding support too I hope!
• Phone
• Maternity notes
• Baby car seat

I think that covers all the things, of course I also have the kitchen sink. I know I am an overpacker! What have I missed? Any other suggestions? I also read an excellent hospital packing blog post a while ago on Gas and Air written by a midwife and mother so pretty handy!

Bx