4 weeks to go until your due date and suddenly everyone starts asking if you've packed your bag! Suddenly it all becomes very real indeed and instead of thinking what's going on in your body you finally have to think about how you're going to get your baby out of your body!
Packing your bag for hospital is a good way to start the changing thought process. I tried to keep my bag to a minimum but there are some key essentials.
2 front fastening nighties. If you have decided to breastfeed these are a must. Easy access when you're trying to get your baby to latch on and you are both beginners is essential! I also packed some loose pyjamas for walking around the ward in.
Nipple cream is also a good idea- rarely have I heard anyone saying the first few days were easy or pain free so chose a good brand. I liked Kamillosan Nipple cream that is very popular. Breast pads for between feeds and a comfortable breast feeding bra.
While we are on personal items you will also need maternity pads. Don't think you can get away with ordinary pads as, like me, you will discover that your stitches stick to them- ouch!
A wash bag with all the usual included but also remember some antibacterial wipes. With so much in the news about super bugs you really don't want to catch anything and a handy wipe before you use the bathroom only takes a second! Also remember a couple of dark towels (as you may well find you do get blood on them).
An iPod with all your fav' tracks so that you can shut out the noise of the ward when your baby is sleeping and have a bit of me time with your new book until junior wakes up and needs you! I never actually managed to open the book by the iPod was a life saver!
Your going home outfit. Many of us have friends who have walked out of hospital in their old size 12 jeans but none of us have actually witnessed it! Go for comfort and simply pull in your old elasticated trousers to the new you! A loose front fastening top is also perfect.
It's all too easy to get so absorbed in 'you' during pregnancy that you forget there will be two of you soon after entering the hospital! Once you've packed your own bag remember to pack a bag for baby too.
Essentials.
Nappies.
I made the classic 'first Mum' error of forgetting to pack nappies for my newborn, assuming that the hospital would provide these. I therefore spent the first few hours borrowing from the kind lady in the next bed to me! What I did find is that your brand loyalty starts right now. I was a 'Pampers' Mum throughout simply because they were the nappies delivered to me in hospital.
Clothes.
You will need at least 3 babygros and vests. Try to buy easy fastening babygros and vests. It's incredible how fragile your baby feels even at a good weight and to start with you need to practice so back fastening is too much of a challenge! Don't forget that your baby might be larger than average so unless you know you are having a small baby ensure you buy the correct size!
Muslin Squares.
Who could believe that simple squares of fabric will become such a major part of ones life! To start they are fantastic for wiping up all manner of drips and sick and eventually many become essential comforters for the baby itself! I love the coloured packs now available in lime green and lemon from Mother care!
Outfit for going home.
All hospitals are very warm so it's essential that your baby has something suitable, depending on the time of year, to leave the hospital in. This may mean a warm coat and socks and booties but will always mean a hat! A blanket is also useful for the first trip outside.
Car seat.
You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without a car seat! Practice fitting this into your car at home so that you don't struggle while your baby is in it!
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