Obviously, being that this is my third baby, I am an expert at packing hospital bags and this came really easy to me... NOT. Any mother of multiple children will probably attest to how quickly you forget the little details! Like seriously, how do you hold a newborn again? Ha! I kid, I kid. I remember that... sort of (just don't drop them and you're doing fine!). Anyway, just to make sure that I didn't forget anything super important, I chatted to some of my girlfriends who have recently given birth and also looked back at my previous pregnancies to compile a list of essentials and not so essentials!
Fun fact, we had a cesarean for our first baby and rolled into the theatre room without any clothes to dress her in so she made her first appearance on the ward wrapped in a thermal blanket and nothing else. Beat that friends!
Aaaanyway, my first tip is that you shouldn't get caught up in the whole over packing, inappropriate outfits for baby trap. You can pack a special wrap or blanket and cute bow or hat for babies first photo but otherwise, practicality is key! You won't want to be playing dress ups with your teeny tiny newborn just yet and for the most part they hate being undressed so it isn't exactly relaxing for you or them!
Now for the checklist which is broken down into Mum and Bub. This is based on a 5 night stay which may occur if you have a planned or emergency cesarean (Join the club friends!). I also mention large black Nana knickers and wanted to explain a little further. I remember reading a blog before having my first born Evie and packing 'large' black knickers as directed. Well I can tell you that the nurse that was helping me dress on night one, held up my knickers and said "is this all you packed, didn't anyone tell you to bring big knickers"? I was so embarrassed and sent Mum out to buy bigger knickers! Apparently my full briefs weren't Nana-ish enough. So when you're shopping for knickers, literally go and find the high waisted, soft cotton variety that you may see Grandma sporting, you will be so much more comfortable I promise! This especially goes for the women who are having/or potentially having a cesarean. A knicker line on the wound isn't much fun I promise you!
Babies Checklist
5x Baby grow suits preferably with feet in size 0000 or Newborn
5x Singlets
1x Hat or beanie to keep their tiny heads warm
Nappy rash cream of choice
A special muslin wrap or blanket to take them home in (or take cute pictures for Instagram obviously)
Any special bow/hat/baby milestone cards that you may like to take.
Newborn Nappies - check with your hospital as some hospitals provide them
Newborn Dummies - if you plan on using them
Mums Checklist
Comfortable pyjamas that are breast feeding friendly (button down or maternity are best)
Casual clothes to wear during the day
5x pairs of black Nana knickers
Hydragel Breast pads (refrigerated are best in case of sore nipples)
2x packs of Maternity or Super pads
Soothing cream or gel for nipples
A small selection of travel sized toiletries and makeup but don't go overboard
Camera (make sure your battery is charged up!)
Phone charger, pen and paper, Magazine or book, iPad, Music player or anything else you might like to amuse yourself over the few days you'll be in hospital
Chocolate and perhaps a few healthy snacks too to pop in your fridge for times when your hungry- hospitals aren't known for their food although I must admit that we've always had great experiences and quite enjoy Hotel St John of God... I mean Hospital!
Last but absolutely not least, your diffuser and a selection of calming and uplifting oils (Peace and Calming, Lavender, Sacred Frankincense and Stress Away would be beautiful choices). Trust me this will make a world of difference to your experience and your nurses will love you for it too!
Your babies skin is very sensitive so it is important to wash all of their clothes and sheets to remove any chemicals from the dying process. If you can find and/or afford organic clothing that is dyed with vegetable dyes then high five to you sister because that is amazing! If you can't, then I recommend washing them in Young Living's Thieves Washing detergent which is incredibly clean and gentle. If you don't have Thieves laundry liquid, Eco Store can be purchased from Health Food Stores and is a good alternative.
Enjoy this special time and don't get too stressed over your hospital bag. Afterall, if you forget something you can always send hubby/mum/sister out to grab it for you. Soon your beautiful bundle will be safely in your arms. Be gentle on yourself, wether this is your first, second, third or tenth baby, they are all different and you can only do your best.
Good luck, I hope this helps! x
