what is in my hospital bag so far...

For some reason I have had such trouble getting my head around packing a hospital bag! So I've not exactly left it till the last minute.. but it's something I have definitely put off for as along as I could! We've done everything else, got the crib, cot, changing table, clothes, nappies etc... Maybe it's a mental block of “oh my god I'm actually going to be giving birth soon”?!?! Or that it's just not as fun or cute shopping for maternity pads and nipple creams compared to pretty baby clothes and toys!
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​One of the biggest problems for me is there are so many lists out there of recommendations of what to take, and the lists go on, and on, and on, and on! I mean seriously, it's more stuff than I would take on a 2 week holiday?! I'd be walking into hospital with a massive suitcase if I took everything I've seen on some lists! I get that you do need to be prepared and have spares, as labour is just one of those situations where anything could happen. I could have a quick and easy natural birth, or I could end up having an emergency c-section and be in hospital for a few days.. you just don't know! So like I said, I do understand that it's important to be prepared. But nowadays with so many 24 hour shops, if I did suddenly go into labour early, Josh could easily run and pick up anything I didn't have yet or desperately need!

One thing I have made sure of is that I haven't spent a fortune on things that could potentially get ruined... I definitely won't be taking any of my Victoria's Secret lingerie & nightdresses to hospital! So, here is what I have managed to put together so far, and this is just for me this isn't including anything for the babies bag!

• Pyjamas/comfy clothes
  So these are to go to hospital in and for after birth. Something nice I can feel fresh and comfy in but also be semi-presentable to travel and go out in public wearing! I got these cute star patterned pyjama bottoms from H&M and then will just mix and match them with a few baggy basic t-shirts that have a loose neckline to easily breastfeed in.
• Sports bra
  Being a personal trainer I have tons of these! So I've picked a comfy one to give birth in (but I may end up ripping it off and go free.. who knows!)
• Nursing bras
  These are obviously for post birth, and again I picked some really pretty yet soft and comfy ones from H&M. I didn't think I'd like the faff of the clips on nursing bras but having tried them on, they're surprisingly comfy and easy to use!
• Dressing gown
  As I'm due in June it's basically spring/summer time, so I'm not talking big fluffy dressing gown! But a thin, light cotton one. I was bought the one I'm taking for Christmas from Next.
• Flip-flops & old slippers
  I've been told by many mummys that I will want to have some flip-flops to shower in. But I'm also taking some old UGG slippers that are a flip-flop style, which will be super easy to slip on and off, comfy and I don't mind if they get a little grubby (being old).
• Big BIG knickers
  Sad, but true. Big knickers to cater for the biggest, longest and thickest sanitary towels I have ever bought in my life! I bought the cheapest most basic cotton briefs from Primark and plan to throw them away as soon as I've finished with them! I couldn't bare the thought of buying disposable knickers.
• Sanitary pads & disposable breast pads
  When I first saw a maternity pad I was horrified! They're as thick as a mattress and look so uncomfortable!! So advised by my mother (because mums always know best) I stocked up on Always towels. I went for the biggest style they do and some nigh time ones. I'd rather be comfortable and have to change more frequently then wear a mattress in my knickers! And I went for Boots slim breast pads, again I'd much rather have slim comfy ones and need to change more often, then bulky padded one! Plus I don't even know what my boobs will be like! They might not leak much! (..wishful thinking?)
• Toiletries
  Toothbrush/toothpaste, shower gel, face wipes, hair bands/clips, moisturiser, lip balm, hairbrush, deodorant etc... the obvious stuff that you'd normal pack for a night away anywhere! One thing I have read that a lot of people recommend is a good lip balm! I naturally have very dry lips anyway and apparently from all the heavy breathing and hot room, it definitely comes in handy! I also bought a cheap see-through toiletry bag from Boots, so I can easily see what I'm getting rather than having to rummage around trying to find everything!
• Camera & chargers
  I would be gutted if my camera died and I missed out on photos! So I will be packing my Olympus camera to capture those first moments, and obviously chargers for both camera and my phone! Need to keep everyone updated!
• Make-up
  Not on everyone's list, but I know that I personally will feel more comfortable having some make-up on. I have really struggled with pregnancy acne throughout my pregnancy, so I'd rather not feel self-conscious and paranoid that I look exhausted, blotchy and spotty. Especially looking back at the many photos we will end up taking on D-day, I'd be so upset if I look disgusting! Anything to make me feel a bit more glamorous after going through childbirth!​​

Still to get...

• Night dress
  I plan on buying a really cheap one to actually give birth in, with either buttons down the front or a loose/low neckline ready for skin-to-skin contact with my baby. I'll buy one that I don't mind getting ruined (maybe from somewhere like Primark?) and I can just chuck it away afterwards.
• Dark towel & flannel
  Again cheap ones that I can use and then throw away afterwards, rather than having to wash bloody towels! Dark in colour for obvious reasons as it's probably going to be very messy...
• Snacks & drinks
  Needless to say I'm going to need to keep my energy up in childbirth! It's a lot of work! Everyone I have spoken to has recommended Jelly Babies! I'm also planning on making some energy balls (basically dates and nuts squished together) and taking some fruit such as grapes and apples, that don't need a fridge and will be juicy and refreshing in case I get a dry mouth! Also a lot of water to stay hydrated and prevent any headaches and cramps!​

(NOTE: not everything is pictured! I'm sure the world doesn't need or want to see my big BIG knickers!!!)

So there we have it.. I'm nearly there! Of course it's not quite 100% all organised and in a bag ready to go! But it's all in a semi-organised pile together, so when the time comes it won't take much to just pop into a bag. I am thinking maybe using a hand luggage sized suitcase to put everything in? Thinking it'll be easier to wheel along then carry and to have a bit more space? I'll probably end up taking in my own blanket and pillow as well for that "home from home" comfort feeling, just to make hospital and the whole experience as easy as possible! Also I'm not planning on getting bits like the food till last minute.. can't be taking old bruised apples with me!

If anyone has any good advice or notices anything super important I've missed, feel free to drop a comment below and let me know! Or you can message me through the social page. And if you're struggling to pack your hospital bag, know that you are not alone! It can all feel very overwhelming!