For those who want an honest and realistic picture of pregnancy, birth and raising three kids, then take a look at my #pregnancydiary and feel free get in touch with any comments, questions or suggestions.
I'm sure most sensible mums-to-be prepare for labour by packing their hospital bags full of useful things for their baby and themselves.
Until a few days ago I had prepared for labour by having a pedicure and a bikini wax. In my head, I was ready to give birth....forget the fact that I hadn't even packed so much as a pair of knickers!
I'm now 37 weeks pregnant, which is deemed as good to-go, so baby could make an appearance any day now. I guess I better start packing then!
The midwives have given me a list of essentials for myself and baby but I've been reading various articles about how pregnant women "need" scented candles, aromatherapy oils and whale music to listen to while in labour. Really??! Then I came across this article which really put everything into perspective.
Reading the article reminded me that in some parts of the world women give birth to their babies in hospitals that are extremely under-resourced. Some of them have to take in their own sheets, disinfectants and buckets for washing themselves.
While packing scented oils and presents from the new baby to older siblings is nice if you are in the position to do so, it's good to keep in mind what's really important. And that's being in a clean and comfortable place to give birth, putting clean clothes on baby and providing them with food and comfort.
I feel that I'm lucky to be in the UK where we have the NHS. Ok so it's not the most efficient all the time but the care I have received every time I have a baby is pretty damn good. It would have cost me thousands of pounds in private healthcare.
So after getting my brain into gear this is what I now have in my hospital bag. Most of the items were on the list given to me by my by my midwife. Going by my two previous experiences of childbirth I've also added a few things that I think might make my life easier.
Things for Labour:
- A big towel
- Maternity swim-wear
- Comfy wear
- Flip flops
- Hairband
- Snacks and drinks
- Music CDs
A big towel
This is especially useful as I plan to use the birthing pool.
Maternity swim-wear
When I used the birthing pool during my first labour I was in and out of the water numerous times, going to loo and pacing the room. I think I'll feel more comfortable doing this in my maternity tankini this time (instead of my underwear)!
Comfy wear
I have taken two pairs of pyjamas with me but doubt I will wear them during labour as last time I didn't bother with them and ended up wearing a vest and underwear and then a hospital gown! Some women feel more comfortable changing into comfy clothes though.
Flip flops
These will help me to feel more comfortable while pacing the room to deal with my contractions. Slippers are good too. No one needs to be wearing shoes and socks during labour!
Hairband
Labour can be sweaty and from my experience hair hanging in your face is a no no. So hairbands are essential for keeping hair tied back.
Snacks and drinks
Labour can be long! So these are healthy(ish) things to eat for myself and my husband. I might add a sandwich or some fresh fruit to this if I have time before I leave the house. Glucose tablets are also good if you don't have an appetite but need to keep energy levels up. The midwives actually recommend them.
Music CDs
These are a collection of Sufi music that a friend put together for me. I'm hoping to go into a hypnotic pain free trance when I listen to the CDs!
Things for Mum after delivery:
- Disposable underwear
- Nursing bra
- Maternity pads and a pack of cheap underwear
- Nightwear
- Toiletries
- Comfortable clothes for going home
Disposable underwear
This is actually a pack of incontinence pants but I think they will work well to cope with the afterbirth bleeding.
Nursing bra
I kept this bra from my second pregnancy. It's got the drop down clips for easy breastfeeding and isn't totally frumpy.
Maternity pads and a pack of cheap underwear
I'll wear these if the disposable underwear runs out/is uncomfortable. I'm prepared for these to get ruined, which is why I won't be wearing my best knickers!
Nightwear
After my first baby I took a fairly short maternity nightie with me and felt weird wearing around the hospital ward. I've packed a set of pyjamas which I wore after my second baby. I've been wearing them throughout this pregnancy too. The top has clips which come down to make breastfeeding easier, although technically you can wear any loose top which you can yank up to breastfeed.
Toiletries
I'm taking shower gel, body lotion, face wash and moisturiser. I also have my toothbrush, toothpaste and tongue cleaner.
Comfortable clothes for going home
Since it's now summertime in the UK, I have a loose sleeveless top which is good for breastfeeding, my maternity jeans, a cotton scarf (also useful for breastfeeding) and a light cardigan.
Things for Baby:
- Nappies, cotton wool and nappy cream
- A blanket
- Clothes
- Muslin cloth
- Car seat
Nappies, cotton wool and nappy cream
I've been advised to pack 12 nappies. Not sure I will get through all these but you never know how long the stay in hospital will be. Cotton wool and warm water is the best thing for newborn skin during nappy changes and nappy cream is not essential but provides a good barrier for little bottoms that might get chafed.
A blanket
This is a soft light blanket to wrap baby in. Baby is due in mid-August so this should be fine for covering baby when she's placed in the car seat to go home.
Clothes
These include a hat, scratch mittens (new borns do tend to scratch at their faces), booties, 3 baby vests and 3 baby grows. This was what was on the list given to me. Most of them were given as gifts by family and the going home outfit is a pink baby grow with Bambi on it that my daughters picked out.
Muslin cloth
This is multi-purpose. It can be used for cleaning baby or a light covering if the room is quite hot. My second daughter kept spitting up lots of mucus after she was born so a soft muslin cloth was useful for wiping her mouth.
Car seat
This is legally necessary when taking baby home by car. It has to be a rear facing one which is suitable from birth.
Whatever happens though, and pedicures aside, I know I'm privileged to be giving birth where I am and I don't take it for granted.
