WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG…
What to pack in your hospital bag? Good question… As you creep ever closer to your due date, you are going to have a lot to think about and focus on. When it comes to heading into the hospital, you will need to think about your bag and what you want it to contain.
Of course, you will want to include a gorgeous outfit for your little one to wear to come home in, as well as the obvious things such as nappies. However, what about you? It is all too easy to forget about yourself, especially as you are a new mum, but you need to remember to take good care of yourself. To help you out, here are the main things that you should be packing in your hospital bag and why they are essential to include.
1. WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG: A PERI BOTTLE
If you are giving birth vaginally, there will likely be some discomfort after giving birth, which means that it can be hard to keep yourself clean and make sure that you feel as comfortable as possible. One great way to help you through this period is to pack a peri bottle, an easy to use way to clean yourself after giving birth. We absolutely love the First Days Peri Bottle which is included in our Arrival Survival Care Kit and our Breast Of Both Care Kit.
2. WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG: POSTPARTUM PADS
However you give birth bleeding is part and parcel of the experience, which means that you will need to pack postpartum pads to help keep yourself hygienic and comfortable. We recommend a box of Natracare Maternity Pads. As well as being long, thick and absorbent – three big ticks for postpartum bleeding – these pads are certified organic.
3. WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG: PHONE CHARGER
You will want to take as many pictures as possible of your new baby and let everyone know that they have arrived safe and sound. So, make sure that you pack a phone charger to keep your battery charged and keep yourself in the loop.
4. WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG: HEALTHY SNACKS
Depending on how your birth goes and how long your recovery is, you may stay in hospital for a day or two or more. Whilst you can buy food in the hospital, this might not be something you want to eat all the time; this means that it might be a good idea to pack healthy snacks for you to munch on. We can’t get enough of The Unrefined Bakery and their delicious snack bars. As well as being vegan, gluten and dairy free, these yummy nibbles contain no refined sugar and are a great source of fibre (good news for your first postpartum poo!). Plus, you can eat them one-handed, which is a big win!
5. WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG: LIP BALM
If you plan on using gas and air during labour, then you may find that your lips are left dry and chapped. This can become sore and uncomfortable, which means that packing a lip balm for you to use during labour is a great way to be kind to yourself.
6. WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG: PERINEAL SPRAY
Another way to help to soothe your perineum is to buy yourself a specially designed spray. These contain ingredients that will make you feel as comfortable as possible and will also help with healing. A bottle of Natural Birthing Company Bottoms Up Spray won’t go amiss.
7. WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG: SLIPPERS
When you are in hospital, you will need to be able to get up and walk around. This means that you need to have something on your feet. Sure, you can use flip flops as they are easy to slip on and off, but if you want to keep your feet warm too, then a cosy pair of slippers are the way to go.
8. WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG: A GOOD NIPPLE BALM
If you plan on breastfeeding, then this can soon take its toll on your nipples in the early days. Applying nipple cream will make sure that your nipples don’t get sore and cracked as you feed, and can make the process easier for you. Try a jar of Nessa Nipple SOS. This relieving balm is 100% natural, 95% organic, vegan and fragrance free.
Ooh, one last thing to keep in mind is making sure that you have a big enough bag and that it contains everything you need. Not only for your new baby but also for you too!
