Top seven hospital bag essentials for mums-to-be
Packing your hospital bag can be pretty daunting – with it comes the stark realisation that your baby will be making an appearance very soon! But we think that it is very important that YOU are not forgotten about during all this, and we have listed our top 7 hospital bag essentials for mums-to-be (the Birkin bag is optional…)
Hospital nightie
The thought of giving birth in a hospital gown makes us shudder! That’s why we designed our Button through nightie to be a hospital bag essential that you’ll still be able to wear at home. It unbuttons all the way for the first important moments of skin-on-skin contact with your baby, but the shelf bra keeps your boobs covered. This inner shelf bra has a cute star pattern and poppers so you won’t have to faff around with buttons or nursing clips whilst learning how to breastfeed. The bright azure colour will, hopefully, give your spirits a bit of a lift too!
Magazines & Books
Labour can be a very l-o-n-g process and you can end up stuck in bed without any chance of going for a walk (true story!) So in order to keep the boredom (and overthinking) at bay, pack some reading material! Crossword puzzles optional.
Hair bands
As labour progresses the chances are you’ll get v. hot and sweaty, not to mention irritable. So having a few hair bands and clips packed and easily accessible is a pretty safe and practical bet. Don’t forget the brush either – we love the fold up brush and mirror combos.
Lip balm
Having dry and chapped lips is never a nice feeling and you want to look your best in the compulsory after-birth photos with your new baby, so a lip balm could be your saviour. Applied to lips (and to tame brows – top tip) a slick of balm or gloss can really improve your mood – it’s definitely the little things that count!
Snacks
We all know that hospital food isn’t the best – unless you’re having your baby Beyoncé style in a private hospital wing with an a la carte chef. Plan ahead and pop into your bag a few of the sweet or savoury treats that you really enjoy, as well as some high energy cereal bars. Who knows what the vending machine will hold – it could be full of food you don’t like.
Water Spray & Wipes
A nice water spray, either filled up at home or bought from the shops (Evian do a great energising water facial spray BTW) can do wonders when you’re in labour. Treat it as a pick me up when you’re feeling tired and lethargic and a great way to cool down.
Keep in mind: it’s great to spray on feet too, to have an instant cooling down effect.
Make up bag
If you’re the type to wear makeup on the reg, don’t forget a few make up essentials like concealer or BB cream, bronzer or powder and mascara. Ideal to perk you up when you’re feeling a little off colour. Once you’ve had baby you’ll be a bit weepy, definitely shattered and perhaps a bit pasty, so a dusting of makeup can help for your first pictures with baby.
Image credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/Pink_Birkin_bag.jpg