HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST!

The countdown is on, I've 3 weeks left, so I think it's about time that I got my act together and finish the annoying task of the hospital bag. I recently found a photograph that I took of my bag when I was expecting Tom. When I say I fell around the place laughing I'm not lying, it was hilarious! I had packed books, magazines, a makeup bag that any beauty blogger would be proud of (everything bought brand new), a hair wand, I could go on and on! You'd swear I was heading off for some sort of a spa retreat, followed by a girls weekend in Ibiza. I even had 3 "going home outfits" for Shane, Tom and I laid out at home that Shane was to bring in on the last day of my hospital stay. Needless to say the outfit I had laid out for myself wouldn't go anywhere near me, I put on 4 and 1/2 stone and Tom was only 8lb so you do the math. Also, I wanted to just wear my pyjamas home and hibernate for the foreseeable future.

So I have definitely been a lot more laid back with my approach on this one! Just essentials with maybe the odd luxury item thrown in incase I feel like perking up for visitors.

I've just bought a new comfy pair of leggings and a cosy jumper to wear home this time and nothing for the baby only a new comfy baby grow and a white cardigan that was knitted for Tom when he was born, he wore it home too.

You'll need to pack a smaller bag to take into the delivery room as your big bag will be stored away during the labour, I just brought a large handbag the last time. I will also have another little bag packed at home in case I need extras brought in and don't feel like explaining to Shane where to buy maternity pads.

I honestly remember very little about what I used the last time. Maybe my brain is intentionally blocking it out but if you think I've left anything out then please let me know because my brain doesn't work these days.

The very best of luck with everything ladies. It's tough, no doubt about it but it's worth it and believe me when I tell you that you will feel like superwoman when it's all over!

J x

DELIVERY ROOM BAG

- Nightdress

- Lip Balm (lips can get dry in the hospital)

- Mints/Gum

- Snacks

- Power bank/charger for your phone (to keep the loved ones up to date) I got a power bank in Penneys

- Warm Socks (apparently your feet can get cold during delivery, I can't remember and I don't think I put them on the last time but I'll bring a pair again just in case)

- One nappy, vest, babygrow, hat and cellular blanket for baby.

- If you are attending a hospital in town, I'd recommend to have a bag of change to ensure you're not stuck for the parking machines, or you can just get the Parking Tag app if you can.

FULL HOSPITAL STAY BAG

For Mammy

- A few nightdresses and pyjamas.

- A dressing gown (a light one, the hospitals are so warm)

- A LOT of LARGE knickers. I got great ones in Dunnes. They are full on Bridget Jones but the comfiest thing ever!

- Slippers

- Flip Flops (for the shower, if you want. I'm weird like that)

- Toiletries - the usual suspects... face wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, deodorant, shampoo, moisturiser etc.

- Makeup, if you like, (I never touched mine the last time but will bring a tinted moisturiser and a bit of mascara so as not to scare the visitors this time)

- Couple of towels

- Maternity Pads

- Breast Pads

- Nursing bra (if you are considering breastfeeding).

- More snacks (nothing worse than having a craving for a Cadburys Whole Nut but being stuck in a hospital bed!