The Mummy-Diaries 1.6

What I’m packing in my Hospital Bag - the second time around

I packed a huge bag of stuff last time around, and used about 1/10th of what I schlepped to the hospital with me. Aside from the basics, like a toothbrush, hairbrush, face wash and moisturiser, there really isn’t that much more that needs packing. So for anyone who, like me two and a half years ago, is packing the world and taking advice from insta-moms that suggest bringing herbal medication, eye masks and foot rub to the hospital, let me break down what I’ve got in my bag- and what worked for me!

Firstly, thank the Lord for Frida Mom products. I used almost everything they make with and for my first baby, and didn’t think twice before purchasing the Frida Mom Postpartum Kit for c-section recovery. This includes a c-section belly band, c-section recovery must haves, socks for the hospital, disposable underwear, peri bottle, cleansing wipes, and scar patches. Of course, not all of the products I’d use in hospital, so I took out the scar patches that I will start using a few weeks postpartum and the peri bottle because not quite sure on that one (maybe just me, and correct me if I’m wrong)... I also didn’t bind my stomach the last time around, because I felt so sore and vulnerable that the thought of compression seemed sickening. I am determined to try a very light stomach bind from Frida Mom this time around though, and am excited to compare the healing and postpartum results.

I loved drinking litres of water post birth last time, and not having to worry about getting up to use the bathroom because of the catheter I had in for the first few hours post surgery. I have my trusted STANLEY cup, which I use way too little, that is going to make an appearance in hospital, and I’ve been adding in electrolytes by a brand called Oshun, which I’ve really been loving too. I don’t want to over-do it, so I may just add the electrolytes in at home, and then any additional water top-ups will be plain. This one is the 1913 Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler 1.2L. Pink of course, because it honestly lifts my mood and makes me feel better about everything in life.

I have an annual sleep club subscription to Baby Mori for my daughter, and we receive a new pyjama in growing sizes every month, which has not only been a life saver, but also just so handy. The cotton is organic and super soft, and it’s just one less thing to worry about. I had these sleepsuits in pink for my daughter, and ordered a few blue and white versions for my baby boy. They are called the Clever Zip Sleepsuit, because the zip opens from both sides on the front, so no fussing around with buttons and no undressing for nappy changes. I really can only recommend these to any new parent. I also packed some Peachies nappies in size newborn, two hats, one in cotton and one fleece for when we leave the hospital, and a cashmere blanket for the baby to stay nice and cosy. And that’s it.

The first meal after birth is somehow something that a lot of mothers fantasise about. The last time I dreamed up my favourite seafood pasta dish from my absolute dream Italian restaurant in Chelsea, and my husband trecked down there and picked up the pasta, tiramisu, cheese sticks, and bread basket, which I fully devoured whilst in the recovery suite. Little did I know that carbs are the absolute worst thing to have post c-section, and honestly I’m still baffled that the nurses failed to stop me from shovelling a meal that would feed a family of four into me. So this time around I am planning to drink a large cup of bone broth, and have ordered the Freja Instant Chicken Bone Broth. The version I ordered is the Chicken | 100% Natural | Rich in Collagen, Protein & Amino Acids | Dairy & Gluten Free, 4 boxes (4 x 15g Sachets Per Box), and I’ve taken a full box in my hospital bag with me, along with some nuts and raisins to keep me going.

I packed so many changes of clothes for myself the last time around, and ended up wearing only the hospital robe because it was July and so incredibly hot I thought I would melt during the day. So this time I opted for just one cosy pyjama set, which is button down at the front so I can breast feed without having to change. It’s freezing now, so the Olivia von Halle Vanderbilt cashmere pyjama set is what’s in my bag at the moment. I’ve also just panic washed and packed a fleecy bathrobe to throw on over, and have added in a pair of sheepskin slippers that a good friend gifted me for Christmas. A fresh tee shirt, nursing bra and socks for my car journey home, and honestly there is nothing else I need or would suggest packing- unless you’re planning on welcoming visitors to the hospital, which is something I am most certainly am not doing.

Finally, and a very last thought which isn’t even a must, is a pillow for comfort, and because I don’t trust I’ll have enough in hospital. So I’ll bring one of our White Company Canadian Goose Down Pillows from home, and make sure the pillow case is something other than white, so it doesn’t get mixed up with hospital pillows. The car seat is installed next to the toddler seat, and ready to take out for the journey home, which hopefully will only be 2-3 days after delivery. The next to me crib and moses baskets are covered with blankets to stop the cat from turning it into her sleep space between now and the baby arriving home, and we are set!

I can’t wait for this new chapter in our lives.