Hospital bag for labour

Packing your hospital is so exciting it feels like a step towards meeting your little baby. I have packed mine very early this time, as the midwife told me too. Nobody has any idea when baby's going to come but she felt like I should get a bag packed just in case. 

I had a c-section with Jackson and spent 4 days in hospital. Then a natural birth with Florence and spent under 24 hours in hospital. I am a massive believer that you should pack whatever makes you feel comfortable and don't worry about 'overpacking'. Saying that I also think that you (birth partner) should be able to carry it. Both times you are moved around a bit and its handy if you don't have 15 bags to carry around. We are taking a cabin suitcase, with wheels so that it's easy to carry and also a rucksack. 

Suitcase 

• New pj's - Mine are super big size from primark, it is super lovely to get into clean new pjs afterwards and for me its an essential
• Big pant, black preferably 
• Flip flops, mainly for using after labour and for the showers
• Make up - you don't have to take any but there are a lot of photos after the baby is born and a little make up can make me feel so much better
• Hair Brush
• Hair bands 
• Towel - for you
• Going home outfit 
• Dirty washing bags - I didn't use it with Florence but it was handy with Jackson so I could just give Chris the bag and he could go home wash it and bring more bits back. 
• Maternity pads
• Breast pads - Generally your milk doesn't come in until day 3 or 4 but just in case
• Toiletries 
• Tooth Brush- always bring one for Chris too just in case
• Tooth paste
• Shower gel- sensitive one!! 
• Shampoo and conditioner 
• Face wash 
• Make up remover 
• Face cream 
• Body cream 
• Deodorant 

I'm going to also put the baby bits into the suitcase, making it easier. 

• 3x baby grows 
• 3x vests
• Hat 
• Blanket
• Nappies 
• Wipes 
• Muslin cloths 
• Coat - all in one
• Teddy- we are yet to buy it but we brought the last 2 a little teddy to take to the hospital for both pictures and to tell them when they are bigger. 

Rucksack is more of a labour bag, things that would could need during labour. 

• Notes 
• Snacks - I didn't eat during either labours but used it afterwards. 
• Drinks - we packed lucasad 
• Water bottle 
• Straws so it's easier during labour to drink
• Cooling spray 
• Massage oil 
• Headphones 
• Socks - I have never used them but people say that they sometimes get cold feet during labour
• Phone charger 
• Camera 
• Camera charger 

A few things that will be thrown into the car are: 

• baby car seat 
• The kids presents from baby, I hope that they get to meet the baby at home but if I am in hospital for a few days they will come up to the hospital
• My breast feeding pillow, this was really lovely for after labour as an extra pillow and to help with the feeding

Let me know if you have any other tips. 

Love Sophia xxx

35 and 36 Weeks Pregnancy Update

Here's my 35 and 36 weeks pregnancy update...

Symptoms: At the beginning of the week, my heart burn felt like it got worse but then towards to the end of 36 weeks it seems like it calmed down a bit. 

My emotions have been all over the place though. I know that I am tired but playing with the kids is more difficult at the moment, so it makes me feel like a bad mum, which doesn't help! I am also starting to worry about how I am going to cope once the baby arrives. I remember I felt like this when I was pregnant with Florence but ,again, I know it's because I am tired, inpatient to meet him and generally uncomfortable. 

I had another midwife appointment, in which everything went well. She said the baby was 2/5th engaged. She seemed to think that the baby would be here sooner than due date, which was quite scary! She's said it before - how does she really know? But I am also holding on to this and hoping that the baby will come sooner rather than later!!! 

Food Cravings: Like most of this pregnancy, nothing in particular, just food in general. 

Movement: Loads of movement lately. I don't think that I have much waters this time as I can see so much of his limbs and HUGE lumps coming out of my belly. 

Sleep: I am so tired but am still waking loads through the night! 

Things I Am Missing: Starting to look forward to a glass of wine now. 

Best Moment: Just getting closer to meeting baby 

Worst Moment: Still haven't found a car, which I know is not the end of the world but it's playing havoc on my nesting!!! 

Love Sophia xxx

33-34 Weeks Pregnancy Update

Here's my 33-34 weeks pregnancy update...

Symptoms: The last few week have dragged!!!!! Still feels so long until I get to meet my baby boy. I know that the next 6 weeks will go by in a flash but just feels ages away still. 

My heartburn has been a bitch the last few weeks, which is also bringing back the nauseous feeling at times too. 

Bump has got massive now and preventing me from bending down or generally squeezing into medium sized places. I'm also bumping it on things all the time, like I have just got massive over night and am not prepared for the size of it! 

I have had sooooooo many Braxton Hicks towards the begging of week 33, to the point where I was a little worried but they have definitely slowed down now. 

Had a midwife appointment and everything was fine but she did say make sure you get your bags packed by the weekend. Which seems very early (how does she know??) but there's no harm in doing it, so bags are all packed now (mostly anyway). 

Food Cravings: I have been waking up so hungry!! But not particularly craving anything. 

Movement: In the evening, he goes crazy and my whole tummy is moving side to side, when you see the limbs moving too. 

Sleep: I am very tired in the evenings but not sleeping too well either, as I keep having loads of dreams. 

Things I Am Missing: Nothing much this time.

Best Moment: Getting my bags packed - I feel like super woman being so organised! Still need to buy a new car as currently wont be able to get everyone in but that's pretty much it! 

Worst Moment: The Braxton Hicks, as I was worried and as much as I can't wait to see the baby, I am glad that he's still in my tummy. I think this early would mean a longer time in hospital!  

Love Sophia xxx