Okay, I am going to admit something straight off the bat – when I had my first daughter Evie, I was completely underprepared. Not in the sense that I didn’t pack enough (you will get a good giggle when I mention some of the ‘essentials’ I did pack in my hospital bag). No, I was underprepared in the sense that I had no idea what was coming. Of course people would tell me labour didn’t tickle and that it wasn’t really like what you see on television, but my Mum – and bless her for not freaking me out, told me that giving birth was like, and I quote her directly here ‘having a big poo’. Put it this way, after I had Evie, I suggested to my Mum that she seek medical advice ASAP! But I digress, to cut a long story short, I was induced due to being overdue, so I knew exactly when I was going to be giving birth. In addition to straightening my hair, shaving my legs and applying my make up the morning I was due to give birth (time that would have been better spent in bed resting for the day ahead), I packed my hair dryer (full-size, not travel), hair straightener and full make up bag – these items did not see the light of day during my 48 hour hospital stay.
Second time around, I feel like I have it a bit more sussed – although part of me (the unrealistic part) does aspire to look like Kate Middleton when I leave my little suburban hospital. Here is what makes up ‘my side’ of the hospital bag.
- 1 x old nightie for birth
- 1 x button front Sussan nightie
- 2 x pyjama pants from Cotton On Body
- 2 x breastfeeding tanks from Kmart
- 1 x loungewear outfit from Cotton On Body featuring printed, cotton harem pants and long sleeve lose-fit tee
- Bonds breastfeeding tank to wear under tee to allow for easy breastfeeding access
- Sussan hooded zip up jacket
- This one is probably not necessary, but I’ve also packed a ‘leaving hospital’ outfit, should I feel like getting dressed. I’ve gone with a striped Cotton On maxi skirt, vibrant orange Metalicus lose-neck tank, Just Jeans chambray shirt and black rubber thongs.
- 8 x pairs of full brief cotton underwear from Kmart
- 3 x pairs of socks
- 3 x breastfeeding bras from Loveable
- Slippers from Cotton On Body
In the way of toiletries, I am still going to pack a little bit of makeup (concealer, bronzer, cream blush and lip gloss only) because if I am feeling up to it, covering my under-eye bags and giving my face a wash of colour does make me feel good. Other more essential items include:
- Maternity pads
- Nursing pads
- Nipple cream
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Travel size body wash
- Loofah
- Travel size shampoo and conditioner
- Travel size facial cleansing wipes
- Travel size deodorant
- Shower cap
- Bepanthen
- Hair ties and pins
- Travel size cotton buds
- Hairbrush
- Face moisturizer
For baby number two, I have packed with practicality top of mind. With Evie I packed fussy little onsies and stressed to my mum that if I had a girl, she was to bring some baby headbands pronto. What I learnt is more buttons mean more work, the Marquise nightie soon became Evie’s staple nightwear because in the middle of the night when I was knee deep in nappy changing, all I needed to do was lift the nightie to change her nappy and re-swaddle her. Oh and the headband – when she was born, I was so scared that I might break her that there was no way I was going to be putting a headband on her soft little head. With these lessons in mind, here is my baby checklist:
- 2 x Marquise nighties
- 2 x Marquise onsies
- 1 x Seed onsie
- 4 x Marquise singlets
- 2 x socks
- 2 x mittens
- 2 x cotton hats
- 3 x extra-large swaddle wraps
- 1 x cellular blanket
- 1 x packet of newborn nappies
- 1 x packet of fragrance-free baby wipes
All that is left to do now is download my favourite ‘you can do it’ songs and burn them to CD – I envisage myself belting out Eye of the Tiger as I birth baby #2.