The Leia Guide To…The Hospital Bag.
The time is finally here and unless you’re exceptionally well organised, your due date is nearing and you’re looking to prepare the all important hospital bag in anticipation of a new arrival. It’s an exciting time, if not a little nerve wracking, but the bag and belongings that you choose to take with you can offer great comfort in your hours of need. And with this in mind, Leia would like to share some of their thoughts and ideas on items that they found to be helpful.
1. One of the most important items to pack is a comfortable nightdress, you’re unsure exactly how long you will be in hospital as sometimes these little bundles like to make a late entrance. With this a fairly likely chance, we suggest a loose fitted, soft fabric night dress in a dark colour, such as the one found at Seraphine. Designed with an open front to give you room to breathe, this relaxed night dress is the perfect choice. We’d also recommend packing two, just in case!
2. One thing we learnt the hard way; flip flops. Easy to slide on and no bending required, especially if you’re post c-section and need to be as gentle on yourself as possible. They also afford you that extra comfort for the showers as you never quite know who or what you’re sharing your space with.
3. A carefully orchestrated wash bag - you might not think it, but when you’re feeling uncomfortable and out of sorts (to put it mildly), one of the best things to boost yourself can be to freshen up. There’s also those all important pictures that will inevitably be taken, and a face wipe and hair brush can make that prospect far more appealing. Some really useful items we’d recommend are a toothbrush and toothpaste for obvious reasons, wet wipes, lip balm (a particular saviour of ours is Dr. Paw Paw Original Balm), hair brush (tangle teaser’s are reasonably small and can pack away easily), dry shampoo (bastiste is a firm favourite at Leia as is Orbe Gold Lust), deodorant and a small unscented body wash. Of course you can add whatever items make you feel good but we think these are the key essentials.
4. It might not fit in the case but we wouldn't be without a super soft and relaxing pregnancy pillow. Leia loves the ‘Widgey Feeding Nursing and Pregnancy Pillow’. It offers great support during labour and is ideal when breast or bottle feeding. It can be used in multiple ways to provide comfort throughout pregnancy and beyond, and it comes in a variety of muted and pretty patterns to suit every taste.
5. Another useful item that may have been overlooked, is the eye-mask. Hospitals don’t tend to work on social hours, and you may be sharing your space with others. You’ll also have people coming along to check on you periodically and if you’re looking to get a little rest, an eye-mask will be a true life saver. We love the the uber cool stylings of the Desmond and Dempsey masks, available in cotton or silk.
6. Extra clothes - The main points here are comfy and loose. Your body will be going through an enormous change and it’s important to let it rest and recover. Now, we’re not saying you shouldn't be feeling great about yourself but the very last thing you’ll want to pull on are a pair of skinny white jeans. Follow the link to find our choice of comfy, loose trousers. And not forgetting, extra knickers. Again, our advice would be something black and something a little on the bigger side.
7. These next bits are the items that without doubt, you don’t think you’ll forget, but as you use them all the time, it’s easy to head off to the hospital in all the excitement and leave without them. The trusty phone charger. I know we don’t want to think of ourselves glued to our phones but in all honesty, sometimes you’ll be glad of the distraction. It’s also needed for a few photos and texts to your nearest and dearest once your little bundle has arrived. Headphones also make our list, whether it’s a podcast or your favourite playlist, sometimes these things just get us through. If hypnobirthing then also great to listen to your relaxations.
8. Maternity pads; not the most glamorous we grant you, but also not something everyone is aware of, especially if you’re a new mama. These will make you feel a little more secure in those first few days. Non plastic are also great.
9. A bag of your favourite sweets is a must. Labour is exhausting and a little sugar pick me up can be a real help.
10. Something we found hugely useful was a water bottle with straw, it might be ridiculously simple and almost seem unnecessary but it can be incredibly useful in labour. Leia loves the Contigo Autospout Water Bottle, it has an easy open straw and a wide ‘mouth’ so it can easily be filled with ice too. Keeping hydrated is so important and drinking through a straw makes it all the more easy when your partner can hold the bottle.
11. Of course, all these hugely helpful items aren’t all that helpful if you don’t have a bag to get them there in. What you need from your baby bag is something multi-functional, and that’s exactly what we found in the Jem & Bea Marlow Black bag. Not only does it look great with its simple, contemporary design, but it can carry all your essential items and attaches to your pram to make life a little easier. It’s big without being too big and rather brilliantly, it can be wiped down, if and when those little accidents do occur.
12. And last but certainly not least, your favourite Leia top and muslin square combination. You’ll be able to nurse easily, cover baby, and still fell confident in your go to maternity top. With you for the most special times of your life.
Love, Leia x
