There are loads of things you need to do before your baby arrives but here I list the top three things to do, for you.
Pamper day
There are lots of lovely treatment bundles offered for pregnant women. However, you can choose individual treatments and make your own bundle.
I choose to get a manicure as I didn’t want my nails to ruin my newborn’s pictures. I got a pedicure as I struggle to reach my feet now and a foot massage really helps bring down the swelling. I got a lash lift & tint so I don’t need to worry about mascara when going makeup free.
I like treatments that make my life easier. Although, now she is late I may need to get my nails redone.
NB: You may need to remove nail polish at hospital if you need certain procedures, for example a c-section.
Making Memories
I knew as I get more pregnant I would find it harder to do things but I still wanted to make memories with my son. We had a lovely day out with friends at Colchester zoo. It was hard walking around but the smile on his face made it worthwhile.
Towards the end of my pregnancy I’ve planned activities for my son to go out with his grandparents. He had a week crash course in swimming with his Grandma, a Festival day with his granddad and next week he’s out with his nanny. This has enabled him to have fun and for me to rest a little. I’m so grateful for the supportive network I have around me.
When he went to the festival, my husband and I got to have a lovely childfree meal together. We also did some chores I was struggling to get done at home and although the house isn’t looking spotless, it does look so much better.
Some couples go on a baby moon (last holiday as a couple before baby arrived). I would like to have done this with my husband but we needed to use our time off work to cover the absence of childcare during school holidays and didn’t have enough days left for anything else. However, we were going to Centre Parcs when I found out I was pregnant so you could say we had a family moon (last holiday as a family before adding another child).
https://instagram.com/p/BcDECgVhCYB/
Bump pics
I have really struggled with this. Often I am so busy with Noah I forget about myself. I also feel huge, not well and tired which make me not in the mood to have my photo taken.
We tried a family day out at the beach and took pictures but my belly popped out in an unsightly way that made me look like Onslow from Keeping Up Appearances.
Fortunately, I finally got some pictures when I hit the 40 weeks milestone by simply taking some pics at home.
If you can afford a professional shoot then go for it. I did with my first and love the photos taken but the hidden costs made it way more expensive than I anticipated which is why I didn’t go for it this time. Click here for my tips on booking a shoot.
I hope you found my list useful. I’d love to hear what you did, for you, before baby arrived.
With my first I left packing my bag until the day I went into labour and although I’ve tried to be more organised this time, it’s still not fully packed.
My bag is an overnight bag using an old small suitcase, the sort you can take on a cheap flight as carry on luggage. I’m not planning on staying in longer unless there is a complication. If that happens, my hubby can bring me more stuff.
For labour
Hypnobirthing Parents’ Workbook: RRP £10.00
We bought this book as part of the free antenatal course delivered by our local midwives. Click here to read my article about hypnobirthing.
Neom: Aromatherapy mist – RRP £8.00
I wasn’t sure which scent to buy so got one of each to try. Most aromatherapy oils seem to be a pippet liquid oil or roller ball pulse point. I liked the idea of a mist as I can spritz the air or some fabric. I also got their mini hand creams to try.
Kindle fire: It was a gift but google says about £50.00
As my hubby has amazon prime we were able to download the music used during our hypnobirth course for free. It will also double up as entertainment as I can read, watch movies, play games and browse the internet.
Currently, these are my emergency snacks from my locker at work – I brought them home on my last day. I’m planning on ordering a graze box as I got free vouchers in my bounty packs. I really fancied JOM Candy but it’s not easy to buy.
Joseph Joseph: water bottle – £9.00 but I think I got mine half price in a sale.
The bottle never leaks and I like the clicks feature. Keeping hydrated during labour is very important.
Scarf: Bought years ago by a friend years ago when popular as sarong and shawls. These can be used during labour to do the Rebozo techniques.
Stay Cool Ice Towel: Whilst shopping for a fan I saw this and it sounds amazing. You just add water and it stays cool for hours. It is used by sporty people but I’m going to use it in labour. It is currently on order as I had to wait until pay day but I’m hoping it will arrive in time.
Travel brush & hair bands: When it gets hot, it is useful to tie my hair back. Also, handy to make myself look presentable when I get cleaned up afterwards.
For baby
M&Co: Seven piece start set – RRP £18.00
The trickiest thing is guessing what size your baby will be. With my first I had tiny baby and newborn clothes. He was 8 pounds 12 ounces and fit in newborn clothes for a week.
This time, all I’ve packed is a set from M&Co in size newborn. This set is great value for money and all you need. It consists of a vest, top, trousers, sleepsuit, two bibs and a hat.
Kit & Kin: Size 1, panda, pack of 20 – RRP £4.00
I got these eco nappies from Boots so I could collect my club card points. I’ve got a few different nappies but these are hands down the cutest.
Organyc: Cotton wool pads – RRP £2.48
Newborn skin is so sensitive and you should use only water to clean their bums for as long as possible. You’ll get told to use cotton wool balls but they can get stuck to sticky poo – the first baby poo is like black tar. I found the pads much better.
Naty: Sensitive wipes (unscented) – RRP £2.95
I plan to use cotton wool and water to clean her bum but packed these just in case things get messy. They are eco friendly and only use safe ingredients. I got them in an ambassador deal (click here to learn more).
The Little Art Collection: Poppy Muslim – RRP £12.50
Mopping up baby sick is one of the unglamorous tasks of being a mum but this beautiful muslin makes it so much better. It is super soft and I plan use it for swaddling, as a blanket or feeding cover up. It’s too pretty for sick (except if the bibs run out).
Hipp Organic: Combiotic first infant milk (6x 90ml booties with teats) – RRP £8.00
I’m planning to breast feed again but got these incase I can’t. If I’m going to give my baby formula I want chemical free and as natural as possible. In addition, these pre-made bottles are sterilised and ready when you are. With Noah, I kept these in my changing bag for emergencies like if a creepy man kept staring – thankfully it never happened. It did come in useful when I left him with my mum and a leaky bottle of expressed milk. The lid wasn’t on tight and my milk was lost, luckily my mum was able to use one of these.
For me
Happy Mama: Breast feeding nightdress – RRP £11.62
There was also a matching robe but I remember how hot the ward was in November, so I expect it will be hotter than hell in August. The less layers the better.
Cottons: Maternity pads with wings – RRP £3.95
Buying sanitary products is never exciting but I got mine from My Pure. This online store knocks £5 off of you buy five products (encourages you to stock up). In addition, they have a selection of free gifts if you spend £30 in one transaction. I got a Madara face peel mask (RRP £24) and the next time I chose the PHB Ethical Beauty pressed eye shadow (RRP £9.99). It certainly made me more excited to get my order.
Breast pad:
Lansinoh – free samples from bounty
Little lamb – £11.25 washable pads
Theraline Mamma Pads – £9 reusable invisible pressure pads (sticks to skin and prevents leaks whilst sleeping)
Last time, I found the washable pads brilliant as they were so absorbent and saved me money or having to keep ordering pads. The only issue I had was leaking in the night, so, I’m hoping Theraline will be the answer to that little problem.
Book: Who runs the world – RRP £7.99
I bought this at FBF after the author talk. It’s set in the future and about a world where a virus has almost wiped all men out so most women have never seen one. Click here to read my post about this book.
Note pad with pen: Various/Gifts
I don’t think I’m allowed to charge my kindle or phone at hospital (except for the purpose of hypnobirthing), plus there may be no WiFi! So, I will take some offline resources to enjoy.
Disaster Designs: Boho Make-up bag – £24.95
I actually don’t own a make up bag as I rarely take makeup out with me. This was a treat to myself and very pretty. I don’t intend to wear much makeup whilst in hospital, so all I have packed is:
Vapour: Concealer
Lue by Jean Seo: Blemish treatment
RMS: Signature set – Mod collections (contains master mixer, living luminizer, smile lip2cheek, spell lip2cheek and cococa lip/skin balm)
Pacifica: BB cream
Axiology: lipstick (shade The Goodness)
I recently got a lash lift & tint so don’t need mascara.
Disaster Designs: Boho Wash bag – £29.95
Whilst treating myself to the makeup bag, I had to get the matching wash bag which is so spacious. Inside, I will pack:
Bloomtown: Roller ball perfume
Salt of the Earth: Natural deodorant
Lucky Cloud: Balm Cleanser
Bespoke Aroma: Facial Mist (Toner)
Green People: Moisturiser & face oil
Concious Skincare: Shampoo & Conditioner
Pacifica: Body wash
Isla: Body oil
A’Kin: Dry shampoo
Pacifica: Deodorant wipes
Tooth brush & tooth paste
I’ve been collecting sample/travel sizes from my subscription boxes to save space in my bag. I also hope I won’t need to use the dry shampoo or deodorant wipes but they are just incase I need to freshen up and can’t wait to use the facilities (festival style).
Coming home outfit: I’ve packed a black nursing vest that doesn’t need a bra and a black floral maxi skirt with a stretchy waist band. I’ve packed three pairs of big comfy knickers.
My hubby can bring more if I stay longer but I’m so big now that most my maternity clothes are limited and in constant use. If I stay in, he’ll just bring me whatever’s clean (and may have to do laundry).
Coming home
Car seat: This time we bought a travel system and got the MeeGo Milano. The car seat is part of the package.
Baby hat: As it is August, I won’t be dressing her in a coat but she does need a hat (hospital rule) to be allowed to leave. As there’s one in the M&Co set, we’re sorted.
What have you packed?
Did you pack any essentials that I’ve missed? How late did you leave packing your bag?
