Packing my Hospital Bag

Time has been flying and most of my pregnancy this time was spent in the lockdown with me shielding from the outer world. One good thing about the lockdown is that we got to spend a lot more quality time as a family. I have also been busy in gardening which I never thought I would be involved in but actually, I have been finding it very therapeutic. Anyways, I am over 8 months (37 weeks to be precise) now and am very close to seeing my baby which actually feels unreal.

Here are a few things I have packed for my hospital bag:

• Natural Birthing Company Mama’s Moments Birthing Essentials Kit – This kit comes with everything you may need during the labor or after delivery. I love that the kit comes with all-natural products like a cooling spray for the body when you’re in labor, relaxing oil for easing off any discomfort. It also comes with a bottoms-up spray that helps with soreness after stitches down there and a sleeping pillow mist for a relaxing sleep after delivery.

• Lola’s Apothecary Sweet Lullaby roll-on massage oil – This oil is only for my early labor when I want to feel a bit relaxed. Its sweetness comes from vanilla and sweet orange, grounded by patchouli, with spicy ylang ylang wrapping an exotic comfort blanket around French lavender. This oil contains 100% natural fragrance and is made from the finest pure essential oils.

• Amly Botanicals Purifying Hands Spray – One of the most essential items you might need at the hospital is a purifying hand sanitizer or hand spray. This mist contains 62% alcohol (WHO recommends a minimum of 60%), Eucalyptus & Thyme to combat viruses while Organic Aloe Vera hydrates skin. This is a Plant-based and vegan hand sanitizer with anti-bacterial and antiviral natural ingredients.

• Face Mask – Super important during these COVID-19 times! I have packed the one that came with the Cohorted Essentials kit

• Hand Sanitiser – Again this one is from the Cohorted Essentials Kit. Though I already have Amly Botanicals purifying spray but keeping an extra hand sanitizer won’t do any harm.

• Fragrance-free Body Wash – I have decanted the Emulsion shower-gel base which is a lovely fragrance-free, essential oil-free, and SLS-free option. You may add a fragrance to the shower gel with a choice of Emulsion Add ons for a more personalized experience. I have added Sweet Dust fragrance to the gel for my bathroom. It is such a gorgeous uplifting scent plus my bathroom smells so good after a shower.

• Skincare – travel size balm cleanser, face spray (Chantecialle pure rosewater – travel size), Drunk Elephant serum, and Virgin Manuka Oil from The Littles Kit, Bjork & Berries Rescue Balm, Caudalie Vinosource moisturizer (travel size).

• Fragrance-free deodorant (roll-on) – Some hospitals do not prefer the fragrance of deodorants in the bathrooms plus fragranced products should be avoided during the first few weeks with the baby. I have packed Clinique Roll-on Antiperspirant deodorant for the purpose.

• Dry shampoo (travel size) – I do not intend to wash my hair if I am not staying in the hospital for more than a day or two. This is because I want to spend less time in common bathrooms and I will not have access to hairdryers in the cold weather. I would rather use a dry shampoo to freshen up my hair and wash them in the comfort of my home when I am back to my place and know that my mum and my husband can take care of the baby. I have packed IGK Hair Direct Flight Multi-tasking Dry shampoo which is just absolutely amazing for a quick refresh of hair. It takes away oil, dirt, and sweat instantly without leaving any white residue.

• Makeup – Tinted Lip balm or lip crayon, Perricone MD No-lipstick lipstick, eyebrow pencil ( Hourglass brow arch), mascara, concealer, Joshwood Color Root cover crayon

• Front Buttons Nightie for giving birth
• Towel
• Maternity Pads
• Nursing Pads
• Lansinoh HPA Nipple Cream
• Flip flops
• Big Granny or Disposable Knickers
• Nursing clothes
• Going home comfy outfit

For Baby, I have packed the outfits in clear zip-lock bags. I got the cactus print Large zip lock bags from Amazon and packed each outfit along with the nappy separately. This way, I will not waste time finding things in the suitcase. All, I have to do is just take out a bag and it will have a vest, all-in-one, nappy, and a hat. I have packed a mix of both newborn and 0-3 months sizes for vests and onesies. I am taking the following essentials:

• First Outfit (half sleeve vest + full-sleeved bodysuit with inbuilt mittens and socks) + Hat
• Cellular blanket – 2
• Vest half sleeves – 4
• Vest full sleeves – 2
• Bodysuits – 4
• Muslin Clothes – 3
• Readymade formula milk – cow & gate
• cotton wool for cleanup
• water wipes
• Nappies – 15
• Nappy sacks
• plastic bag for dirty clothes
• Fur All-in-one or Snowsuit depending upon the weather. My husband will bring the outerwear along with the car seat when he will come to pick us.

Things are looking well in control but I am still nervous as if I am giving birth for the first time. It may be because times are challenging due to COVID-19 and I will be delivering a baby after almost 7 years! Hope things go well and I give birth to a healthy baby (Fingers crossed!).

I will be away from Blog and social media for about a week or so but will be back as soon as I can. I just want to enjoy every moment with my baby instead of stressing out for a blog post (if you know, you know!).

Please do let me know if I missed something. Rest, I will keep you posted. Until next time, Ashh xo

*Some products in this post were very kindly sent to me as gifts either recently or in the past. Opinions are my own and unbiased.