When it comes to hospital bags, everyone thinks of the baby gros, the muslins, the maternity wear and the pads (or at least I hope so!).
I have to tell you, the difference between what was in my hospital bag second time round, compared to the first, was huge.
Experience is the best teacher! Here's a list of my top 5 products that no one seems to think of that I fundamentally believe played a huge part in my recovery second time round.
To give you perspective, I birthed a breech baby in the morning and walked out of hospital in the afternoon and did the nursery run the next day.
Here's what worked for me...
1. Glucose tablets
I was popping these every half an hour throughout labour. I didn’t feel depleted or at any point. I never thought: I can’t do this. Instead I felt ready, raring to go with an attitude of “Bring It On!”. The whole time I thought it was going to rank up a notch until I got the urge to push...I was at the finish line already.⠀ ⠀ 2. Pillow Spray
I took a spray which I had used on my pillow while listening to my MP3s and falling asleep at night. Effectively I had anchored the smell and associated it with relaxation. My chosen scent was lavender (obvs!). The association was able to take me straight into the zone, plus it created a “safe” environment for me. Not so clinical, but much more homely.⠀ ⠀ 3. Oral Arnica
Again throughout labour and immediately afterwards for a day or two I took oral arnica which helped my body and my muscles recover. As I said before, I was so comfortable after labour that I was able to do the nursery run for my eldest the next morning. First time round I was sore for days!⠀ ⠀ 4. Silverware Nursing Cups
Place these on your nipples straight after nursing and you’ll soon have nipples of steel, hell yeah! Health visitors have their own opinions on them, but every mother I know who has used them said they wouldn’t be without them. Having had trauma on my nipples first time round, these were an absolute life saver!⠀ ⠀ 5. Aloe Vera Winged Maternity Pad
These are the only maternity pads I could wear. The rest just didn’t cut it. Other pads either didn’t have wings or were too harsh on my lady parts. The aloe vera ones, from Mothercare, are super soothing and stay in place. They work a treat!⠀
So there you have it, my top must-haves that I share with my clients. Tell me, what are your essentials for your hospital bag? I’d love to hear!⠀