OK, so you’re well into your third trimester, and you’ve been told it’s time to pack your hospital bag………….
Cue the overthinking…. AND overpacking!!!
(oh, you were sensible about this whole thing?? It was just me that went overboard the first time round, then? Right ;-p)
Well, the time has rolled around for me to pack my bag again, and being somewhat of a seasoned professional now, I wanted to share with you my suggestions and save you ladies the stress & angst!
Here is MY list for the minimalist mum (based on a 24-48 hour stay):
MUST HAVES:
- 5 pack dark coloured granny undies (aka full briefs)
- 1 pack maternity pads
- 1 x nightie or PJ’s for me
- 1 x loose dress or comfy outfit for me – to leave the hospital in & for any photo’s. Preferably dark in colour!
- 2 x maternity bras / crops
- 1 x cardigan (the aircon in hospital can get quite cool, regardless of what time of year you give birth)
- 1 x pack reusable nursing pads (1 have 7 pairs from @bamboobasix)
- My trusty bra-warmers! (This is due to my raynauds – you may not need them)
- 8 x newborn nappies for each day you are in hospital
- 3 x singlets for bub
- 3 x onesies for bub
- Toothbrush & toothpaste & body wash
- Face wash, serum, moisturiser, lip balm, mascara (so I can feel vaguely human in photo’s)
- Phone + charger
- Snacks!! Fruit, nuts, bliss balls & my home-made lactation cookies are my go-to’s! (Recipe below!)
THINGS TO MAKE THE LABOUR / BIRTH / STAY INFINITELY BETTER:
- Essential oils!
Clary Sage during labour to keep everything moving (and to keep me calm),
Balance for a happy chilled out mama, and Lemon to snort straight from the bottle for morning pick me ups!
Some other tips for first time mama’s leading into labour & birth?
- If you don’t have something – just ask. Hospitals will have enough spare supplies for you.
- EAT!!! Eat as you feel the need during labour (especially if it’s long. Stick with snacking to keep up your energy. You also need to eat to heal, so don’t be afraid to search out the kitchen and help yourself, whatever the time of day or night. If you can bring your own healthy snacks you will not only have them at hand, but you’ll be getting the nutrients you need to support healing, too.
- Be your own, and your baby’s, advocate. Use your voice & speak up for what you want / don’t want.
- Know that you have just birthed a human and this alone makes you a SUPERWOMAN!! You are doing amazing mama!
- Honestly, you are a SUPERSTAR. Stop doubting yourself.
- Opt for dark colours for your ‘leaving the hospital’ clothing. I was NOT prepared for the amount of bleeding there would be post-birth, and this helps remove that anxiety.
- And finally – yes, they will let you leave that hospital with that gorgeous little babe in your arms, even though you feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. DO NOT go back to the nurses station and ask if they’re sure it’s ok for you to leave, because they will just think you’re a weirdo. K? ;-p
Lactation cookies (makes 16) – these will keep in the fridge for up to a week
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup wholemeal self raising flour
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
1 egg
2 Tbsp water
1 Tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp brewers yeast
½ tsp salt
1.5 cups oats
¼ cup sultanas, dates or dried apricots (chopped)
¼ cup shredded coconut
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then add the egg and vanilla. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine the flaxseed and water, let them sit for a few minutes before adding to mix.
Add the dry ingredients (apart from the oats and your additional ingredients) and mix well again.
Finally, stir in the oats and your additional ingredients.
Make the biscuits around dessert spoon size and place them onto a lightly greased or lined baking tray. Flatten with the back of a fork.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden on the edges.
