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Tip #1 – Have a ‘Plan A’ bag (where everything goes according to plan and you won’t be staying overnight) and a ‘Plan B’ bag (I understand that many women intent to stay a few nights from the outset, so if that’s you, your Plan B bag IS your bag 🙂

For baby:

+ Nappies and wipes (bring the entire packet, you’ll need more than you think)

+ 3-4 Zip (two-way preferable) onesies – forget the ones that button all the way! + Cute outfit for announcement plus a little newborn plaque/sign

+3-4 singlets with the buttons on the crutch – normal singlets just ride up and are a pain!

+ consider beanie/blanket/wrap if it’s really cold

+ half a dozen or so terry towelling cloth nappies – used to wipe up everything, SO handy to have!

+ If you know you’re not planning on breastfeeding, bring bottles, teats and formula

+ Nipple cream is a must – Lansinoh worked a treat for me

+ If you have a pet, take a blanket that baby has been snuggling with back home before you get there

And remember, baby seriously doesn’t need much, they just want you and if you really need something the hospital pharmacy will have it.

For mama:

+Robe/old pyjamas/old t-shirt. Something that you don’t mind never seeing again – sometimes birth can be a bit hard to clean up! Slippers and socks to keep your feet warm

+ VERY COMFORTABLE pyjamas, nothing tight, elastic waist pants, wrap dresses, button down tops etc.

+ 3-4 nursing bras, nursing singlets with the shelf bra

+ Packet of maternity pads (and yes you’ll bleed even if you have C-section)

+ OR like in my case if you’ve had a fair bit of trauma down there, adult nappies are a godsend!

+ Small toiletry case – toothepaste/toothbrush, lip balm, cleanser, moisturiser ( put them in travel size containers) deodorant, I of course had my oils as well! Bring hair bands too.

+ Phone charger

+ 2 x pump water bottles to spray on yourself as you go to the toilet to help with stinging

+ Arnica can be helpful for bruising

+ Healthy snacks. Hospital food is pretty ordinary, so I stocked up on pre-made bliss balls, slices, veggie chips, nut bars etc,

I forgot this in the episode, but ensure you have a trial run with your carseat! Hubby stood there for ages until he worked it out!