Packing my Hospital Bag | Checklist

With just 4 weeks left until baby number 2 is due, I thought it was about time I packed my hospital bag. Next week I'll be 37 weeks, which means baby is considered 'Full Term' and I could go into labour at any time. Dark & difficult times lie ahead (Harry Potter reference for those who don't know, lol). Having done this before, I can almost remember the main things I really needed/used when at the hospital, and with a little help from Pinterest to rejog the old memory, I've managed to compile a checklist of the things that really do come in handy when going into hospital.

For Mum to Wear

• An old nightie to give birth in. Last time I bought a new one and it got covered in blood and all sorts of other pleasant bodily fluids, and I ended up just binning it as soon as I got a shower.
• Pyjamas for after you're all clean. Preferably dark ones to hide any mishaps. A button down pyjama top will also help if you're planning on breastfeeding.
• Slippers - just because everyone loves a nice comfy pair of slippers to walk around in.
• Dressing gown - maybe not a necessity for some people but I couldn't do without mine.
• 1 or 2 nursing bras (again, only essential if you're planning on breastfeeding, and even then you might just be comfortable in just pyjamas. I probably will be lol).
• Disposable maternity briefs - I found these really handy last time, as they're mahoosive enough to hold those ridiculous maternity pads, and you don't have to worry about stashing loads of dirty knickers in your bag when you need a change. These ones from Asda are cheap.
• Some big comfy knickers - for if/when you run out of disposable ones, or if you want something a bit comfier.

Essentials

• LIP BALM LIP BALM LIP BALM!! I know I sound like a crazed lip balm freak. I am to an extent, as I can't go to bed without it at home, but during labour your lips can get seriously dry, which is why lip balm is an absolute essential for your hospital bag.
• Nipple Cream. This, again, depends on whether you plan on breast/bottle feeding, and it also depends on how long you stay in the hospital. If you're in and out within 24 hours, then it can probably wait at home, but you never know so I'd rather be safe than sorry.
• A hair bobble. Seriously, nobody wants their hair in their face when they're in labour.
• A handy travel mirror. Thank me later.
• Maternity Pads. Yep, those beasts. Normal pads just won't do it at first. You'll bleed the biggest period of your life for a good few weeks. (I did anyway).
• Toothbrush/toothpaste - obviously.
• Small makeup bag with the basics in. You might wanna make yourself look awake/alive for your visitors.
• Toiletries. This is where I save a bit of space. I bought the Badedas 3 in 1 Revitalising Shower Gel, Shampoo & Conditioner, which should do the job in the shower until I get home. I have a big bottle of the Original Badedas Bath Gelee for when I get home, too. Badedas is absolutely amazing on the lady area, especially if you have stitches. It really helped soothe my stitches when I had George.
• Tissues - for the weepy moments, and everything else in between.
• Face Wipes & Moisturiser
• Hair Brush
• A couple of towels, I don't know if all hospitals are the same, but mine advises to bring your own towels.

Essentials for Baby

• Nappies & Wipes. Clearly the biggest essentials going.
• 4 or 5 vests
• 4 or 5 babygrows/sleepsuits
• A swaddle blanket. I didn't take a proper swaddling blanket last time, but I wish I had as newborns love to feel safe and secure in a swaddle.
• Snowsuit for going home in.
• A warm cosy blanket.
• Hat/mittens for if the hospital room is cold.
• Nappy cream suitable for the delicate newborn skin. I've gone for this one.
• Muslin Cloths - just so handy with newborns.

Extras for Mum/Dad

• Bottled Water. I know you can get cups of water in the hospital but bottles are always handy to have on hand.
• Mobile phone & charger.
• Spare change / money. For things like the tv, vending machines, tea/coffee etc.
• Energising snacks (cereal bars are handy for both Mum and Dad).
• Camera
• Tablet, magazines. To keep yourself sane if you stay in hospital a while.
• Maternity file (notes).

So there we have it. I hope this list helps new mums in the future. No doubt I'll have forgotten something SUPER important. If anyone has any other hints or tips please feel free to let me know. I've got most of the essentials now so I'm pretty much ready if the baby decides to make an early appearance. 

Good luck to all those getting ready for labour, it's the scariest, most exciting time in the world and I can't wait to do it all over again.

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34 Week Pregnancy Update

Hi beauties. I'm back again to check in with a long overdue pregnancy update! My last update was at 25 weeks, and I'm now at 34+5 and feeling like an absolute whale! I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy has gone, and I'm starting to really panic fret about the fact that this baby could potentially come within the next few weeks and I've still got so much to sort out.

How I've Been Feeling

Warning: moaner alert! Well last time I was saying how wonderful I'd been feeling (the wonders of the 2nd trimester), but now I'm really starting to feel big and pregnant. I've been getting a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, which I remember getting a lot last time. They don't really hurt, but my whole bump goes rock solid and it feels really uncomfortable for about 30 seconds or so. Also, I ache everywhere, I can't for the life of me get comfortable in any position and my mind is in constant overdrive about everything I need/want to do before the baby comes. Wanna see my hefty list? Well we've gotta... 

• Sort George's new bedroom out. (it's just been painted etc - thanks Hubby).
• Get his new wardrobes & drawers built (another task for Martin) & organise his clothes into there. 
• Move George into his new room and into his big boy's bed (God help us, thats a major task in itself).
• Get all of his newborn baby clothes out, sort through the unisex (white and neutral) baby grows, wash them and organise them.
• Sort out the nursery ready for the new bambino.
• Buy maternity/hospital stuff.
• Pack hospital bag

Not much at all! ARGHHH

Cravings/food aversions? 

None really.

Bump

I swear I must have doubled in size at the weekend. I could even feel myself stretching on Sunday, ouchie! I've got a few more stretchmarks this week that Hubby kindly pointed out! Not happy, but what can you do? I'll just have to work on reducing their appearance once my body is back to normal. This baby is growing at the speed of light and my body is trying hard to keep up. I feel like Bella Swan!!

Baby

I had my 34 week appointment yesterday and she said I was measuring perfectly for 34 weeks which is great news. She said it was a nice healthy heartbeat, and the baby's head is in the down position but still free, which means it hasn't descended down into the pelvis yet. Phew! 

According to Baby Centre, my baby now weighs more then 2.2kg and is approximately 45cm from top to toe! Awwww. I still find it baffling how a human can carry a fully grown baby. Mother Nature at her absolute finest!

Next Appointment

In 2 weeks time when I'll be 36+5

Much love. We'll be back for a final update before baby is born (hopefully) x

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25 Week Pregnancy Update

Heyy lovelies, I'm back again with another pregnancy update! Can't believe I'm 25 weeks already. For some reason this pregnancy is going so much quicker than my first. I think it's probably because this time I've got George to focus on and I'm just loving life. Before we know it Christmas will have been and gone and then I'll be on serious baby countdown! EEEEEEEEK! Best be ready!

How I've Been Feeling

Ahhh I think I've been really lucky again, as the magical 2nd trimester has just been fantastic. Apart from tiredness which is normal, I've been feeling pretty much spot on. I sometimes forget I'm even pregnant to be honest. I do find that if I've been on my feet all day I get unbelievably tired and on the evening I get restless legs (which, if you've never experienced it, is the most annoying feeling in the world). The headaches have settled down, and my appetite is as good as ever. Loving life!

Cravings/food aversions? 

Errrm, do Chocolate Oranges count? Probably not seen as how I get a little obsession with them every year, lol!

Bump

I've just had a little look back at my 17 Week Update and I don't even think I look that much different, although I know I must as that was 8 weeks ago. I had my 24 week appointment with the midwife last week and she said I'm measuring perfectly so that's reassuring. I also got to listen to the heartbeat for the first time which was really exciting. For some reason my hospital don't allow you to listen to the heartbeat at the ultrasound scans which I find really odd, so having to wait until 24 weeks to hear it was a killer but definitely worth the wait. Nothing cuter than hearing the sound of your unborn babies heart beating away. I did a little bump comparison of my first and 2nd pregnancies around the same time....

What do we think? I think I'm slightly bigger than last time, but the bump itself seems to be higher up. Perhaps it's a girrrrl? Eeee love a good bump guess. Hit me with your guesses. I'm starting to get to the point now where I find it uncomfortable to lie on my back, get all breathless n shiz. Nightmareee!

Baby

20 Week Scan - 17th October 2014

I had my 20 week scan on 17th October, and all was healthy and well with the baby. We decided not to find out the sex as we both wanted a surprise. Fast forward 5 weeks and according to BabyCentre, baba now weighs approximately 660g and is about 35cm long from crown to heel and he/she is now starting to gain some baby fat. Can I get a big massive 'awwwwwwwww'? Last week I hit the magic 24 weeks, which means that my pregnancy is now considered 'viable' and if I went into labour now the baby would have a fair chance of survival. How amazing is it that babies can survive these days from such an early stage. Thought I'd mention that seen as how it was World Prematurity Day yesterday. Sending all my love to all of those miracle babies out there.

Next Appointment

My 28 week appointment on 11th December - in which I'll have my blood taken and have the rest of the usual baby checks.

Much love x

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17 Week Pregnancy Update

Hey lovelies. So I've been umming and ahhing about whether or not I should start writing pregnancy/parenting related posts over on this here blog, as it's always been predominantly beauty related. However, I thought what the heck, this is my blog and I should write about what is going on in my life aswell, and this pregnancy (as well as looking after George) will be pretty much the focal point of my life for the next 5/6 months, so sharing it with you seems the right thing to do. Hopefully it's interesting and I don't lose any of my lovely followers in doing so! 

How I've Been Feeling

So as I'm sure you're aware by now, I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby. I'll start with telling you how I've been feeling. Up until around 14 weeks, I felt very queasy and groggy pretty much every single day, something I never had last time. I was never actually sick, but I just felt awful all day every day which meant I didn't really feel like doing much at all. I don't know if it means I'll be having a girl this time, or if it's because this time around I have a toddler to look after and chase. The midwife did tell me I have low blood pressure, which is probably the main reason I've felt so tired. Anyway, now I'm 17 weeks I'm really starting to feel like I've got some of my energy back. My boobs are no longer sore and uncomfortable which is an absolute brucey bonus! The only problem I have now are headaches, which I did suffer with last time (y'know the ones that you go to bed early with and they follow you through the night? - yes THEM). I've just recently bought that '4head' stuff which I find helps when I feel like I have a niggle coming on. 

Cravings/food aversions?

I don't think so yet. The only food issue is that I feel full pretty much straight away when I start a meal, meaning hubby has to play the role of human dustbin, but than an hour or so later I'm foraging in the kitchen cupboards for snacks. Nightmare! lol.

Bump

Ohhhh I honestly feel like a whale already! Last time I didn't start showing properly until around 18 weeks, but this time I was literally trying to hide it from people at 8/9 weeks. They do say that you show a lot sooner in subsequent pregnancies - & they ain't wrong! None of my jeans fit me now, which means I'm living in leggings and big comfy tops. With autumn approaching, I think I'll be fine clothes-wise, as I can just pair a big cosy jumper with a pair of leggings and some nice comfy boots and I'll be sorted. I went to see the midwife last week for my 16week appointment and she said I'm measuring correctly so that's reassuring. I've started on the bio oil now, as I don't want those pesky stretch marks to make an appearance.

Baby

So according to baby centre, my baby is currently around 5inches long and weighs about 5ounces (the size of a turnip). Apparently the next couple of weeks are gonna be big for baby, as he/she is gonna double in size, ahhhh! One huuuge milestone this week is that I've most definitely felt some movement, which is so exciting. At the moment it feels like a tapping sensation down in my lower tummy. It's so cute. Hubby is really keen to feel the baby kick, but I think it will be a good few weeks until it can be felt from the outside. Exciting times.

Next Appointment

My 20 week scan - 17th October. I'm not finding out the sex though, as we like the surprise.

How are we all feeling? Any other fellow bloggers pregnant at the moment? xx

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