Babipur Hospital Bag – For Mums
Guest blog by Ruth Carson
The impending arrival of a little one can often leave you wondering what you need to bring to the hospital when the time comes to meet them. I’ve already shown you what’s top on my list as far as baby supplies go in Part 1 of this blog, but let’s be honest – we need to worry as much about our needs that day as Baby’s’! All of these Babi Pur products will help make your hospital stay as easy as possible, and the blog can serve as a list when it comes time to pack for that all important day.
Pyjamas
Comfy PJ’s are top of my list, because I lived in them at the hospital, and for the first six weeks after! Frugi have a beautiful maternity range of fair trade, organic, adult pyjamas and are stunning! As a breastfeeding mummy, I love that these are easy to feed in too.
Leaving Outfit
When I did actually have to get dressed post baby, it had to be comfortable. Smock tops and leggings were all I could manage, but at least it wasn’t PJ’s! I adore this Frugi outfit and love that it’s breastfeeding friendly too. There are also some gorgeous DUNS on the website if you are ready to be bright and bold as you confidently take Baby home for the first time.
*Also. Side note. Heavily patterned clothing is your friend. It doesn’t show spit up, leaked milk or poo-explosions anywhere near as much as plain clothes. You’re welcome.*
Breast pads
While it takes time for your milk to come in, you will want to have breast pads ready to go. I also found they were great if nipple cream was needed. Reusable breast pads I have found to be much more comfortable and absorbant, not to mention more environmentally friendly.
Pads
Following the same vein, reusable pads far surpass their disposable counterparts, so much so that really they can hardly be compared. I didn’t know they existed before having my first, but this time around, I’m so glad I’ll have beautiful, soft, chemical and plastic free pads to wear post-partum, and I haven’t even mentioned how much prettier they are! They are so easy to clean and quickly become part of your routine. If they aren’t something you’ve ever considered, you really should. There is so much support on the Babi Pur Hangout Facebook page, and blog posts to help answer any questions or alleviate fears.
Makeup bag
Can I begin here by saying I am not advocating or supporting the notion that new Mums need to instantly be beautified post labour in order to present themselves and their new bundle to the world of social media. I can however only speak from experience.
After an extremely long labour spanning over 2 days and ended up with an emergency section. I wasn’t allowed to walk for a further 2 days post-delivery and as you can imagine, I was not looking ‘Insta Ready’. I was so keen to look back at photos of me and Baby without the first thought being ‘I hate how I look’. I was grateful to have literally just some powder and mascara to feel like I had some semblance of control over how I looked and therefore how I felt. I will add that I found my lips and skin to be incredibly dry, so moisturiser and lip balm will be top of my list this time.
Babi Pur offer a range of makeup that is more natural and eco-friendly, avoiding the use of unnecessary chemicals. None of the brands test on animals, and many are suitable for vegans. They are well suited to supporting natural, green living using ethically sourced ingredients.
Toiletry Bag
You will not believe how good the first post-partum shower or bath feels. It’s heavenly. Remember to pack Shampoo, conditioner and body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, a hairbrush, hair clips and hair ties. This took up considerable and valuable room in my hospital bag before, and I’ll be significantly reducing that this time with just a few simple swaps. From the hydrophil bamboo toothbrush, to the Lamazuna Solid Shampoo, I will not only have less bulk in my bag, but I’ll also be as close to zero waste as is possible.
I chose the Lamazuna solid shampoo because it is pregnancy and breastfeeding friendly. It also smells dreamy and is made for varying hair types.
Drinks Bottle
Labour is no walk in the park. It’ definitely called labour for a reason. You will need to keep yourself hydrated, and when you think you can’t drink any more, the midwives will be forcing your partner to make you drink again. In an effort to save our plastic waste this time, we will be packing our Klean Kanteens.
I can also remember not being able to get my drinks cold enough, so my trusty Wide Vacuum Insulated Café KK will be amazing this time around. It will also be incredible post-partum with hot drinks. The amount of cold ¾ full cups of tea I threw out with my firstborn was unbelievable. I came to believe I’d never drink a hot drink again. Then I found KK, and I have never looked back. The fact that it’s non-spill is it’s crowning glory.
My husband will also have his Klean Kanteen 27oz Classic Sport to keep him hydrated too. As he likes to remind me often – labour was hard for him too! *insert eye roll*
Snacks
Alongside hydration, you need to keep your energy levels up during labour. Again, in an effort to reduce our plastic waste (and save money buying from the vending machines!) We will be bringing our own.
Whether it be sandwiches or trail mix, Babi Pur has you covered. Beebee Beeswax Food Wraps are fantastic, as are the Planet Wise Zip Snack Bags. I’ll also be ordering a lot more fairtrade Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate, all in the name of upping my energy levels for baby of course!
Some other things you’ll want to remember include large underwear, slippers/warm socks/flip flops (depending on the time of year you are giving birth), towels, electronics and their chargers. Don’t forget to pack your hospital notes too!
So in summary, you might like to consider packing:
For Baby:
- Changing Bag
- Nappies
- Reusable Wipes
- Wet Bags
- Nappy Cream
- Hand Sanitiser
- Clothing
- Muslins
- Baby Bottle
- Pacifier and Dummy Clip
For Mum:
- Pyjamas
- Leaving Outfit
- Breast Pads
- Post-partum Pads
- Makeup Bag
- Moisturiser and Lip Balm
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Hairbrush, Hair Clips and Ties
- Drinks Bottle
- Snacks
- Electronics and Chargers
- Large Underwear
- Towels
- Slippers/Warm Socks/Flip Flops
- Hospital Notes
I hope this list has been helpful, and I also hope it gets you excited about the arrival of a precious new life. I wish you all the best not just for labour, but for your happily ever after too.
