I’m due to give birth in a month’s time – and so I thought that it would be appropriate to pull my hospital bag together now (even though I was two weeks over due with Mr Moo). I packed a lot into my bag the first time round that never saw the light of day, so I thought that I’ve show you what I think should be packed into a hospital bag (from the perspective of a second time mum).

Maternity pads – This is a bit of a given. I normally pack two packs of maternity pads, as you just don’t know how much you are going to bleed. I then pop a packet of ‘Goodnights’ in – just incase you’re not bleeding so much and you don’t want to feel so bolky down there.

At the hospital I attend, they provide you with some maternity pads without the sticky bits to attach them to your undies. These are great to brake open and place an icepack inside to help reduce swelling in the first 48 – 72 hours after labour.

Breast pads – I loved using ‘washable’ breast pads whilst I was breast feeding Mr Moo. But washing breast pads isn’t something I want to think about whilst I am in hospital, so I opt for a week or so of disposable breast pads.

Black tights – Some people love to stay in their p.j’s all day whilst in hospital, but I always feel better if I get up, have a shower and get dressed. Not to mention the fact that showering a couple of times a day will aid in any stitches healing. One of my go to items for dressing is black tights; they are comfortable, you can fit into them as you will still be carrying some baby weight, and you can’t see anything if you have a leak whilst you have visitors.

Black undies – Basically, the same thinking as when you have your period; why wreck nice undies if you don’t have to?

Feeding P.j.’s – You will be waking up and feeding throughout the night multiple times and I love having a pair of feeding p.j’s. I invested in two pairs of Peter Alexander maternity p.j’s and I love them both so much. Both pairs allow you to feed in them once you have given birth and that’s super important.

Toilteries – You know you’ll need the basics like soap, toothpaste and deodorant. Some people will want to take shampoo and conditioner if they want to wash their hair… I took these items last time, but was unable to stand up for long enough to wash my hair. I like to pack a good moisteriser and a little makeup – it just makes you feel better on those days that you just don’t know why you are crying.

A special outfit to bring baby home in – We like to keep the sex of the baby a surprise, so most of my newborn outfits are neutrals. This means that baby number two will wear a lot of Mr Moo’s outfits, but I wanted something special for the baby to come home in. Plus, whilst I am in hospital I dress the baby in the outfits provided so that I don’t have to think about washing!

Camera – Of course you’ll want your camera to capture all those first moments with baby. I like to take an extra set of batteries or a camera charger just incase you run out.

Phone & ipad – I couldn’t go in without my iPhone to make the announcement that our precious angel has arrived… nor could I go without the ability to access all my favourite bloggers whilst I am in hospital. So I’ll be remembering to pack the iPhone and ipad and their chargers!

Have I forgotten anything that you think I’ll need whilst in hospital? Did you take anything special in with you whilst you were in labour? Did you use anything that made you labour less painful?