Baby's on the Way!

By your 30th week of pregnancy you want to have most things ready for the arrival of your precious bundle, for two reasons mainly:

1. Baby might decide to show up early and you really don't need to add not being prepared to that shock
2. The bigger and heavier you get, the more tired you're likely to be and the less inclined to actually do much (especially if the temperatures are either very hot or very cold).

Hospital Bag

This is based on the lists that are given but I also give my recommendations from personal experience. Don't pack everything in one bag as it's easier to unpack one bag at a time and hospital staff might need to get you some things too so you can point them to the correct bag. Also a bag on wheels is ideal to avoid having to carry anything.

Things you'll need before the baby arrives

• Medical records (your blue chart)
• Two cotton nightdresses - short sleeves are best and with a front opening for breast feeding purposes
• Slippers/socks - the slip on type are the best in case you suffer from swollen feet. Slipper socks would be ideal
• Toiletries - hairbrush, toothbrush & toothpaste; facial wipes; shower gel; shampoo & conditioner - for certain items you might want to get the travel sized bottles or even samples to avoid extra weight
• Entertainment e.g. headphones which you can plug into the hospital TV and any other electronic device that you enjoy; magazines; a good book that you truly enjoy; your phone - and any chargers!
• Snacks - stock up on anything that you enjoy. This is your time to 'indulge' (always moderately), but do ensure that you have food to nibble on. And plenty of water.

Things you'll need after you've given birth

• Maternity pads - don't skimp on these. You will be using them for a while...
• Nursing bras - two is enough. You'll stain them both.
• Disposable underwear - don't buy fancy brands. The hospital shop sells them at about €1 each and you're better off spending €10 and buying 10 pieces
• Breast pads - to minimise the aforementioned staining
• Nipple cream - yes you will need it. You might also want to buy nipple guards just in case and be prepared
• Breastfeeding pillow - necessary if you are planning to bf, so that the nurses can show you how to position the baby
• Comfortable (but nice) clothes to go home in. And note that you might need to wear open shoes (even in winter) if you suffered from water retention post-birth.
• Some extras you might want are make-up and hair straighteners/hairdryer - this all depends on how comfortable you are at being seen au natural by your visitors.
• Laundry bag - basically just a bag for you to put the dirties in to give to your partner/parent/friend to take with them so that you won't have extra things to carry when you come to leave hospital

For the baby

• Cotton wool
• Baby wipes
• Newborn-sized nappies x 2 packets
• Nappy rash cream
• Babygros - size 0-1 month or 0-3 months - if scans show that the baby is big don't bother buying any 0-1 month clothes
• Vests - sizes as above
• Socks
• Mitts
• Hat
• Baby blanket x 2 - one to cover and one to lay the baby on. They might tell you to take a towel but a soft blanket is much nicer
• Muslin squares - buy a packet; they're never extra
• Bottle and formula - if you're not planning on breastfeeding
• Outfit to go home in - babygro, mitts, hat, blanket - you can re-use what you used previously but be aware of staining incidents

And you'll obviously need a car seat to take the baby home. Don't take that with you to the hospital beforehand though (you have enough to carry). Just ask whoever is calling for you to bring it with them.