We’ve made it to 37 weeks with literally 3 weeks left until my due date. Considering that the majority of my pregnancy has flown by these last couple of weeks seem to be on a go-slow.
Last week I was introduced to my local health visitor who will be coming around after the baby is born to check on his progress. I really enjoyed meeting her and got to ask her lots of questions ranging on a whole load of different topics to do with birth and parenting. This appointment was followed by my regular check up with my midwife. My usual midwife was on holiday so a replacement midwife was at the surgery instead. My baby boy is doing really well and all of my tests came back with positive results. She has referred me for a growth scan later this week because the baby is measuring slightly smaller as to where he should be, but she has reassured me that he’s totally healthy and everything is fine, she’s just ticking all the boxes. I know that he’s fine, but I still get anxious about these things. We also had our maternity shoot at the weekend and I’m really happy with some of the preview shots that our photographer has shared. I can’t wait to see the rest!
I’m feeling good at the moment and my aches from last week have pretty much vanished and I’m sleeping well. Pregnancy hormones have gone crazy over the past couple of days and I’ve found myself tearing up at anything and everything, such an emotional roller coaster! My bump has dropped a little and I can feel that he is much further down now. Even though there isn’t much room for him to move around in there anymore he’s still going for it. He’s so strong now as his bones have hardened, it’s very cute seeing him shuffle around and watching my belly contort as he tries to get comfortable.
In terms of preparing for his arrival, I’ve put the bedding on his Moses basket, installed the car seat and we’ve put his pram together too. I had a few last-minute bits to buy like a baby bath, sponges, cellular blanket and a swaddle wrap this week. I would also like to get some new nursing wear for myself too. I’ve washed his teeny tiny clothes, seeing them on the airer has made his arrival feel even more imminent. After a much-needed reorganisation, I’ve finally finished packing my labour bag. For some reason I’ve always wanted to do a ‘what’s in my handbag?’ post so I thought I would use this opportunity to show you what’s in my hospital bag.
For me the toughest decision was trying to decide what to pack for the little one, everything is just too cute. I settled on a selection of baby grows, vests, hats, socks, scratch mittens, dribble bibs, toy, a shawl and the most adorable white cardigan. Just check out those bear ears on the hood – they get me every time!
Other baby essentials that I’ve packed include BabyBee toiletries and baby ointment, water wipes, 100% cotton muslin squares, nappies and un-pictured cotton wool and ear buds.
Amongst my normal toiletries, I’ve packed some labour aids, nursing aids and items for postpartum care. Some of these include organic nipple butter; bottom spray to soothe any soreness down there; organic coconut lip balm; feminine wipes and some natural labour massage spray. I also packed my organic breast pads, maternity pads and disposable maternity knickers.
Other things in my bag include a towel, sleepwear and a going home outfit. There are some great online resources from Mothercare and NHS on what to pack in your labour bag, but it’s still difficult because you have no idea how long you will be staying for. Luckily we live close to the hospital so Alfie has suggested that he can pop back and pick up anything that we are missing. I’m hoping that I have the basics covered at least. I know that some of this stuff may not even get used, but at least I know that I’m as prepared as I can be.
What did you pack in your hospital bag? Did you use all the things that you packed?
You seem well prepared! And you look do beautiful in that pregnancy shoot!
Thank you Laureen. 🙂
Wow love the cardigan and sounds like youare well ready for baby boy
It’s just adorable isn’t it. 🙂
Those little clothes are too cute!
Love the maternity picture Jemma, looking forward to seeing the others. What a fab momento to have after little man’s arrival too, I bet he’ll love looking at the pictures when he’s older.
I really enjoyed seeing what’s in your maternity bag, as you say it must be hard to know how much to pack but it looks like you have a great selection for you and baby.
So exciting!
He’s either going to love them or be totally embarrassed by them lol! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post Claire! 😀
Oh those teeny tiny socks are just so cute, good luck with everything x
Thank you! 🙂
ohh didn’t know you could get more natural baby wipes – but as an artist I always like to have baby wipes to spare!
Hehehe! Glad to be of service on the baby wipes front Kezia. 🙂
I never thought about the significance of your baby’s first ever clothes they wear. This blows my mind. How on earth do you choose what they’re first outfit will be?! Good idea to take a few options. So so exciting.
I’ll so be coming back to these posts when I’m pregnant! So handy 🙂
I guess it’s quite a special moment as you’re bringing them home for the first time, plus it’s nice dressing them up in cute clothes. 🙂
I hear great things about the Burts’ Bees stuff for babies! 🙂
Same here Rachel, looking forward to using them. 🙂
Babies in stripes, and neutrals.. swoon. And can you get any more gorgeous? Your maternity photos are incredible.
Awww that is so nice of you to say – thank you!
Such cute stuff! I packed way too much in my hospital bag. Most of it ended up staying out in the car.
I’ve probably done the same thing here, but I think it’s better to be prepared.
Wow you’re really prepared! Those bay clothes are adorable and your pregnancy photo is simply beautiful! Good luck x
Thanks Julie! 🙂
Those outfits are so cute!
I love them, so sweet!
You have some great suggestions! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jenna.
Love this! We are only 5 weeks apart! I am 32.5 weeks! 🙂 I used the Earth Mama Angel Baby bottom spray and nipple butter last pregnancy and I cannot speak more highly of it. It was a Godsend – especially the bottom spray! I can’t wait to see your little man! It’s going to be here so soon!
I’m really glad that I went with the Earth Mama products. I bet the bottom spray brings so much needed relief. 😉
Those outfits are so precious. It won’t be much longer now for you! *praying for a healthy and easy delivery!
Thank you so much Tanya!
I should ask my sister what she had in her hospital bag, she had her cute baby 2 weeks ago. I’m so excited for you!
Oh, how cute! I bet you are loving being an auntie. 🙂
my bag wasn’t ready because I went into labor at 36 weeks. The outfit for her to go home in was so big since she was smaller than I had thought she’d be being a little early.
I’m worried that his clothes may be too small too, but he can grow into them I guess. 🙂
Looks like you have all the odds and ends, ready for that baby! I love baby clothes. They are so tiny and cute.
They are teeny. I can’t believe that once I was that small too. 🙂
Looks like you have it all set! I packed pads for after labor because the ones the hospital gives you are terrible– like a submarine in your underwear. Also, if you ever end up needing a c-section like I did, the pads can double as a dressing for the incision. It sorta works as a barrier between you and the undies protecting it. Good luck– you will do great!
Thanks for the tip. Luckily I’ve packed my own pads too which seem pretty good. 🙂
You seem to have everything under control.
I wouldn’t put anything in my hospital bag, I’d just use it to stock up on free medical supplies, so, I guess it’s good I’m not expecting. I have a long way to go. Ha.
Hahaha! Love it! 🙂
Welcoming babies into the world is so fun! You look very prepared, far more then I was with both of my kids!
I cannot wait Laurel! 🙂
Your baby is going to have the best care coming into the world!! 🙂
I really hope so Michelle, thank you!
congratulations! those little outfits are so cute!
Thank you! 🙂
Oh my gosh!!! So close! Congrats! Can’t wait to seeeeee!!
Thank you!
So much cute stuff. I didn’t really use that many clothes in my bag. The Nipple Butter and Spray from Earth Mama Angel Baby were the BEST.
Glad that you highly recommend the Earth Mama products, they look great!
Packing the bag is one of the most exciting moments. I look back at all the stuff I packed for baby number one and laugh. I didn’t take hardly anything for baby #2…I also packed that bag right before we left for the hospital and I knew it was coming.
Werk it girl. You look ready to go. Cant wait to see the little one
Ah! It’s coming up so quickly! You seem to be very ready. Good luck!
You are getting so close!
This is going to sound odd, but I hear these are lifesavers if you end up having a vaginal delivery (mine ended in c-section, but I had these prepared). Get the biggest maxi pads you can find and douse them in witch hazel then freeze them. Take these along with you to the hospital for post-partum. Apparently, they make everything a little more bearable.
congrats on your pregnancy! Love what you picked out – everything is so adorable, esp the baby clothes! 🙂 Wishing you and your family much happiness ♥
I love how you shared this. I don’t have kids and never even thought about how their bones get harder the closer to delivery! You seem pretty prepared and everything seems so well thought out! How exciting and congratulations!
Awww! It’s fun to see all that you’re taking. I can ONLY imagine how hard it would be to choose between ALL of the ridiculously adorable baby clothes that I’m sure you’ve received. I want to have a baby just for the cute clothes 🙂 So excited for you!
Oh! The baby clothes are what gets me – they are just adorable and so teeny tiny!
Katie <3
The countdown is officially here now! I think one of the most important things that I packed in my bag was a very comfortable (cotton) and awesome nursing nightgown. After the birth, I literally wanted to shower and get into something that would make me feel comfortable, cute for visitors and easy to nurse my little one. I know you are excited, and I am actually starting to get excited for you from reading your posts. 🙂 Can’t wait to welcome you to motherhood.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
Nipple butter! What a life saver. Enjoy your last few weeks. Those were the longest and fastest weeks for me, if the makes sense.
this must be getting so incredibly exciting for you!!!