Things I had and was eternally grateful for
- portable fan – I ordered this one. Rechargeable and really good battery life. One charge saw me through 24 hours in hospital, bliss.
- TENS machine. I got to fully dilated with this bad boy alone, 10/10 would not recommend this but I went from 0 to 100 pretty speedy
- a water bottle that keeps drinks cool – cold water is a life saving must
- teabags you love – I drink Rooibos – a hospital isn’t going to have it. So glad I did!!
- a very baggy nightgown you can easily breastfeed from if this is your jam. Something baggy is a must
- hotel slippers – absolute hero move packing these! Go for the ones with open toes in case you have to wear compression stockings
Things I ordered at 2am from Amazon while in hospital and wish I’d packed
- a peri wash bottle. I had an episiotomy and tearing and I wish I had this in hospital. Just used it for the first time now and so bloody refreshing
- more period pants!! I had 7 pairs but wish I had more as you literally go through a pair every 2 hours. I find them so much more comfortable than the massive pads they give you
- zippable sleep suits – we went through 6 outfit changes in 24 hours, a cracking combo of piss and shit everywhere. Poppers when you’re sleep deprived as the absolute worst
- lanolin nipple cream – sad I didn’t have this one I tell you!!
Things I have subsequently ordered and wished I had already
- night lights – one for the hall, bathroom, kitchen, wherever. You’re going to be up a lot at stupid times during the night and no one needs the full glare of a light. I’ve ordered plug in and wireless- will let you know how they get on
Things I waited to order to see how it went
- breast pumps. I didn’t know if I would be able to breastfeed so I didn’t order a lot of crazy priced machinery before I’d given it a whirl! Obviously have now gone to the extreme and have three on the way!! All were recommended and I’ll let you know how I get on.
- a mini freezer – I was recommended this by my accupuncturist who says it’s great for storing milk and also when they’re weaning. In hindsight now wish I’d got one with a glass door
- a sleepyhead (second hand from eBay). We don’t have a lot of space as live in a two bed flat but was just told by my partner that we need somewhere to put her when we’re making bottles up and have seen a lot of people have got these so have ordered a secondhand one from eBay
