Packing my hospital bag for my first pregnancy was very exciting. I #pinterested all these hospital bag lists, and I was so excited with what I packed into my suitcase, ready for my bubs arrival. When the time came, my husband grabbed the bags and brought them to the hospital with us. I thought I was so organized, but boy was I wrong. I had really overpacked! I had so much stuff that I actually couldn’t find what I needed when I needed it.

I have put together a list of what I needed and wished I had put in the first time and second time, for both my hospital bag and my babies nappy bag.

For Mama

1. Lip balm as your lips get so dry in the air conditioning and if you decide to have pain meds, dry lips and mouth is an adverse effect of the drugs. I love the Brauer Paw Paw Ointment. It is all-natural and organic.
   
   
2. Essential Oil Labour Blend and a Calming Face Mist. I will be using this in my birth, this is totally up to you but I loved the idea of using these natural products to assist my labour naturally. Even if it's just a mind over matter strategy to assist labour. The face spray is great for cooling the face and calming your senses. I have the Little Bairn Calming Labour Blend and the Little Bairn Calm Mama Face Mist packed in my hospital bag ready to go.
   
   
3. Underwear that is oh so comfortable, I had a natural birth for my first but always be prepared in case you have a c-section, or you may even be booked for an elective. As a nurse I always see post-op mummas struggling with tight and uncomfortable underwear, it can rub on their wound too. Even for mummas with stitches down below comfy high waisted will be perfect. Also, I would stick to cheapish ones if possible, you may be wearing a pad, but they can still get soiled with blood and post-op discharge. I just brought 3 for $10 high waisted ones from Best & Less, all black and 2 x in my size and 1x in a size up. 
   
   
4. Feeding bras if you choose to breastfeed as it is so much easier.
   
   
5. Pads, Pads and more Pads! The hospital ones they supplied were so stiff and so uncomfortable on my stitches down below. I highly recommend the TOM Organic maternity range. They were like a cloud ‘down there’ compared to the other brands. Plus, they’re made from 100% organic cotton, so they are hypoallergenic and breathable. I love their nursing pads for breastfeeding leakage. So soft on the nipple. I recommend stocking up on these as you will certainly need them.
   
   
6. Nipple balm, yes there is such a thing! Your nipples can become quite cracked when breastfeeding with the newbie trying to latch. Also, leakage can occur causing this too. I love Little Bairn, Organic Nipple Balm as it is specially developed to both protect and repair the skin during this time.
   
   
7. A button-down, comfortable (not too tight) nightie or dress. AKA – The modern day dress by The Comfort Mama. Even if you bottle feed, comfy clothes all the way with loose elastic if you choose to wear bottoms. I also recommend this dress as the comfortable clothes to go home in. I loved having a few of these dresses on rotation! I lived in them postpartum and for long after my babies were born.
   
   
   

   
   
   
   

8. Slippers & bed socks, to keep to those tootsies warm. Hospitals are always so cold.
   
   
9. Phone & charger, so you can let your loved ones of your cute arrival. Plus, it's perfect to capture those first few moments with your new babe.
   
   
10. Toiletries, it is just nice to have your own personal items. Hospitals do provide the basics but using your own will make you feel a little more like yourself. I love natural deodorants to keep fragrance away from your new bub.
    
    
11. Hair ties, as hair in your face is no fun. Rock that mum bun!
    
    
12. ID card and your Pregnancy Record.
    
    

For Baby 

1. Baby bag – I have the Storksak Noa Baby Bag all ready to go. Available for purchase from Baby Luno. The bag comes with a separate matching handy Mini Organiser bag and a machine washable change mat. I love how you could also use this as a luxury handbag if you no longer want to use it as a nappy bag. Tip-Make sure you write down a few things you would love your nappy bag to feature before buying.
   
   
2. Newborn nappies and wipes, some hospitals provide you with a few to start off with, but then it is up to you to supply the rest. I have a pack of Tooshies by TOM Organic Newborn Nappies and Wipes.
   
   
3. Baby clothes, I think you really only need 3-4 onesies as a family member can always bring you more up if you need. Great to have a few singlets, socks, beanies and mittens as it gets really cold. But honestly do not overdo! It is so overwhelming searching through the bag to find things.
   
   
4. Muslin wraps or swaddles to wrap your little darling in. The hospital will provide you with some, but honestly, I prefer to bring my own as the hospital ones have been washed hundreds of times and are so old and dated. I recommend just taking two of these only.
   
   
5. Dummy if you choose to use one.
   
   
6. Hooded baby towel and cloths again to make it a little more personal. I loved photographing bubs first bath too.
   
   
7. Carrier or pram to transport baby straight to the car safely.