Ok so I know that these posts are done to death and I’m not going to go into a full long list of what I put in my hospital bag because there are literally a million checklists online for that. What I want to put together is a list of the surprising products that I found really useful in hospital third time round. Any Mum to be will know that she needs babygros, big knickers and those nappy like pads (the glamour!) but there are a few little extra things you can throw into your bag that make life in the hospital that little bit easier. 

Now you’re all probably familiar with my love of all products natural and organic for both myself and the small ladies so it’s hardly surprising I’m going to recommend some more natural organic products for use in the shower after an operation (I had a c section). I was sent a really lovely travel set of Claudie products by the extremely generous Hilary of The Mill Pharmacy in Sligo. I had never used the products before so what I loved about using them in the hospital is that the smell will forever remind me of that precious time. It’s kind of like having a wedding scent, except slightly different! The heat in most maternity hospitals is usually turned up to hot and CUMH in October was no difference. I also get quite sick from the drugs in the few hours after having surgery so these two simple products were a life saver. The first is the most basic and cheapest of items you could include – a flannel! I kept mine soaked in cold water and it provided great relief at  the best of times. It also doubled up as a way of waking up the small lady and keeping her alert during those first couple of feeds when she was super sleepy. 

The second product I used to counteract the heat was the Vichy Eau Thermale, I know its just water in a can but it’s really refreshing and I found it a really handy product to have in my handbag during the summer too when I was a sweaty, waddling lump! I got my Tummy Tucker when I left hospital after the last lady and I found it so, so good for those first few weeks. It’s not the most comfortable thing in the world but it provides so much support and protection after surgery against climbing toddlers and supports your back while breastfeeding. It’s also helps to suck in the belly a little quicker than without. I got the nude one in bamboo as the bamboo material is a little more breathable for after surgery. I would advise waiting until after you’ve had the baby to buy it as it’s extremely hard to judge the size when you’re pregnant. I would also advise investing in a new one after each baby, I didn’t this time round but my old one is all wrinkled and stretched its just uncomfortable to wear now as the velcro pinches, which is a shame as they are a little pricey! 

The other random suggestion I would make is a portable phone charger if you’re as obsessed with your phone as I am! The socket for the charging the phone was a mile away from my bed and I starting using an app to record when I breastfed her and which side. I have this portable charger from Box Products, a new startup company from England that do a whole range of technology products such as chargers and sockets with USB ports. The pink charger I have is for either a tablet or a phone, for a phone it will give four full charges, it’s really light and slim too compared to any other portable charger I’ve tried so I like this one.So there are five hospital essentials I found brilliant this time round, some people love the time they have in the hospital after a baby, personally I’ve never really enjoyed it. I always find it difficult after surgery with so little help I’m always glad to escape and get home to my own comforts. These items just made life a little bit easier and more enjoyable while I was in hospital this time round, and hopefully they might help someone else too!  

The power of positive parenting Introducing the baby to the toddler