What I really used in hospital!

I packed my bag at 36+5 and went into labour at 36+6 spooky really did I have a sixth sense who knows! I thought it would be nice to do a follow up post on what I actually used and if there was anything I needed extra.

My bag: (the things I used)

• Maternity pads I definitely used and the Tesco ones I would highly recommend they had a sticky back and stayed put, the hospital ones were awful.
• The lansinoh nipple cream I used a couple of times.
• The food I was allowed to nibble on the Colin caterpillars but once I had the epidural wasn't allowed to eat anything, I did however eat the hobnobs after with a cup of tea. The lucozade also helped after having baby.
• Arnica is a must and I really think it helped my healing.
• Lavender oil I used on a wet mitt in early labour and found it very helpful to relax with.
• Makeup I did actually use the next day when I had visitors just to freshen up.
• Nursing bra was brilliant and the big comfy knickers I'm still wearing now as normal knickers rub on my scar.
• I only used one set of pyjamas but they came in handy.
• I used the toothpaste and face wipes.

What I didn't need:

• Breast pads it didn't use as my milk didn't come in until I got home.
• Didn't use the nursing top as was in pyjamas most of the time.
• I didn't use the socks but my mum did!

Baby's bag: what we used

• The nappies are a must we went through loads (still going through loads)
• Cotton wool (they make you use in hospital, not the easiest on the first poos) we also used wipes.
• Swaddle blanket we used as just a blanket to keep him warm.
• Dummies I used from day one even though I am breastfeeding, I did get told off from the midwife but it's my choice and it's not confused him.
• Vests and sleep suits we took in tiny baby were actually too big, I'm glad I only brought a few from Asda as they all needed to be rolled up.
• Hat we used a hat the whole time in hospital but all the hats we took didn't fit on his tiny head

What we didn't use:

• Muslins fortunately Seve isn't a sicky baby so I didn't use the Muslins but I would say pack some as you never know.
• Milk I didn't need to use the pre made bottles but I'm glad I took them.

What we needed more of: 

• Baby grows I think I only packed 3 and we had a wee and poo accident and then needed more! Grant did go out and get some blue ones as we only had white.

I wasn't planning on staying in longer than a night but obviously once I had the c section I didn't have a choice, I think I packed well and I hope this helps other first time mummies as it was one stress I had when thinking of going into hospital. Also I received a bounty pack which had some pampers nappies and wipes, Asda nappies, teeny sudocream  which all came in handy. 

40 weeks due date

My Due Date.

So to not break tradition in our house hold of being late our little person decided to come into the world exactly on time. 

Myself and Grant welcomed into the world a baby boy (yes I said boy was so convinced it was a girl!) on Saturday 12th July 2014 5.30pm weighing 6lb 8.5oz. He was delivered by emergency c section and we have named him Seve Vincent Nalder. 

Our perfect little dude.

I will update my birth story in a couple of weeks, even though it wasn't the natural labour I was hoping for it was still perfect. It's amazing after the long journey to get to this point now we have Seve both of us are totally smitten with him and I honestly couldn't imagine life without him in it. Xx

Hospital bags

I'm 39+5 weeks pregnant and I've finally packed my hospital bags! I know I'm crazy but I think part of me had come to the realisation that once I'm packed there will be a baby coming home too. The midwife kept saying "you are having a baby soon". So they are now done.

Being a first time mum I scoured the internet and then asked lots of friend for advice and finally packed what I thought necessary. I mean packing for a holiday has always been a doddle packing for hospital with a small person in tow considerably harder.

Things in my case

1. Maternity pads (tesco), Lansinoh breast pads x 2 pairs, Lansinoh nipple cream
2. Food which includes Collin caterpillars (m&s), energy gel, lucozade, robinsons fruit boost & Hobnobs for a cup of tea after. Also in that area is Arnica, lavender oil and balm.
3. Makeup this includes concealer, lip balm, mascara, bronzer & urban decay naked palette (I probably won't get time to use any of them but it makes me feel better)
4. Nursing bra and big comfy knickers both from m&s
5. Two pairs of pyjamas (1 m&s 1 primark) & some warm socks from primary
6. Post pregnancy vest top with nursing straps (mothercare)
7. Toiletries which include face wipes, teeth wash, hand sanitiser, shampoo/conditioner (other toiletries will be packed when leaving)

I have also packed a towel which can be thrown and Havanas for walking around hospital.

Baby's case

1.  Pack of newborn size one pampers nappies 24
2. Muslins 
3. Cotton wool and travel size wipes
4. HIPP starter bottles x 6 (I am going to try breastfeeding but you never know)
5. Cellular blanket & swaddle blanket
6. Sterilised dummies
7. Coming home outfit
8. Vests, sleep suits in various sizes

Baby has more than me! I found the clothing part quite daunting as I wasn't 100% what size to buy so have gone for some tiny baby upto 7.5lbs and some newborn. We also brought a cardigan today as the weather in the uk has turned chilly but it wasn't in the picture. 

I will put an updated link to a post of what I actually needed once in labour. Can't believe my due date is this sat. Come on munchkin mummy wants to meet you xxx

My update link What I really used

My Baby Shower x

On Sunday I was lucky enough to be thrown a baby shower by my friend Tammy at a little guest house in Hertford Rigsby's they put on a really nice afternoon tea with bubbles. It was lovely to have all my friends there and I felt very lucky after our journey that I was finally having my very own baby shower.

We had a selection of sandwiches, scones, brownies and cupcakes which seemed to go down well as there wasn't much left.

We played some baby shower games including pin the sperm on the womb which was funny and guess the size of my bump, everyone guessed so big with my mum almost doubling the size!

Baby and me were very spoilt with gifts I felt a little overwhelmed at everyone's kindness. The gifts were really thoughtful and I know I will use them all. 

Our gifts included

• Ewan the sheep
• Jelly cat bunny
• Gro egg
• Little white company hooded towel 
• A teething bangle
• John Lewis baby grow/bib
• Cuddly teddy & Next baby's grows 
• Neals yard mummy kitt
• Origins relaxing bath and body cream
• Mother care voucher
• £30 Abel & Cole vouchers (yummy) 
• Milestone cards 
• Converse shoes which were customised with sparkles (can be brought through Boutini)

It was so lovely to be spoilt for the afternoon and spend time with all my friends would highly recommend a baby shower for every mummy to be. I've now only got two more days of work before I start my maternity yay count down to due date xxx

This week I spent a night in hospital, I'm fine I had a little bleed but as it's the second time it's happened and I'm near full term they wanted to keep an eye on me and baby. It wasn't the most relaxing nights sleep but it made me realise that I've been lucky throughout this pregnancy as some of the ladies have been in hospital for months and are really high risk. I got too see baby again which is nice.

How far along: I'm 35 days plus 5 (one month to go!!)

Baby's size: About the same size as a coconut I had a scan this week and they have estimated baby at 

around 5lbs.

Stretchmarks?: so after doing so well for most of my pregnancy I now have stretch marks on the left of my belly! I have creamed twice a day from day one so it's not through lack of trying, I'm just hoping by keeping to my regime once my belly has gone down they won't be too bad!

Me with my brothers x

Sleep: My sleep has been disturbed this past week not sure if it's a mix of not having long left or starting our extension and having lots on my mind.

Miss anything: Being able to just pop out without a huge amount of effort although this part of my life will never be the same again once munchkin is here.

Movement: I'm really enjoying the movements now they are slow and really forceful poking its little bum out or feet.  

Best moment this week: having our bathroom started so at least I have somewhere to chill and wash baby.

Cravings: not having any just generally eating food

Belly button in or out: it's still in and I think it's going to stay that way.

Happy or moody: i have been getting a bit snappy this past week but I'm sure it's down to the fact that the birth is imminent. I'm not so much scared of the pain or anything going wrong I think I'm just a little but anxious of the length of the labour.

Baby buys: I'm still buying bits for my hospital bag but we also brought some nappys from amazon which were a bargain. My mother in law kindly washed all my baby clothes and dried them in the sun which was lovely can't wait to hang them all up now. 

Pregnancy Update 33 weeks

How far along: I'm 33 + 2 days 

Baby's size: About the size of a pineapple! Glad it's not as spiky! 

Me in blue 33 weeks my friend 39weeks (I feel huge)

Maternity clothes: I brought some maternity leggings from Asda a couple of weeks ago £8 for over the bump and they are really comfortable would highly recommend. Haven't brought anything else as don't want to spend too much money with not that long to go!

Stretchmarks?: still being kept at bay, do have some dark marks on my belly which I think is veins! 

Sleep: I have been sleeping ok, got lots on my mind with trying to nest and starting our extension. But I'm a big believer in what will be will be.

Miss anything: having a large array of clothes to choose from.

Movement: baby has now started doing slow movements which stretch my skin about feels and looks very strange.

Best moment this week: seeing our friend who are now expecting a baby after a long time trying. We also had our hospital tour around Lister in Stevenage, I thought it might freak me out slightly but it's done the opposite and has calmed me a lot. I now know where to go and the midwife lead unit has really nice rooms, the midwife was quite funny and part of me would love her to be on shift when the time comes.

Cravings: not many cravings at the minute and I'm running out of space so don't really fancy dinners been eating more snacks.

Belly button in or out: it's still in and I can't believe it.

Happy or moody: im super happy what's not to be happy about, I have three weeks left at work and six weeks until my due date when I get to meet my chunky monkey.

Baby buys: i have started to purchase the essentials for my hospital bag for me and baby, I think part of me was in denial lol, but after our tour I realised I should get a move on. I've been buying things on offer and have done a list and ticking off as I'm buying. Still a long way to go and my biggest confusion was the size we needed for basic clothes to take to hospital. I decided on tiny baby as most people have said newborns are very skinny and don't fill out most clothes, we got a selection from Asda to get us by then we will know what sex baby is we can purchase pink or blue. 

A small haul but it's a start.

I will do my hospital bag update once I'm packed xx

Pregnancy Yoga x

Sorry I've not been on this past week seem to be really busy with our extension starting. I know I'm totally mad with baby being due in 7 weeks and a double story extension just getting under way.

To unwind I've been going to pregnancy yoga and have found I sleep much better after a session and don't feel as though I have as bad back as I did. Pauline is a great instructor in fact I went to her normal yoga classes whilst doing IVF. Pauline has been teaching yoga for over 10 years and says you can start Pregnancy Yoga around 16 weeks, she also offers Birthing Preparation classes which I'm booked on in June which are two day classes covering Breathing, Birth positions and general help through labour and breast feeding.

Pregnancy yoga is much more relaxing and gentle than other yoga but it's enough as baby gets bigger. Each class starts and finishes with relaxation, the middle part is stretching and pelvic floor exercises. These classes are also great for meeting new Mums-to-be and quite a few in my class are due near me.

The health benefits of Pregnancy Yoga are:
 –  increases your energy

–  empowers the mother-to-be to have a conscious birth experience
–  keeps you fit whilst being sensitive to the baby + you
–  decreases anxiety
–  strengthens birthing muscles
–  quickens postpartum recovery
–  improves sleep
–  reduces backache
–  improves circulation
–  promotes healthy birth

Excuse the floor extension prep!

The Yoga pants I'm wearing are a brand called KDeer they are specifically for Hot yoga practise as the material is very similar to swimwear which dries quickly. I brought some when practising hot yoga and have found they are perfect for my growing bump as the band is big a stretchy. They come in fantastic prints and can be brought through the UK distributer Hayley Blackman. Hayley is also a great yoga instructor who I had the pleasure of attending her classes before becoming pregnant. Check out Hayley's blog for all things yoga and healthy living. I can't wait to get back to Hot Yoga once baby is here. Xxx