The Day Before Indie's Birth

In the final weeks before Indie arrived I spent many hours with a pen in hand checking things off my to do list. The day before she arrived was no different. I can’t recall what we did Saturday morning, but I know we spent the afternoon packing the hospital bags. It was like a military operation! I wanted to ensure we had absolutely everything we could possibly need. I am including the list here because it’s hilarious to me how much I overpacked. The items in blue are what we actually used at the hospital. The rest was superfluous! 

HOSPITAL BAG CONTENTS

FOR THE TAXI 

Bin bag (to sit on) 

Towel (to sit on)

Disposable maternity mat (to sit on)

FOR LISA - BIRTH

PAPER ESSENTIALS

Important phone numbers & email addresses

Maternity notes

Birth plan - a few copies

Affirmations

Hypnobirthing scripts

Sign for hospital door saying we are a hypnobirthing family

TO WEAR

Headband

Bikini 

Cover up dress

ELECTRONICS

Dave’s mobile(s)

Dave’s mobile(s) charger(s)

Lisa’s mobile

Lisa’s mobile charger

Music & affirmations on mobile 

Earbuds

Lisa’s computer 

Lisa’s computer charger

Music & affirmations on computer

Speakers

Camera

Camera charger

COMFORT ITEMS

LED candles

Flashlight (so we can see in dim light)

Aromatherapy oils & diffuser

Massage oil

Scan photos for inspiration 

Lisa’s pillow 

Blue duvet 

FOR THE POOL 

Cushion to kneel on in bath

Towels 

Hand mirror 

Sieve

Jug or cup to pour water over back

Washcloths 

OTHER

Mist bottle 

Hot water bottle 

Ice pack 

Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes 

Book or magazine

TO EAT & DRINK

Breath mints

Coconut water 

Capri Suns (frozen)

Water bottle

Snacks: strawberries, chocolate, gummy candies, granola bars, yogurt covered cranberries, dried mango, brie (packed by Dave), and prosciutto (packed by Dave) 

FOR LISA - POST-BIRTH

Breastfeeding book 

Nipple cream

Breast pads

Shampoo

Body wash

Razor 

Face wipes

Bio oil 

Make up

Deodorant 

Toothbrush

Toothpaste 

Lip balm

Hair bands

Brush

Tissues 

Wet wipes

Paracetamol 

Maternity pads

Maternity Mats

Ear plugs 

Sleep mask

Old undies

Sleep bra

Athletic capri pants

Robe

Socks

Flip flops 

Nursing bra 

Maxi skirt 

Tank top

FOR INDIE - in diaper bag

Pacifier

Cotton wool balls (for nappy/diaper changing) 

Plastic container (for water for nappy/diaper changing)

Nappies/diapers 

Disposable nappy/diaper bags 

Changing pad 

Hand sanitizer 

Scratch mittens x 1

Socks x 1

Sleep suit x 1

Onesies x 2

Tank top x 2 

Leggings x 2

Cardigan x 1

Going home outfit x 1

Baby hat x 1

Cellular blanket x 1

Swaddle blankets x 1

Burp cloths x 2

FOR INDIE - transportation

Wrap carrier 

Baby car seat

FOR DAVE

Comfy shoes 

Swim trunks 

Old clothes 

Change of clothes 

Cash & small change 

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Print outs about breathing & positions 

Something to read

Pillow

By the end of the day we had most of this stuff together, bagged by use. We packed together which did prove helpful because then we both knew where everything was located. 

In the late afternoon we decided to take a break. It was hot (a heat wave by UK standards!) and I really wanted to go for a swim but Dave suggested we walk in the park instead. I agreed and we planned to hit the pool the next day. (I did spend time in the water Sunday but in a very different way than planned!) We slowly circled the park, stopping occasionally for a rest. Then we went home. Dave cooked us a delicious BBQ feast of steak, grilled mushrooms and onions, along with mashed potatoes. It was actually the perfect meal fuel for the big day that followed. We wrapped up our night by watching Babies. I love, love, love this movie and wanted to see it again before she came. I had a healthy hormonal happy cry and felt really excited about meeting our girl soon. I can’t remember what time we went to bed but I’m guessing it was around 11pm or so. Physically, I felt hot, tired, and uncomfortable with a slight backache but this was pretty normal during the last few days of my pregnancy so I didn’t suspect anything was about to happen. But, it certainly did! :) 

The Week Before Indie's Birth

Tuesday, 15 July

I went to Yoga for Birth in the morning as usual. I received a big hug from my teacher at the end of class and I remember thinking “hmmmm, maybe she knows something I don’t”.

Then, I met up with my NCT neighbor friend, Abby. She had just started maternity leave. We walked through Victoria Park to Finchley Central for lunch at Siam. We had a nice chat and got to know each other better. We walked home and then drove to Mothercare. There we browsed through everything from nursing tops to duck shaped bath thermometers. We each picked up a couple of things and then called it a day.

Wednesday, 16 July

We had a baby first aid class scheduled for our NCT group but the leader had to cancel at the last minute. So, we all went to the Bohemia, a local pub together instead. As usual we had a great time with everyone and shared a lot of laughs. The topper was our successful attempt to fit four pregnant ladies in a photo booth! 

Thursday, 17 July

I had a midwife appointment at my GP’s office. Indie’s heartbeat was good and measured right on track. She was head down but only the very top of her head was engaged. My blood pressure was good but they found ketones in my urine sample. The midwife asked if I’d eaten and I had. She was puzzled but not too concerned. It was suggested that I eat a lot during the rest of the day. 

Friday, 18 July 

First thing in the morning I had a pregnancy massage. It was heaven! 

In the afternoon I met my NCT friend, Sharleen, at the pool. It was very hot and school had just ended so it was extremely busy! We found a shady spot and set up camp. I remember we were SO PREGNANT. As we rested a mother of twins rolled her stroller over near us. She was trying to get her kiddos to fall asleep. We had a nice chat with her about motherhood. Then we went for a swim. It was cool and refreshing. There were some rowdy boys and Sharleen told them off for splashing around too close to us. Eventually we went and got some snacks and settled in under the tree again. Around dinner time we headed home. As we walked we guessed who’d be next to give birth. Little did I know it’d be me! 

Dave and I had our final FLT (Friday Love Time) meal at a local Brazilian BBQ place. The food was good and we were right by the window where there was a lovely breeze. 

It was such a lovely day overall. It really couldn’t have been much better. 

The Last Pregnancy Photo

Taken at 36 weeks + 5 days, exactly one week before Indie arrived.