Kate had granny pants in her hospital bag too

The news of the third little prince spread like wildfire. As did the details of Kate's bespoke Jenny Packham red dress. I was slightly disappointed to see the 'people's princess' leave the hospital looking so gorgeous. Because the truth be told, in real life NOBODY looks like that hours after giving birth, and it feels unfair to suggest otherwise.

Inspired by this injustice I have put together my hospital-bag must-haves for all the pregnant ladies out there - and rest assured there is not a hair curler or designer dress in sight.

1. Big old granny pants

These are about as sexy as your dad in drag, but trust me, they will be lifesavers. Nobody really warns you, but post-labour you will likely experience quite a bit of bleeding, for several days. And I am talking more than your average period amount of bleeding. So put your sexy thongs away for a few more months, and line up a pair of the biggest granny pants you can find, suitable for holding equally sexy maternity pads (alternatively you can opt for Tena Lady Pants - which will also give you a great 'matching nappy' shot with your newbie).

2. The comfiest, loosest, drawstring trousers you can find

VPL takes on a whole new meaning when you are wearing granny pants and a maternity pad. Plus you may be feeling a little tender around your middle, especially if you have had a caesarean. Dark colours will hide all manner of sins (vomit, milk, blood, sweat and tears).

3. A shirt or button-down top

Skin to skin contact is so important in those first few days, especially to get your milk flowing. Plus, whilst you get used to breastfeeding it is easiest to have a totally blank canvas, i.e. no material hoisted up around your throat whilst you are trying to coax baby onto your nipple. Shirts are ideal, and if you buy them a little big, or better still, sneak your hubby's, you can use them to wrap around your bubb once (s)he's latched.

4. Your favourite snacks

This is no time to be thinking about your post-baby body. You'll be starving. But potentially too tired to wait for your birth partner to go and find you something delicious to eat. Having an indulgent treat on hand will be a saviour. For me, it was a box of red Lindt balls. For him, a bag of Haribo Tangfastic.

5. Slippers and socks

Hospital floors can be cold. Plus who wants to bend down to put shoes on to travel home?

So yes, with a hospital suitcase bursting with stylists, Kate looked amazing. But there is no doubt in my mind that she would have preferred to be snuggled up in her tracksuit, dropping monster munch crumbs on the little prince's head. And I am a firm believer that underneath that lovely red dress, she had a big old pair of granny pants on.

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