What kind of bag are you using?

[macdat]

For your hospital bag? I'm thinking I may just use a large handbag, do you think it'll be big enough or do I need a weekend bag?
Could you also link or post pics of the bags you're using too please, if you're able.

[macdat]

Oh sorry, I was thinking large handbag for my stuff, normal baby bag for the baby.

[outputgap]

A ginormous huge thing. On wheels.

In my defence: I know I will be there for at least 2 days post birth; we have no car to put a 2nd bag into; I underpacked with dc1; can never ever get hold of baby's head right for bf, so have put small bf cushion in.

I admire and salute all you small packers though.

[Melmam]

Hey Op,

I used a suitcase weekend bag for me and the baby's stuff and a back sac for toiletries lots of pads breast pads nappies ect...

I think it depends on how much stuff you are taking with you I packed an extra set of pjs and a towel for myself and 2 extra vests and baby grows for the baby..

[sepa]

I don't think it will be large enough OP. I have a weekend case which ended up not being big enough so we also had baby changing bag and 2 shopping bags (the material type) which is a silly amount to be carrying when your moving wards etc

[Junosmum]

I had a hold-all. Maternity pads are huge and take up loads of room. I could have packed less bit packed in a hurry. Handbag certainly wouldn't have been big enough, though of you have a straight forward birth and are discharged same day it at be.

[BillSykesDog]

Is it your first? If it's your second and you know things are going to be pretty straightforward that might be okay.

But when I had DS I had an emergency c section and was kept in for 10 days for various reasons, so if it's your first it might be worth overestimating your stay slightly rather than assuming you will be just in and out.

It's probably better to overpack and still have all the things you need to be comfortable for a few days than under estimate and be uncomfortable or have DP running round when the baby is actually there and he could be more helpful doing something else.

Also, the whole business can be quite messy, from the birth to feeding afterwards. So it's good to have quite a bit of spare clothing.

[BeauticianNotMagician81]

I am expecting #4. I'm asking to stay in hospital for breast feeding support. They will want to kick me out straight away otherwise.

I'm taking a small case on wheels for me and the changing bag with all babies items in.

[IamChipmunk]

I had a weekend size bag and a backpack.
I dont think even a large handbag would be big enough.

I tried to fit it all in one but it wouldn't!

[Missingcaffeine]

I took 3 bags for my first labour - two small ones which I took into the hospital and one I left in the car and never needed.....
Bag for labour - basically full of food and drink - mainly to keep OH happy! Think it also contained a phone charger, spare TENS machine pads in there too.
Bag for when baby was born - baby clothes, blanket for baby, maternity pads, change of clothes and wash stuff for me.
Small suitcase of clothes etc for me and baby - left in car - just in case I had a c-section or needed to stay in. I never needed this.
I will be doing the same this time round too.

[Missingcaffeine]

My two small bags were about the size of a standard supermarket carrier bag, but just nicer - one like a canvas carrier bag, one a weekend shoulder bag. I packed loads and loads of snacks and cartons of drink, I was so thirsty during labour due to gas and air and breathing, partner is always hungry, then I was really hungry after baby arrived from all the energy I'd used up during labour.

[LumpishAndIllogical]

I took a small weekend suitcase for my things and baby's things, definitely couldn't have taken anything smaller. I took lots of comfortable spare clothes/pyjamas, that I did use most of due to post birth sweat and lochia. I only stayed in for 1 night with as well with ds.

And a small bag for snacks.

This time I plan to do the same.

[princesspineapple]

Ooh this is a good thread! I've been repacking so many times trying to make everything fit in a weekend bag... But it's just not happening! I don't want to take my little wheely suitcase and look like a diva... But if lots of other people do then it might be the answer! :)

[macdat]

This is my first, I was probably being a bit too optimistic thinking I could just use a large handbag haha. Also, as princesspineapple says, I didn't want to look like a diva or be the only one on the ward with a massive bag while everybody else has small neat bags.
Ah well, wheely suitcase it is then I guess. Plus baby bag, maybe.

[TriJo]

Cabin suitcase for me, changing bag for the baby, football boot bag with a spare t-shirt/boxers/socks/snacks/deodorant for DH.

[FatimaLovesBread]

I'm taking multiple bags.
Weekend bag will have labour and immediately after things in for if it all goes well and I'll be discharged after 6 hours.
Changing bag will have baby things in.
Husbands bag will have snacks, pop, chargers, magazines, money and a change of clothes for him.
Then a bag that will stay in the car with extra clothes and baby things in case we need to stay in longer.

Last time I took a wheely case for the labour bag

[MrsPCR]

I was planning on taking a cabin bag sized bag for me, and changing bag for baby with additional bag in car in case of longer stay. But now booked in for ELCS so minimum 2 day stay and my fluffy dressing gown would take up have the bag! So going to take a suitcase as will definitely need the second bag now.

I would rather have a half full suitcase on wheels than several smaller bags and a baby to get to the car when I leave. Stuff always seems to grow and multiply!

[skankingpiglet]

Last time I packed a weekend bag for me and baby, with my pillow separate, and had a second canvas bag packed ready at home for DH to bring in the following day with additional nappies, baby clothes and mat pads. I had an elcs though so didn't need to bring anything for labour. This time I'm hoping for a vbac, so will have the weekend bag for me, change bag for baby, rucksack for DH, and again a second baby/disposable items bag at home in case I'm kept in. I may also prep an additional supermarket bag of snacks in case of an extended stay too, as I near starved last time...