How big is your hospital bag?

[LoveInAColdClimate]

Mine is fricking massive! I have been watching OBEM and people seem to arrive with something about the size of my handbag . I, on the other hand, have filled the bag I normally take skiing. I have put smaller bags inside (one for the birth, one for the baby, one for me after the birth, and one for DH) so it's a little bulkier than it would be if I'd just put the stuff straight inside the bag, but it seems huge. Am I going to look ludicrous? I know I probably won't care much by the time I'm in labour and heading into hospital but I don't want the midwives to think I'm nuts.

I'm not taking a load of crap (I don't think!) - just the things that always get listed on here as essentials, and/or the stuff listed in the MN Pregnancy book. Have I just packed really, really badly or is everyone's bag this bloody big?

Thanks!

Just popping in to say that I had my daughter on Monday and was in hospital for two days, but used hardly anything that was in my bag! If I was doing it again I wouldn't take 90% of what I packed.

Congratulations, Jenny! How lovely. So what did you find you used? Thanks.

Wards can also be very restricted as to the amount of space that you have to store your stuff and fairly regularly things can go walk about. I would second only taking into the delivery suite what you will actually need and have a second bag in the car with further supplies if necessary.

If your birth is straightforward, depending on your hospital's policy you may be discharged direct from the delivery suite. It is worth splitting up stuff for you and stuff for baby though.

I didn't know whether to take the next size luggage bag up from holdale size?
Packed most bits in for Labour and after, but with a towel then snacks etc there's just not enough room.
Then the changing bag with babies belongings. What do people think?

If you are going by car divide your stuff up so the post labour and extra stuff is in the car.

I walked in due to living nearby and as I was regarded as high risk took a cabin sized suit case with mine and the baby's stuff. I had enough for 3 days with maternity pads and nappies taking up most of the room.

My OH had a bag full of snacks and his own bag. We did run out of food so he went back home and out to the supermarkets to get more for him.

I also sent him to buy more maternity pads as I just ran out before we were discharged.

I actually had 5 days worth of clothes sorted out with extra pants. I left the extra at home in a bag my OH could find.

The main thing I would advise is put baby's outfits for that day e.g. vest, baby grows, hat in a sandwich or small carrier bag, so whoever dresses baby after you give birth can easily find a set of clothes.