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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Checklist for hospital bag

33 replies

SpringChicken · 19/01/2004 12:43

I know i am waaayyyyyyy ahead of myself but just interested really to see if i am aware of the things you need to take into hospital for both you and baby. Can't afford to just go and buy things so want to be ultra organised so i can start getting bits each week.

Thought i'd seen a thread somewhere before but cannot find it now - soooooooo, what needs to go on my list for things to take to the hospital?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
SpringChicken · 23/01/2004 10:46

I would probably pack one just incase Secur but having never been in that situation before or even given birth for that fact, I'm probably not the best person to take advice from

OP posts:
Tamz77 · 23/01/2004 21:54

Oooh good thread, my two hospital bags were fantastic, shame I never got to open the labour bag! This was because it all went quicker than expected but the things I packed could be good for someone else:

Labour bag:

Delivery clothes eg long t-shirt or old nightie.
Bottled water/carton drinks
Flannels
Wet Ones
Glucose tablets
Hand mirror (for watching the baby's head come out! I couldn't have used one if I tried)
Hair band (you sweat and it gets everywhere)
Camera/film (I packed several disposable cameras)
Stuff for afterwards such as: maternity pads, clean undies, change of clothes, dressing gown, outfit for baby, toiletries, etc
Lip balm (your lips get dry and sore)

Ward bag:

Pants - lots of them! I bought cheap big black knickers because they are more substantial and comfy than disposable pants, however I used both at the same time for several days.
Maternity pads - estimate what you think you might need, then multiply it by ten. I used maternity pads and ordinary supersize sanitary towels, ones with wings help.
Baby stuff - check with your midwife what the hospital provides, you will almost definitely need nappies, your baby won't need bath toiletries for his/her first bath so don't bother with bubblebath etc. Bring a few outfits, better to have more than you need.
Munchies for the ward, sweets and drinks etc. Hospitals are hot and breastfeeding is thirsty work!
Change for the phone (remember mobiles not allowed).
Comfy clothes - again, I bought big, cheap tracksuits and t-shirts, other mums on my ward were in nighties, some in shorts.
Don't forget essentials like hairbrush etc, I bought everything cheap and packed it all in advance so I didn't have to rush round at the last minute trying to remember to take my toothpaste. I still forgot hair conditioner though!
Lavender oil (in bath water) and arnica are good for healing afterwards.
Birth announcement cards and stamps (if you're on your own or have to stay in for a while it can kill a few hours to write them).
A good book (sounds silly but I read a lot during my 3 days in hospital; I was induced so read while I was waiting for things to kick off, also newborns often sleep loads for the first couple of days so it gives you something to do).
Dark towels (don't underestimate you blood loss!)

PS Although the hospital should give you one if you ask, a water jug is so handy for pouring warm water over your bits while you wee. Whether you tear or not you will likely be sore and ths can be really soothing.

musica · 23/01/2004 21:55

secur - I didn't - I figured if there was an emergency I wouldn't care all that much to begin with and dh could always pop home and get stuff.

Tamz77 · 23/01/2004 21:55

Birth plan! In your labour bag! And then in your midwife's hands!

And don't forget your hospital notes.

dinosaur · 23/01/2004 21:56

Champagne! Am determined to have some this time around!

tigermoth · 24/01/2004 19:28

anyone mentioned a laptop, so you can post on mumsnet asap!

popsycal · 24/01/2004 19:29

or instructions for d/dh on how to do the posting for you!!!

fisil · 24/01/2004 19:37

We took champagne, but nothing to drink it out of. Orderly found us some specimin bottles or something.

A really simple book to read cos you can't sleep but your brain is fried. House at Pooh Corner worked for me.

Don't leave the ward bag in the car. We did, and when we got it in to dress ds all his little babygros were frozen solid and we had to rub them for about 10 minutes to warm them up!

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