Hospital bag - what should I take?

[TrixieVix]

Am due next week and have got the basics packed, but am not sure if I've got everything I'll need. I'm the first in my group of friends to have a baby, so got no-one with recent childbirth experiences to ask. Don't want to get up there and be in the full swing of things only to realise I'd forgotten something.

How long can I expect to be in hospital if everything is ok? Any advice greatly appreciated!

Flushable antibacterial toilet wipes - you will not want to "hover" over the loo if you're sore!

slightly random message for cupcakes - sorry for butting in! I'm hoping that you are checking this talk thread - did you manage to find the Beatrix Potter tape - I am dying to find it (with "flopsy and mopsy, how can they be sweeter""bright and clean" songs etc.) If so, do you have any advice on how to find it. I have looked everywhere and really want to get it for my little boy.

i found instead of disposable knickers just go to a shop like tescos and get some of their granny pants! They are actually cheaper than disposable ones and you don't cinkle when you move!

Snacks and energy drinks for the birth. Old nighty that you're happy to throw in the bin after, and that opens at the top for b/f.

Nice smellies for your bath afterwards. Something sweet to eat (I wasn't hungry after the birth but had the munchies for choccie biscuits later on!)

Loose fitting trousers with elasticated waist and loose t-shirt (or pjs) for wearing on the ward. I was told to take dressing gown, but tbh, those places are sooooooo hot you prob won't need it!

Oh, and a camera!

Good luck x

pjs extra change of clothes cos you will deffo need them somethin to nibble on after the birth erm lavender oil for ur bath cos its great for healin sore bits n bobs, big thick pads for afterwards old knickers warm socks etc

Arnica tablets. Very very good for quick healing of stitches. Food for dh (i was in hospital for 12 hours after being up having contractions for a further 12 hours so dh was starving)Cardigan very good idea. I wasn't advised to bring one and ds had a temp problem and needed to wear hat, mittens and cardigan for a day.

ooh pack a bigger top than you would imagine for HUGE day 2/3 boobs. Get dp prepared to do lots of washing if you are in for a few days. I needed clean pj's and towels every day. My legs and feet swelled to elephantine proportions during labour so could only get flip flops on to come home in.

Food, my baby was born on a saturday evening and there was nowhere open .. had not eaten for 26 hours and needed something nice!