HOSPITAL BAG - what do I need/what are the essentials??

[MrsRose2018]

Aight ladies,

I’m 28 weeks but could go at any time due to waters breaking at 25! I’m either being induced or having a section at 34 weeks provided I don’t go spontaneously.

So far I have the below on my list but brands of things like maternity pads, knickers, nursing bras etc would be helpful! Also anything I’ve forgotten or any secret hints and tips!!

nightdress/long t-shirts
Slippers/socks
lightweight dressing gown
Lip balm
Water/cooling spray
Snacks
Maternity pads
Big pants
Breast pads
Moisturiser
TENS machine?
Hair band, bobbles and a brush
Face wipes
Hot water bottle
Hand held fan
Phone/iPad/headphones/chargers
Soap/body wash
Shampoo/conditioner
Deodorant
Towel
Going home clothes

TIA Xx

Loads of snacks and things for you (and your OH) to eat and drink afterwards, because if things continue as they are the hospital shop won't be open and your OH won't be able to go out and get you a takeaway/things to eat.

Paracetamol for after the birth
I found a straw useful because I couldn't hold the water properly
Maybe some magazines/a book if you have a long wait beforehand

Straws
Water
Cereal bars and energy tablets for labour
A dark throw to put over your head
Tens machine
Music playlist and headphones for labour

Check your batteries before!

In regards to the tens machine... check with your midwife at the next app because Iknow my friend wasn't allowed to use her breast pump as it hadn't been PAT tested. So best to check the regulation on tbf at your local hospital

I have flannels in my bag, just so they can be soaked in case I need cooling down.

I'm still packing my bag, baby bag is all sorted but I still need more for me. I have a nightshirt for giving birth and a going home outfit but I'll probably need more nighties and loungewear?

Also, don't know if you're planning to breastfeed but I have heard great things about Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream and it can be used as lip balm too.

Take a long, lifhtiwrignt but strong scarf in case you end up with a c-section as it’s helpeidk to assist you in lifting yourself

Also pack it in to several well labelled bags. Lay everything out in front of the bags and get your birth partner to actually pack them. That way, he will know exactly where to find what at the moment you need it. I say use several smaller bags as you’ll likely be in recovery by yourself and much easier to pick up a small bag than trying to reach down in to a large suitcase.

Take flip flops to wear in the shower.

And also don’t forget to get birth partner to pack a full bag of comfy clothes and his own snacks

And you will obviously need a bag of baby stuff too!

I packed also an extra bag which stayed in the car, full of extra stuff for me and the baby in case we got kept in. More pants, comfy clothes, towels, baby grows etc etc. We didn’t need it but it was good to know it was there.

Hi, I hope everyone is well. Can I jump on the back of these please...I'm packing my hospital bag and wondered if it's worth bothering with sleeveless babygrows for the baby to wear under sleepsuits or if they shouldn't be needed in early June time? Also, would you bother with first size or would you just get 0-3 months? Thanks

I came on to say flip flops - I always find hospital too warm for slippers!

You've covered most things in your list.

A carrier bag to put your birthing or any other soiled clothes in when you've given birth. Pick something you wouldn't mind throwing away because the smell of any blood/fluid lost in the process does not smell nice and wasn't something I wanted to wash and keep 😂

Loose fitting clothes for after birth - I just had some stitches for a 2nd degree tear and found it really hard to bend and also if they need to examine you, far easier with easy on and off clothes. I had a couple of outfits, just in case I needed them.

I found Asda maternity pads were really comfy. Started with Sainsburys ones but they weren't very padded.
I went with some cheap supermarket full briefs in a size bigger than normal.

I had Lucozade sport as the sports cap was great and the sugar helped!

@MrsCl19 omg that can’t be right surely? If that’s the case then shouldn’t our mobile phones etc be PAT tested too!?