What do I need for after the birth/what do the hospital give you?

31 replies

NewbieMummytobe · 13/03/2025 10:52

I am now 33 weeks pregnant and starting to think about the things I'll need for postpartum recovery, pads etc. The problem is I don't know what the hospital provide vs what I should buy myself, all the info I can find online seems to be American so I thought I'd ask some actual people what their experience was!

I'm planning on giving birth in a birth centre attached to the hospital rather than a labour ward if that changes anything?

OP posts:

2025mum · 16/03/2025 22:10

2025mum · 16/03/2025 22:02

I hope I can help here as I recently gave birth and did not think about this at all, so you are much more organised than I was!

Replying only on on the point about post partum recovery related stuff. I actually wouldn't buy loads of stuff as you don't know what kind of labour you will have and therefore what your recovery will be. But I would be ready to order stuff online once you are home and have a clearer picture.

The hospital will provide you pads and towels so you don't need to bring your own.

Essential things from my pov:

Loads of cotton wool pads for dabbing your bits instead of toilet paper
Organic / cotton maternity pads (I have been using Natracare and have found them worth the money - I thought period pants would do the job but I needed extra soft padded ones)
Breast pads if you are planning to breastfeed (I've found Lansinoh v good)
a milk collection shell (if planning to breastfeed)
peribottle
lots of very comfy loose PJs
disposable waterproof mats
waterproof mattress protector
a doughnut cushion
big comfy knickers
scar/stretch mark oil
Dettol body wash when you can eventually shower/clean down there with more than water if you have tears and stitches to manage
A pre made 'trolley' on an online supermarket site with lots of 'snack' appropriate food and super easy meals - soups etc to order for when you get home

I wouldn't buy cooling pads or any spritzes or creams, they are expensive and might not be appropriate or work. Wait and see what your labour is like. I wasted a lot of money on these.

The biggest thing of all you can do for yourself when the time comes is be patient. Rest is the biggest healer - so anything other than cuddling and feeding your baby, if you are able to, get others to do.

Wishing you all the best!

whoops sorry dermol body wash (recommended by my GP)

sellotapechicken · 16/03/2025 22:13

They give you your baby..

lilahbelle · 16/03/2025 22:23

I always had pads given to me until I was able to either have a bed bath (first child this was done for me) or catheter was taken out and I could shower.

Towels were provided along with baby wash for the baby’s first bath if needed. Large absorbant pads for the bed were provided. Any medication I was prescribed I got given to me, plus little ready made formula bottles if needed (only if breastfeeding didn’t work out).

I missed dinner and my husband brought me a McDonald’s, but after that I got 3 meals a day and there was a kitchen to make your own tea and toast.

avignon1234 · 16/03/2025 22:31

I'm not as clued into this as I once was with my five, but it seems when my daughter in law recently gave birth to my grandson, there was next to nothing provided, other than "necessary medication", it was fine, we got her what she needed, but I did shake my head a bit about the different experience. Must be difficult when people can't go out and procure the stuff easily. xx

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 16/03/2025 22:46

My nhs hospital in London gave everything like pads nipple pads etc

toastofthetown · 16/03/2025 22:58

NewbieMummytobe · 13/03/2025 11:31

Have any of you used the Frida Mom stuff? It seems like they have everything for postpartum care but they just seem a little expensive. Are they worth it or should i find cheap alternatives?

I’ve packed Fridamom disposable boy shorts, a peri bottle and witch hazel liners. I haven’t used any of it yet, but the pants seem good quality at least.

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