Too lazy to search for old threads ....... what do I need in my bag?

[mosschops30]

Yeah I know I should look, and its my 3rd baby so should know, but I just keep thinking, 'surely I need more than what ive got'.

So far on list have:
For me -
Crappy tshirt for labour
Crappy Pants
CD of Killers faves (so I can dream of Brandon)
Old slippers
Flip Flops (for showering)
PJ's
Nursing Bras
Breast Pads
Maternity Pads (shall I take 10 or 20)
Toilet bag (flannel, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, lip balm, deoderant)
Towel

For Baby:
Pack of nappies
Pack of wipes
Babygro's
Vests
Nice outfit to come home in
Snowsuit thing
Hat
Mits
Socks

Think thats it, anything Ive forgotten?

Don't they want you to use cotton wool + water on the baby instead of wipes?

I think also clothes for you to come home in, camera if you think you'll want photos, and perhaps bottled water and not too perishable snacks, in case you're hungry before they'll let you out?

Have got bag packed too ( 38 + 4 at the moment )

alright I know Im being really lazy, but cut me some slack Im a big fat hippo

doesnt have to a be a list, if anyone can just post one item they think Ive missed would be good TIA

Well they can provide the cotton wool and water, because it'll be wipes all the way for me

Good idea about the water (never drink hospital water, I work there )
dh will be snapping away with his camera, he would rather forget me than the camera
What sort of snacks can I pack that will last 5 weeks?

am slightly {envy] that youre 38 weeks, 5 weeks seems like forever, and if its as late as ds it could be 7 weeks boo hoo

I've got some cereal bars in mine, their sell by date is next year some time (depends on finding a brand you find edible though).

cereal bars or dried fruit?

I can manage those Jordans fruit and nut type bars, not those god dam awful nutrigrain type things though.
Good idea, will get a couple of those

Oh yes, snacks - very handy for rebilding post-labour energy, or to keep a flagging DH going. One of my friends swears by jelly babies.

PJs or similar for after? I took two pairs, leaked on them both! So I'd also say take the maximum number of pads too...

yep got pj's, agree you can never have enough maternity pads, will deffo go for the 20

i've got some shortbread fingers and cartons of ribena. Also something to tie my hair back and anti bacterial wipes AND gel. Will also include make up when I get a little nearer the time. You may need a change of outfit for you to wear to come home. I should say that I took shortbread fingers last time and was the complete darling of my ward with ravenous post natal mums who only had healthy snacks to have with their cup of tea. You might also want to take change for payphone etc although I think they're a bit more relaxed with mobiles in mat wards. Possibly a water bottle so you can pour water on your bits whilst having a wee so as to ease the tenderness. Good luck

Lucozade/energy sweets for labour
Book/Mags
I had water spritz face spray which was great during labour and for just freshening up a bit without shifting my arse out of bed

Just been doing mine too - some good reminders here...
re. snacks: as well as cereal bars and mini juice cartons I raided Holland & Barrett and put together a tupperware tub of cashews, pistachios, cranberries, apricots, yoghurt raisins, walnuts, etc. Somehow less 'worthy' + more appealing when mixed up together!

BTW someone on another chatroom suggested vaseline for baby's bottom to aid removal of meconium... am sticking that in though not sure exactly when to apply + whether or not it is frowned upon + will incur wrath of midwives?

Toothbrush and toothpaste

I put vaseline on DD's bottom a few hours after she was born and it worked a treat. Community MW had never heard of this trick but didn't mind.

PARACETAMOL. Often the midwifes are too busy to bring you any and you need to rely on your own supply. Also lots and lots of snacks - if you miss the food trolley or if you're veggie you could be without food altogether at a time when you're desperate. I rate mini cheddars!
I would also recommend nightie rather than PJs for after the event - saves you having to pull them down etc if in pain and hides bulges of pads and if you have epidural you may have catheter for a while afterwards.

Make sure your "nice outfit" is similar size to your maternity clothes as takes a few days to you to shrink - also don't be silly enough to take jeans (skirt/tracky bottoms recommended!)

Also pillows (at least 2) to prop you up and help with breastfeeding - the hospital will probably only give you one measly skinny one.

Cellular blanket to wrap baby in/ lay over them on way home if not cold enough for snow suit.

Earplugs in case your baby sleeps but the others don't! And eye mask to avoid glaring lights in middle of night.

Nipple cream - baby may be chewing you all night long. Avent is better than Lansinoh which is very gloopy.

sorry just read that it's your third baby - hope post didn't sound patronising!

You don't need it in the bag obviously, but think about putting the car seat in the car ready for bringing baby home. If you are lucky enough to have an easy birth and quick discharge your DH may not be going home in between to collect it.

oh dh will be coming home in between i plan to deliver in fab new MLU so will be staying as long as poss so can relax in private ensuite room before coming home to the madness!

lol @ weasel thinking that the 'nice outfit to come home in' is for me. ROFL I wont care if I look like a bag of shite when I leave the hospital the nice outfit is for baby, only because he will spend the next 3 months in babygro's

Good tip about shortbread fingers, but must remember to hide them from dh! Also hairband, forgot than, will pack it now

phone charger

gown (to quickly wrap yourself when going to the shower)

nipple cream

disposable knickers, one size bigger

Dried fruit (plums and apricots are great - constipation is the last thing you need after giving birth!)

bottle water (to take to the loo - to pour over the bits down there while weeing... helps to avoid the burning sensation)

ipod/mp3

I wondered about my ipod! Should I just put everything on there so I can flick through it depending on mood? I already have a Killers montage on CD packed in the bag.

Yep got dressing gown, but thanks for reminding me about nipple cream, must put that on the list of things to get from Boots still