Hospital bag(s) - am I taking too much stuff?

[bananapeanutbutter]

Bit of a silly question but just packing up my hospital bag and so far, following all the MN lists of stuff to bring, I seem to have filled two small carry-on suitcases (with baby stuff, my stuff plus change of clothes for DH), plus a bag of snacks, and a tote bag with towels and flip-flops (hoping for water birth). Feels a tad ridiculous to be marching in with all this stuff for potentially just one night...? Will I even be able to fit all this stuff in the labour room? How much did everyone else take in?

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Hello, this thread is a little old; for up-to-date recommendations, take a look at our hospital bag checklist.

Hi all. There are some really useful tips on here, which have made me reassess some of the stuff I've packed. I've not quite got everything together yet, but I still look to have WAY too much stuff and am so scared of being humiliated by looking like a diva when arriving at hosp wheeling a small-to-medium sized suitcase and carrying a large holdall. I just don't know how else I can get it all in though (and I dont think I've over-packed.) Can I run my list by you guys please, and ask you a few questions? :

In the suitcase I've just got stuff for me (labour and post-birth) which includes:
For Labour
Tankini top (for water birth)
Flip-flops
Yoga pants and tshirt (wearing them to the hosp)
Slouchy comfy socks
Hand-held electric fan
Lavender spray
CD's of my fave music
Pillow (if there's room)
Atomizer full of cold water for keeping cool
Flannel (ditto)
Back massager for DH to use on me during contractions
Camomile teabags to help me relax
Snacks and drinks (still to buy these - was thinking big bag of trail mix, cartons of juice, water, bananas etc)
Hair elastics
Maternity notes
Rubbishy mags for DH to read to me.

For Post Birth
Toiletries - toothpaste/tbrush, comb, grips, deodorant, soap, moisturiser, lipbalm, shampoo (travel size), conditioner (travel size).
Breast pads
Maternity sanitary towels
5 x disposable pants
Going home outfit - nursing bra, comfy leggings, pants, socks.
Sleep bra
Something to sleep in (would a nightie be better than pjs? If so, does it need to have buttons down it for breastfeeding??)

Then in the holdall I'm putting all the stuff for the baby and the things that are DH's, including:

For DH:
Money
Mobile
List of phone numbers
Camera
Swimming trunks (so he can join me in birth pool)
Change of t-shirt
Change of pants
His medication
His book.

For Baby:
1 x pack nappies
cotton wool
baby towel
2 x vests
2 x babygrows (with feet in)
Cardigan
2 x pairs of scratch mitts
2 x bibs
Muslin square
Hat
Shawl

God almighty - that seems a LOT! But how to cut it down without loosing the things that feel really important?? Or am I over-worrying and does that list sound reasonable?

Any comments gratefully received!

I haven't seen it mentioned yet but next time I go in I'll be taking some antibacterial wipes or something similar. I generally couldn't fault the hospital for cleanliness but not everyone cleaned up after themselves after using the toilets on the ward.
I ended up hovering over the loo because I'd had to clean blood off there and all I had was paper towels and water. Hovering isn't easy when you've just given birth.

I'd also scrap the slippers, flip flops will do double duty, and as others have said skip the PJ's and yoga pants.
I am very body concious. I took a nightie to give birth in, but the nurses gave me a gown, which irritated me no end and by that point I didn't care and ended up giving birth in a pair of socks.
What people think of your legs is going to be the last thing on your mind.

With my first born she was so quick coming all I had time to take was a camera and my make up in a Tesco bag!! No nappies,wipes,baby clothes; nothing!!My subsequent births were better prepared and packed!