Hospital bag(s)

[Zimbah]

I seem to have a ridiculous amount of stuff in my hospital bags and they're really heavy, am I going over the top? I've got one bag for in labour with things like maternity pads, snacks, change of clothes (for me), socks, TENS machine etc, and one bag for after with baby clothes, pyjamas, nappies, towels, breast pads, toiletries. I think the actual stuff is fine, but it's the amount - as I was in for 5 days last time (CS) I'm paranoid I'll be in for a long time again and will need multiple changes of PJs, hundreds of maternity and breast pads etc. So I've got two fairly large sports bags. Do I need to weed out a few things? Will the midwives fall about laughing when they see my DH lugging two enormous bags? I'm hoping for a VBAC and shorter hospital stay.

I've only put in plenty of big knickers, some maternity towels, couple of pyjamas and something to go home in, as well as a couple of changes and some nappies for the baby.

I'm having an ELCS this time, and if everything goes well will be out after a couple of days (as with my EMCS last time), and I figure that anything I don't need immediately my husband can bring if I need it (we're only half a mile from the hospital, too), dito things I would need if I end up staying longer

im having an ELCS and have packed

small changing bag for ELCS for baby including nappies, baby gros x2 and vests x2, hat x2 and scratch mits and a small blanket
Small case for baby after birth (DH can bring in next day) with extra nappies/clothes etc but it is a vanity/toiletry case so not very big
i have one small case for me with 2 pairs of PJs, 2 b/f bras, lots of old knickers, 2 packs sani pads and breast pads, toiletries and a pair of joggers with 2 t shirts
have also packed a 'extras' bag for DH if i ask for it with some more old knickers, extra pads and a spare pair or PJs and DH can put this in car and bring it in if needed.

Could you not leave one bag in the house or car, and DH can bring it in if you need it?

I packed enough for two days and just got DH to bring in anything extra that I needed as and when (I ended up staying two nights but he had to bring extra baby gros because DS used all three in one night!). Leave your going home outfit and baby's going home things (sleepsuit, blanket, cardigan, etc) in a bag at home and get DH to bring them in on the morning of the day you're going home.