okay, hospital bag! when did you pack yours and what the HELL went in there?!

[danio7]

I'm 6 months tommorow so officially in the last trimester, I know it is probably too early to get a bag together by my DH is away quite a bit (he will be home again in 3-4 weeks) so I want to be as prepared as possible.
I spoke to a friend the other day and she only actually got to 27 weeks before prematurely having her DD which set me to thinking- ahh, it could be any time now- although hopefully not, I would like little bean to stay in there for as long as he/she would like.

so what the hell is a hospital bag and what do you put in it!!!!!?

I have got 2 of those big bottles of evian, the ones with the red sports caps, and chucked them in the freezer, also a good tip I've heard of is to get one of those water spray bottle things, like what you would spray plants with. Fill that with cold water when in labour and apparantly they're really good for cooling your face down! I've packed a set of clothes for DP aswell just incase he has to come to hospital straight from work, he's a road worker so his work gear is covered in tarmac and diesel, don't think he would be very welcome in a delivery room in that get up :o also I've put him a can of deodorant in, he sweats a lot.

Love this thread. Way to long before i think of anything like this but will be keeping my eye on it :) thanx

I cannot belive they charge you to use the phone, that completely went over my head!
I agree with the flash wipes and such a good idea to freeze the water before hand.

I have a huggge list- but rather take it all than not enough. I think I will pack it next week when I am 28 weeks, I cannot function knowing something needs to be done, even if it is very early to do so :)

TBH I have no objection for paying for my own Phone calls but dont agree with how much it costs! Same goes for watching TV/ Internet...

patientline charges

I was genuinely surprised at the suggestion of needing to take baby clothes. Slightly underprepared? (Still waiting for the real parents to turn up- you know, the ones who know what they're doing.)

There is a good list here:

Hospital Bag

Also, most hospitals let you use mobiles theses days so make sure it is charged!

It has probably been said but ladies PLEASE do remember to take some small change with you and remind your partners to. Last time we forgot to do this (not something you think about in labour ) and you will need it for the car park. We got a parking ticket last time (we were parked in the 'free' maternity bit too long!) but it did put a bit of a downer on it.

I am not taking 'clothes' as such. I will be taking babygrows and vests etc. Not much point in taking fiddly clothes for a newborn as the nurses and Dr's will be checking on them and will need to have something you can easily do up and undo.

Pack a second bag to leave at home with extra clothes for you and the baby towels etc, knickers pads and nappies so if you have to stay in longer than expected DH just has to pick up the bag rather than find the stuff( and know what it is!) if you were to just tell him what you needed.

Not in with the packing but my Mum always brings me a picnic when she comes to the hospital after the birth. Always gratefully received
She knows my favorites.

From my experience -

Other than the essentials like clothers, wetwipes etc that others have suggested.... Remember to bring your camera and phone charger.

Your own pillow will be much needed

Take snacks. You will be hungry and hospital food just doesn't cut it.

Flipflops for the shower

Lots of maternity pads.

Massive knickers. If you end up having a c-section you will need them so the elastic doesn't touch your scar.

Make sure your Pyjamas are dark as you may bleed onto them.

Cartons of juice

Peppermint oil to relieve wind.

slippers

a grobag.

dummies

Agree with lots of the above. Make sure you have lots of change for parking, drinks machine etc... I take my own feather pillow in a colourful pillowcase (to remind me to bring it home again as it then really stands out from hospitals White bedding).

I don't know why so many people are saying "baby wipes" - you need to use water & cotton wool on a tiny babies bottom, the alcohol in the wipes make them really sore otherwise. Saying that, I've seen some wipes recently which are just water, nothing abrasive, if you're feeling especially lazy!

I keep a list on the top of my hospital bag saying
Phone
Charger
Camera
Purse
Blue hospital notes
To remind myself to pack those at last minute.

I leave the clothes I'll want to come home with, plus more supplies of things I'll need for me and baby if we stay in hospital longer than expected all together in an easy place at home (a blanket box in our bedroom) so DH can easily find things I need him to bring in.

In my local hospital, a bath towel isn't provided, so always worth checking with your midwife before you pack. Also, you always need loads more pads and knickers than you think you will; you need tomdouble or triple pad your knickers after birth oftentimes, and even then the lochia soaks through and you need to change them a few hours later.

I took a small kettle and hot water bottle - never regretted it. The hot water bottle was great during labour and afterwards for the after pains. It was also nice to be able to make my own tea in my room (although I'm in France so they only know about coffee - they may be better at serving you tea in the UK!)

Did mine, baby's and two dc's last night-am thirty six weeks. Not much to add to anyone else's list except something nice to put on the traditional post delivery toast. First time they only had nasty sugar free jam and I wasn't too keen. Oh, moist toilet wipes and maternity notes-although they stay in the car mostly.

Im just on with doing my list for mine now (30+4) This is what my hospital advise:

What to bring

* Nightclothes
* Towel
* Dressing gown
* Slippers
* Face flannel
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Personal toiletries
* Any medication you are taking on a regular basis
* Maternity records
* Sanitary towels (for after delivery)

For labour (optional)

* Water spray for the face
* Small natural sponge or face flannel
* Lip balm
* Pair of loose-fitting socks
* Hair band to keep hair off your face
* Massage oil
* CD player and CDs if you would like music
* Camera
* Loose fitting nightclothes or oversized T shirt
* Disposable pants

For your newborn baby

* Disposable nappies
* Baby night gowns / baby grows
* Towels
* Cotton wool
* Creams / lotions (optional)
* Artificial milk, bottles and teets (if you intend to bottle feed)
* A car seat for the newborn baby is also essential for your baby?s safe journey home.

Im adding, phone chargers, deodorant and a clean T-shirt for DP, and snacks to the list as well. Oh and nursing bras!

yeah take food, snacks, lovely drinks etc. also, nicest shampoo and conditioner and showergel to help you feel human, and flipflops to wear in the vile shower rooms.

snacks/drinks for partenr too, I was in labour for 14 hours did not appreciate him keep wandering off to look for food

This thread is so helpful! Where did everyone buy their massive pants from? I was thinking of going somewhere like ASDA. Also, no idea what size to buy-I'm a pre pregnancy 14, currently 16 (31 weeks) so I was thinking size 18? What di you think?

marking my place as packing bag this week

Really need to pack mine, had it done by this stage last time (31 weeks) and had a few problems this time so wouldn't be suprised if baby comes early. Last time i took way to much stuff and never unpacked much of it, this time i can't get motivated!

The one thing i didn't pack and really wanted was a small mirror (for some reason checking i looked presentable seemed important even after hours of pushing) - don't normally bother much!

Argh still haven't packed mine and am 38 weeks this week!!!

Need to get sorted, am such a putter offer!!

Just found this thread that I bookmarked.

Friend recommended ear plugs for post natal ward.
May take sleep mask in as find it hard to unwind unless dark.