Packing My Hospital Bag....

[bea]

are you happy now dot1???!!! (she's been nagging me to do it for weeks!)

anyway! 36-37 weeks (i think! ) and counting, finally decided that on this second day of my luxurious maternity leave! - dd1 at nursery.... how decadent!! - i should pack my bag....

but i've forgotton what should i include... at the moment trying to find my humungously sized nightshirt (front fastening! of course!!!) bought from mothercare when dd1 was born...

got knicks, bras, breast pads... but what else? and for the baby...?

i've completely forgotton... help!

need quick replies or i shall lose all incentive and end up surfing the net and watching the House Doctor on UK Style!

Sanitary towels!!!
Dark coloured towels. Wash bag. Clothes for you.
Sleepsuits for baby, nappies, vests, hat.
Sure there was a thread like this not long ago from Spring Chicken.
Good luck.

ooops! sorry! you're right was too lazy to do a search...

Heres one prepared earlier hospitalbag

Hurrah Bea!!! Can't remember what we packed either... ooh - drinks and snacks for your dh!! Definitely a pillow or two aswell - so you don't have to lie on the crinkly ones which'll keep you awake! Nappies!

Glad you're doing this - no more surfing until it's all packed and ready to go!!

babygro without feet (plus socks of course) because had to cut the feet off dd1's first one - she was soooo long

My top priority this time (for baby 3) is strong painkillers in case of afterpains. with dd2 I kept requesting painkillers, 3 hours later none had arrived and I had to burst into tears to get them. then they decided I wasn't coping and should stay in overnight (not my plan). discharged myself anyway and came home to where the strong painkillers were more available.

The hospital will be angry if they find out you have your own painkillers of course so hide them well...

I took a v small cafitiere and fresh coffee....Don't forget money for the hospital phonecard system.

ARNICA - it's brilliant at preventing bruising. I think you're supposed to start taking it during labour but I didn't remember until several hours after dd born and it still worked wonderfully. I spent 2 1/2 hours pushing her out and in the end had ventouse and second degree tear but absolutely no bruising. Think I was less uncomfortable than some others who had no tearing but large amounts of bruising. MWs kept commenting on my amazing lack of bruising. Sorry, I'm going on aren't I, will stop there!

CHOCOLATE

dunno if it was placebo effect, but i packed rescue remedy and sipped water with a few drops of remedy added throughout my 2nd labour and i'm sure it helped me to stay calm and controlled through the contractions

I am 35 nearly 36 weeks and have packed my bag too. Small cd player with relaxing music, had it with ds1 and it was quite nice to listen too although when it came to pushing I wanted the bloody thing off!!!!!!! Also bea, slippers for you as hospital floors can be cold or if they have a carpet, they can be a little unhygenic and a going home outfit for baby. And a pressi for dd1 from her baby brother or sister. We have bought ds1 who is 4 a pressi from his baby brother and when he visits me while in hospital I will give him the pressi.

FOOD!!! dont bothher with a book, u wont get a chance to read. agree on painkillers. some refreshing wipes - for you. big knickers if having c section. own blanket for baby - hospital ones are horrid. cartons of drink. earplugs - cos all the other babys will be screaming - yours will be an angel of course!

I agree with Spacemonkey

don't bother with a book? I was bored to tears on the maternity ward!

remember a toothbrush.

I packed a small toiletries bag with my own deodorant, shampoo, shower gel etc. Felt so nice when I had my bath.... oh and makeup for those all important photos!!

BR