Hospital Bag - SO STRESSING OVER THIS!

[Yankeedoodlenic]

I'm 35 weeks and have been gradually packing my bag over the past few weeks. But now that I am finishing up I feel ridiculous as it looks like I'm going away for a week. I know space is going to be tight in the hospital and I am just so confused. I'm sure there are a bazillion other threads just like this and I am not the only one but wanted an active one.

What is really necessary for baby?? So many lists says 3-4 baby grows, 3-4 sleep suits, blankets, going home outfit, etc etc etc. Can someone give me the minimum - I'm really hoping to be in and out of hospital as hoping for no epidural and no pain meds (HOPING!)

For me - I don't even usually wear dressing gowns or slippers - so surely these things are necessary?? Argh!!

3-4 vests/sleepsuits is probably about right as a minimum, tbh.

You may not be planning on staying long, but all sorts of things can happen which might mean you need to, so it's definitely best to be prepared.

You could always pack a labour bag with essentials and then another bag you leave in the car with all your other stuff in in case you have to stay in.

Dressing gown not absolutely necessary, I suppose, but useful to have in case of leaks etc. And you'll definitely want something for your feet -- you wouldn't catch me walking around a hospital ward in bare feet or socks!

hi yank well i live close to the hospital so in my last pregnancys i packed

baby

x2 sleepsuits
x2 vests
x2 hats
10 nappies
wipies
blanket

for myself i only packed

x2 nightwear
hair brush
hair bands
change of clothes to go home in
toothbrush and paste
body spray
no shampoo etc i didnt see point as i was on a quick discharge both times

I'd say slippers are useful for wondering around ward dressings gown not so much a cardigan or jumper in your bag if you get chilly. Baby clothes are teeny anyway so they probably aren't taking up much space.

Things you will def need, pants, maternity pads, breast pads,
Comfy bottoms & top. 2 x labouring nighties (you may puke, or leak waters over first) toiletries stuff that will make you feel nice after boots do 3 for 2 on minis, blanket for baby, muslin squares, nappies, wipes/cotton wool. Baby clothes, car seat, towels (dark you will get blood on them!), face wipes, body lotion

Camera, hair ties, your favourite squash or drink, lip balm all useful not essential.

You can always have an extra bag with more clothes for you separate in the car that dh can bring at a later time.

I'm having a home birth this time to hopefully avoid the Faff!

Thank you. I read on another thread about the 2 bag tactic so that is what I am doing now. I still have a large size backpack, nappy changing bag (with most of baby's stuff in) and my handbag... We live pretty close to the hospital as well so if DH or FIL has to come home or whatever I don't see it will be a huge deal.

The slippers are because the floors can be grim and the dressing gown is handy as there are approx. 1m people wandering around hospitals at all times and you won't be wearing much in bed as it will probably be hot. It saved me from embarrassment, anyway. If you have a car, could you pack one bag of essentials and another bag with spare things that goes in the boot? Have you included an eye mask (lots of lights at night), ear plugs (to reduce noise of other people's visitors to a bearable level) and some cleaning wipes - when I was in the nearest handbasin was on the other side of the room.

If you don't have slippers just take some flip flops instead.

I wouldn't have a separate handbag, if you can avoid it. Something to worry about being misplaced or stolen, and there isn't much by way of storage in the cubicles

I second FSG - don't take your actual handbag - too easy to steal and looks v obvious. Just take key bits from it in your main bag.

I was v glad to have something to read (magazine), drink (lucozade) and eat (chocolate of course) when I got to the ward - all of which I'd packed but DH could have got from the hospital shop.
Dressing gown wasn't used as ward was too hot, but had I wanted to go out of the ward it would have been useful.

Princesscupcakes list sounds like a good essentials list - anything else you can get DH or other to bring.
It's frustrating not knowing what your birth experience will be but at least if it's quick you won't have time to worry, slow and DH will be able to pop out.
I have a work colleague who popped out over lunch to see her Mw at 34 weeks as she "felt a bit funny" - was told she was 7cm dilated and taken to hospital where she gave birth 3 hours later. No notes, no bag, nothing! And she had nothing ready at home either. And amazingly she survived/managed. Her DH had to do a panic run round the nearest supermarket to get everything but he managed.

I'm writing this as much to calm myself down from panicking about having everything prepared (33 weeks and havn't started) but if you say forgot all the baby's things - the hospital would at least have sheets and a blanket to wrap them in until your DH could go and get something! And it would make a great post birth story

Sorry epic post!

Both times previously (and will do the same again this time) I have packed one 'immediate' bag for labour/CS and immediate period afterwards (nightie for me, couple of babygros, nappies, Lansinoh, cotton wool, sweeties, water etc), then had another bag I the car for the next chunk of time (wash stuff, spare nightie, more babygros, magazines, snacks etc), then a third bag for going home. DH went and got the second bag when I went down onto the ward after delivery both times.

Thanks for the tips all! I just think it is the unknown aspect of it that is freaking me out! I know every hospital is different as well and each person/labour is different. But I guess it is sort of the same when packing for holiday - as long as you have the crucial bits you can either do without or pop out and get bits.