Emergency hospital bag for very early twins!

[Keepthechangeyoufilthyanimal]

I'm putting a stand by hospital bag together for my best friend (currently 29 weeks pregnant with twins) as I am her back up birth partner as her DH is working away during December when the twins are likely to arrive. She is at risk of going into labour any time from now due to complications so between us we are hoping to have everything she might need.

Here is the list we have come up with so far:

For her:
Nightie (to wear during birth if natural delivery)
Pjs (to wear after birth in bed etc)
Slippers
dressing gown
Knickers (lots of pairs of old/cheap/black or disposable)
Nursing bras
breast pads
maternity pads
toiletries - shampoo, shower gel, toothbrush, usual daily routine stuff etc.
change of clothes (I can go home to get more depending on how long she stays in)
breastfeeding pillow
Books/magazines/ipod etc
Camera/phone with chargers, etc

for babies:
Prem size nappies
tiny sized: vests, sleep suits, cardigans, scratch mittens & hats
blanket & snowsuit for coming home in
car seats

She is planning to breastfeed but should she bring any bottle feeding gear in case she can't?
And what about any toiletries for baby - wipes/cotton wool etc or does the hospital provide all that?
Is it worth bringing nipple cream etc or do you not use that straight away?

This is all new to both of us so if there's anything else I haven't listed that would be an essential please let me know!

Thanks in advance

the babies shouldn't wear a snowsuit in a car seat. i'd just take extra blankets

she'll need cotton wool for nappy changes and a little bowl for warm water.

worth taking a small tube of lansinoh imo, just in case (for nipples) although she may well not need it.

oh maybe some snacks... depends how good the hospital food is, but when i was in for ds1 it was awful and I was sooooo hungry

Some cash, some normal clothes and her phone.

I say this based on the experience of being stranded in hospital with only my nightie, and no way of contacting home to tell them to hurry the fuck up and come and get me.

Maybe also post on the Multiples board? They're in the Being a parent section. We're a friendly bunch and there's often a really good twin antenatal thread going.

Yes definitely some snacks and I'd also add some sugary drinks. I had some caprisun pouches which when I couldn't face eating I could drink when my energy got low and midwife was concerned. But some cereal bars, and having some bananas ready to chuck in the bag for example would be good too.

How lovely of you! Same situation here (although 31 weeks now)...Hospitals recommend using just cotton wool and water but babies' first poo is like tar and impossible to get off, so I've packed some extra sensitive baby wipes for that. If they are prem it is likely that she will be in for a few days with them so I'd also include a cheap deodorant, dry shampoo etc that will make her feel a bit more presentable if she can't get home for a shower.

Hospitals will provide bottles if she can't bf for the first day ormso...the glass ones with a teat already attached that are disposable...but you can buy these from boots and larger supermarkets. If they are prem then you will need to be careful about passing on germa so what about some milton wipes to sterilise anything?

8've also been to Primarni for some cheapo large sized jogging bottoms/tops etc in case I want to be a bit more dressed while visiting babies in scbu but which are still comfy if I have had a cs.

Muslins are also essential for all sorts of things baby too, you can pick some up fairly cheap but they will need a wash first or they aren't absorbent. Hth!

actually a lot of hospitals don't provide formula at all any more.

personally I didn't want to take any as I felt it might be an easy option for me if i was struggling and I'd later regret it!
It depends if you'll be able to get out and get some if she does decide she wants it though?

ohh, with the tar poo... just make sure you vaseline their butts straight away, before they poo. it helps it just slide off :-D

A towel for when she gets to take a shower.
Lots of snacks, dried fruit, crisps, cereal bars, sweeties and juice to keep her energy levels up. And some for you, it could be a long haul!
A carton of formula milk and two bottles just in case she feels she needs it.

Make sure you've talked birth plan with her so that you can back up her decisions with the medical staff. She'll need to have her green notes with her when you get to the maternity ward.

You sound like a bloody amazing friend, what a lovely thing you're doing. I hope everything goes really well and those little ones stay put for as long as possible.

After DH Made an emergency dash to boots following DS's surprise early arrival I found that Boots size 0 nappies were quite good, and their early baby clothes are fine (although they drowned him to start with). Just a thought though that if the babies are in NICU/SCBU you may not be able to put clothes on them, so that may be something you can wait to buy. Tesco also do small/prem baby nappies, both boots and tesco under £3 for a pack of 24.

If it were me Id really focus on your friend and comfort for her rather than baby stuff, for now. Good snacks and drinks, I'm sure that the M&S meals DH got for me to heat up in hosp helped get my milk in! Although it's good to have your usual toiletries I bought some l'occitaine lavender shower gel which was heaven post birth. I've continued to use it at home (not cheap though). I also rate the body shop tea tree wipes. These were nice when I couldn't manage a shower and didn't leave nasty residue.

If she's planning to breastfeed then she'll hopefully get lots of support. They will provide bottles and a pump to use, and help her get colostrum into a syringe. My hospital provided formula. They're certainly not going to let the baby go without-- they'll be very focused on blood sugars and weight gain!

Good luck, you sound like a lovely friend.