hospital bag

[janeggybee]

what do i need to pack in my hospital bag?? are there any important items (people who have done this before) that should be packed or anything that is not needed despite the advice of websites. i dont want to turn up with a suitcase of stuff i dont need!!!

BIG maternity type sanitary towels (just getting the 'heavy flow' normal ones is unlikely to work)

Big comfy pants to hold said towels in place! You will not want to wear small knicksers after labour...let alone a g-string and if (hope not, but if) you have a C-section you need pants with the elastic well out of the way of the incision (Oh, and LOTS of them)

Pajamas - yes I know, may not be ok after a c-section, but if you don't have a c-section PJs are SO much less potentially revealing than a nightie as you shuffle across the bed to comfort small wailing baby , and have buttony shirt top should you be planning on breast feeding

Babygro's - several, you may have a pukey baby (I did) and the midwives changed his entire outfit every time he dribbled on it! Got through about 6 babygro's, in about 24-36 hours!

for the baby, pack a bigger size bodysuit/sleepsuit, as DS came out weighing 11 lbs 1oz and we had NO idea he'd be that big. newborn nappies and clothes we had packed were too small!

OK, here's my list

FOR YOU
At least 2 packs of maternity towers
6 pairs BIG pants (dark colours!)
2 x towels (dark), 1 hand, 1 bath
Flash wipes (for cleaning bath unless you get a private room!)
Nursing bra
2 x nightshirts (1 for delivery, 1 for afterwards)
Flipflops or cheap slippers (for shower and walking about in)
dressing gown (lightweight)
Shampoo/showergel/toothbrush/toothpaste/brush
moisturiser/cleanser/cotton pads
Coming out outfit (do not leave to dh/dp to sort for you!)

BABY
pack of newborn nappies
pack of wipes (some hospitals may provide these but mine doesn't)
baby vests x 6 (have to plan for puke!)
babygros x 3 (for sleep)
Hat/scratch mits/socks
Coming out outfit
Bibs/muslins (feeding time)

OTHERS
camera
drinks/snacks
TENS machine
Money for phone & other items
YOUR NOTES!!! (I forgot these first time round!!)

Think that's it but if I have forgotten anything mums, please tell me and I will pack it! I'm meant to be having a home birth this time, but have been told to prepare a bag just in case!!!!

Try to avoid wipes and bubblebath/shampoo for baby for first 4 weeks. Babies only should be bathed in water alone (same for nappy changes) to allow the skin to continue developing properly. Help prevent skin rashes, eczema, sore bottoms

oh..and if the post-natal ward where you are is anything like the one i was on, pack cool clothes...it was really really hot there(something about keeping newborms warm maybe...or just no air conditioning in August )

Unless no-one likes you - you'll be having loads of visiters, so other than wash bag and PJs and babygro and nappy you can get stuff brought into you.

For some reason I forgot this and needed about three trips to the car to bring stuff in and out. It's not like prison (although it does feel like it sometimes) and you're not cut off from the outside world!

Guess what my hospital even had a shop!

Something to tie your hair back
Lip balm

Sorry if I am repeating but, forget the paper pants- get some 4 for a £1 at asda nice and comfy big mama's. Also would recommend nail clippers both babies needed them cut as soon as they were born. Also "V" cushion, cannot be without it for the first few months.x

Don't pack "normal" pre-pregnancy clothes for coming home - you'll probably still need maternity (sorry!). I took a t-shirt for coming home and it barely covered my boobs.

Also, if you have space, something personal from home like your own favourite tea mug, soft toy, and your own pillows are brilliant to have.

Big pants, dried fruit (good for the bowels), money for television / phone etc, moisturiser (air con very drying), ear plugs (you WILL hear the baby, just not the woman snoring in the next bed!), blank and white film, flip flops for the shower and slippers for pottering about.

Good luck

i took a battery powered fan for partner to hold near my face, was lovely in the heat of contractions.also socks as i was in stirrpus and even when i wasnt my feet seemed freezing compared to the rest of me.i had a flanned wet and draped across my forehead.anything wet and cooling was good.good luck with it all.make sure you take a few munchies as i was starving after and it was 2.30am and all the hospital shops etc were shut.

Take hair bands or clips as your hair may annoy you in labour, a flannel to cool you down, food and drink( you may have missed the dinner trolley and be starving) list of telephone numbers, something to read, breastpads.

I think everyone has covered everything else.