The Definitive Hospital Bag list

[WhatsTheWordHummingbird]

This is my second dc and I need little to nothing in preparation except hospital bag stuff.

Last time round I just sort of threw everything in and went and can't really remember what I used and what I didnt amd I want to be Miss Organised this time around.

So....help me make a list please. What do I need for certain, what was a waste of you taking.

Help!

Arnica tablets
A clean shirt for DH --ds shat all over him after he was born - that lovely gluey, sticky meconium- DD didn't - she's a lady.

That's what I suspected. I was, and am, terrified. An ice penis! there is no little face that adequately conveys how I feel about this!

I suppose if you don't want to use it as an icepack it's a convenient shape for a lollipop. Rather disappointed I wasn't offered one.

We use a latex glove as an ice pack in the same way at school.

I was stitched after the local ran out. I would've taken anything to soothe the pain!

My favourite labour things:

1. Straws

2. A flannel - used it on my head to cool me down, also "eased" contractions when put under cold water then placed on stomach, and then the bit it was most used for - for me to bite when pushing - I literally bit a hole through it but couldn't push without it lol. Will be bringing another flannel with me this time round.

3. a big bottle of ice - it obviously started to melt during labour, then I could drink it. Normal temp water just didn't cut it.

Watching with interest

Think I might need a new notebook to use for listing the above.

Shirts for DH.
This Time i will bring my nursing pillow along. With DS they didn't provide me with proper pillows, my back hurt and DS felt uncomfortable. Once home I used the nursing pillow he was so calm and latched good and I felt great too..

Oooh watching watching with interest. I remember being very organised last time and not needing anything during labour that wasn't in the bags. What I did miss off was food/drink and lots of it for afterwards. The one packet of biscuits I did bring didn't go far!

I'm bringing a notebook to jot down any gifts that people bring because I always forget who brought what. Also, ear plugs. I don't have an eye mask but that might be useful too. I remember finding it hard last time because lights had to be on in the ward at all hours for other people to get treated and then there were people in labour etc. You want to try and get as much rest as possible.

I've half packed my bag, I have written a list of what I need and a list of what is already in there (headphones and phone charger at the last minute) list is in the bag. Hoping that helps keep me organised!

Yes, yes, yes to earplugs.

The vital items for my bag other than the obvious are earplugs, blusher, mascara and concealer!

Also, after a thread on here, I am planning on sleeping with a muslin and then popping it in a ziplock, so that if DC3 and I have to be separated, there is something that smells of e.

my top tip - LIP BALM!
Before DD I saw on every list on the web it said lip balm. i thought 'what utter rubbish' and didn;t pack any - MISTAKE!!!
Take Lip Balm ladies! :)

Eye mask and ear plugs for when your baby decides to take a lovely long nap right in the middle of the day and you want to sleep too.

Chocolate brownies for when you are up feeding you baby in the middle of the night.

Magazines for when neither of you are asleep or your baby is asleep and you can't sleep.

Fybogel for the all important PPP (postpartum poo)...it 'softens the stool' and means you can 'go' without any pain what so ever no matter how bad your stitches might be. I drink some pretty much as soon as I'm on the post natal ward.

A couple of bottles of water. Labour snacks.

This thread has been brilliant, thank you for all the suggestions! Going to print it out and hughlight everything ready to pick up from the shops.

Biiiiig towel. I took a beach towel. Make sure its aa darkcolour.
List of essential phone numbers for your DP to call
TENS machine.

Great list OP ! The aloe vera lube and ice condom is making me laugh...!

I would also add eyemask and earplugs in case you end up in noisy ward and want to sleep/feel private.

Also homeopathic arnica tablets as many Mums have told me they helped with healing loads (compared to other births where they didn't use arnica) Take them a couple weeks before due date too.

On another thread here someone said compile a separate zippy 'toilet' bag with everything you need for a toilet visit - eg. spare knickers, nappy bags (for used knickers) spare pads, wet toilet wipes, dettol wipes for toilet seat in case it's a bit nasty from previous user !! squeezy water bottle for squirting on your bits whilst peeing to stop stinging. Then you don't have to fumble for all those separate things whenever you need the loo.

Marking place - thank you

Ive got a massive list in my bounty bookthat im going to pick and choose stuffs from :) hehe then am gonna start to get fings together and pack my bag few days before im due :) like a week or something. Am using this as an excuse to get some new pj's though ;) hehe x

Other than a normal weekend bag: maternity pads, breast pads, magazines, snacks (do NOT underestimate how many snacks you're gonna want... Especially if you're being induced)

My favourites:

Single use intensive hair conditioner. In both cases my long curly Hair was a shoulder length hairball afterwards. Conditioner saved a lot of pain.

Scan photograph. We got an amazing pic at 37 week's scan and it was brilliant for motivation. 'SHOW ME THE FUCKING PICTURE' [GRIN]

I recommend adult nappies for after your waters have gone. I also wore then for a few days afterwards- just felt more reliable than pads, and no need to ruin knickers.

Marking place great list!