Here's what I am taking to the hospital

[Focusfocus]

Right, after reading loads of mumsnet advice on hospital bags ranging from "you definitely DONT need X" to "oh I missed X in my bag so badly" I've decided what I am taking. If anything seems very very obviously wrong do tell me! (Planning a water Hypno-birth but informed about all possibilities)

BABY -

5 vests
3 sleepsuits
2 blankets
Nappies
Waterwipes
Cotton wool
Hats
Changing mat

ME

light dressing gown for postnatal
Bikini top
Couple of comfy large PJS
Bath towel
Face towel
Soft flannels, cheap plastic bowl, couple of labour essential oils
Cheap plastic mug to pour water on sore bits
Cold maternity pads x 20 stuck in their freezer or fridge
Witch hazel tucks pads
Black oversize granny pants x 5
Sports drinking bottle
My own nursing tea bags
Arnica
Flipflops for the dirty showers
iPod with hypnobirthing tracks, iPad, phone, charger
LED candle to stick on a shelf by the pool
Small bottle of those face and body cooling sprays
Thermos
Basic gentle toileteries mini size
Plastic bags
Small toilet bag
Moist toilet tissue possible waterwipes

FOOD

frozen juices
Crisps (don't like sweets)
Cooked frozen pizza slices have been suggested
Lucozade type stuff in some form

OTHER STUFF

change of clothes for DH
trunks in case he fancies getting in my hot mucky pool
Change in coins

DH and Doula to be birth partners. DH will be mobile for trips to fast food 24/7 drive through a while doula stays with me.

Anything obviously missing?

I love these threads.

Because I nearly always get to say this. DON'T FORGET SOCKS.

I gave birth 20 mins after arriving at hospital, it was all a bit of a hurry, so I was still in my socks (classy). I left 4 hours later. I didn't use half the stuff in my thoroughly-researched and every-contingency-covered hospital bag. But I really wish I remembered to bring some socks, the ones I had on were squelchy.

tango! Squelchy socks, eww!

I took like 2 bags for me and one for DH&baby and 1 bag of snacks as I was induced and all the midwives said it would take 2 pessaries and 48 hours. Way to think positively! In actual fact I was in labour for 40 mins. We did stay 1 night, 2 full days but still only used a fraction of the stuff we took.

I'd say take everything you want, then if you need it, you'll have it. But then I like to be prepared

Focus do you know what I found the most effective way of making sure my pee didn't sting? Drinking as much water as I could get into myself. It meant my pee was really dilute.

I had a nasty tear (which won't happen to you!) which meant I was a prime candidate for major stinkage. Personally I found that to be a far more effective way of dealing with it.

And my top tip is straws. If you end up having to lie down afterwards, they're really handy.

Do your sleepsuits have built in scratch mitts? They are a must for newborns. My niece still has a scar from a deep scratch she did when newborn.

stingage!! Not stinkage!

Thankfully I didn't experience either.

applecore thanks for the feedback on hypnobirthing, sounds great and there has to be a reason why people who use this have quicker labours with minimal pain relief!! I know it doesnt get rid of the pain but i really want to learn the breathing and coping techniques.

focus im only 12 weeks but never to early to be organised!! Im going go start prenatal yoga at 15 weeks then do hypnobirthing later on (hopefully if all goes well of course!) will PM you if that's ok

Sorry, OP, thought you meant the cup was to clean yourself with! Still think it's a bit unnecessary though- like middlings, I found drinking lots of water effective (also useful if you get constipation- vv common after birth). I had a second degree tear but didn't find weeing particularly painful. Not as painful as sitting down, anyway . Also, I had epidurals with both DC, so was too busy faffing about trying to wee into a jug to think about it.

It's worth remembering that when you're on the post natal ward there is not very much room between the beds (at least there wasn't in my hospital). There's nothing worse than having to squeeze down the side of your bed, whilst sore and wobbly, to spend 30 minutes rummaging through your overstuffed bag to find a babygro in the middle of the night (speaking from experience ).

If you are going to take a lot of stuff with you then have the essential baby things (nappies, maternity pads, babygros, vests) in an easy to reach compartment or separate bag.

My only other advice is take a pot of dried fruit for the afore-mentioned constipation. That was on my list of essential items with dd2!

Good luck! Birth is scary but so exiting