Packing hospital bags help

[Clairejessica123]

I'm being induced about 38 weeks and due to a complication with baby I know we will be staying in at least 2/3 days after he's born. I'm mentally preparing myself for about a week long stay with some of he horror stories I hear about induction but am struggling with what to pack.

I'm doing myself a small bag of essentials to take in with me, a bag for baby and a bag for leaving in the car with extras.

Any recommendations on how many nappies, outfits etc to take? I am hoping to breast feed however my hospital do not provide you with formula so again how much of this should I pack to be on the safe side?

Thanks

Lots and lots of pants and maternity pads and a few pyjama bottoms if you want them - if your induction lasts a long time then your waters may soak through many pairs of pants, loads of pads and whatever you're wearing. I was surprised i was expected to provide pads for during labour as well as for the bleeding afterwards. I personally wouldn't bother packing formula if you're intending on bf. If baby needs formula because of a clinical need while you're still breastfeeding then they will provide the formula and should support you to keep bfing at the same time.

Agree on the pants, pads and bottoms. Loads. The blood loss can be a stinker as well to begin with and you may find you have a few leaks. I took dark colours with me.
Nappies - a small pack is usually more than enough.
Outfits for the baby? - Most people recommend 3/4 vests and sleepsuits. Maybe take a few extra in case of any nappy explosions. Or put them in another bag that dh can bring in if you need them.
Formula - you can buy Aptamil starter bottles. Pre sterilised bottles teats and milk that are exactly the same as the ones the hospital has. I got some from Asda. Hopefully the breastfeeding goes to plan, you'll be in the best place for support with that but maybe take a pack tube on the safe side.

I'd pack 8 babygrows and 8 vests to allow for nappy and milk leaks. 2 packs of newborn nappies - 1 to keep in car and 1 to take in with you. Mini toiletries for you. Lots of pairs of socks for you. Phone charger. Long acting energy-fuelled snacks (protein and fat based, not just sugary stuff). Blankets to tuck around baby in the car seat. Baby hat. Tbh, those are the absolute essentials and I reckon I wouldn't need anything else, though you may want other stuff.

Thanks ladies. I hadn't even thought about pads for during labour!! Will buy a few more packs!

I bought some throwaway pants from Boots that I found really useful especially with all the bleeding. Had cheap nighties from Primark with buttons at the front so you can open them up for breastfeeding and skin to skin.
definitely bring lots of healthy snacks you will be hungry after the birth. I needed them more afterwards than during labour. Lucozade saved me immediately after birth when I was shaky and weak.
I also took a breastfeeding pillow, completely saved me in the first days when i found it hard to hold baby/position her properly.
Flip flops for toilet/shower.

Check on hospital policy on formula. Most won't provide if you plan to ff but will if needed due to a problem with bf. So you might find just checking out where your partner could get things close to the hospital is fine there

Lasinoh to slather on your nips for first few weeks of feeding. They'll be sensitive and I know I know everyone says it shouldn't hurt but prevention is better than cure!!!

Slippers that you can slip on without having to bend down

Way more snacks than to u think you'll need

A water bottle to keep by your bed

Kindle?

Notepad (I found this useful for writing down bf times although ultimately I drive myself insane wih this)