Few questions re hospital bag and breast feeding...

[Everythinggettingbigger]

First question.....I am planning on breast feeding but have had breast surgery where my nipples were removed and re applied (would that be the right way to put it ) so breast feeding may not be an option. (Bottles/steriliser bought etc just in case). I don't want to waste money on nipple cream etc if its not going to be viable anyway....as lovely as it is im waiting to start "leaking" to know it is a possibility. I cant remember when it happened with DC1 (this is #2)....when do your breast start leaking?

what maternity pads do you recommend? I seen some in boots that said they were slimline.....remembering from the first time I don't think these would be sufficient! but it will have been nearly 6 years when #2 is here so feel like im starting again!

what bits should I be picking up for my hospital bag? I know what baby needs.

I am only 23 weeks so have PLENTY of time but I have OCD with being organised!

I think I started leaking colostrum around 35 weeks or so, only tiny amounts though. I have tried many breast pads and the only ones I recommend are the lansinoh ones. By far the most absorbent and comfortable to wear. You can get them in big supermarkets, mothercare, boots.

Drinks were good for me in the hospital so I wasn't pestering staff but was able to quench the BF thirst! Nice, soft and loose pyjamas. Maternity towels (I liked mothercare own). Big, comfy pants. I'll have a think.

Sorry op you didn't ask about the breast pads. Doh!

Lip balm if you have dry lips after g&a
Dry shampoo maybe
Bobbles/hair grips

I feel like I'm forgetting a lot

I started leaking around 20wks with DD. It was only in the shower it was really noticeable at that point, although I'd find a bit dried on my nipples at the end of the day too (nice!). I think that was fairly early however, and I have heard some women don't leak during pregnancy at all.
I used superdrug OB maternity pads but switched to Always heavy flow period pads after a week. I found them so uncomfortable and the always were marginally better, but then I've always hated pads.
For your maternity bag, don't forget to pack snacks for during and after birth. I was starving after, and the food (when it was available) was awful. Don't let your OH eat them. My DH ate half my prunes whilst I was asleep, and believe me I needed those prunes. They were medicinal. YY to drinks too. I got Harrumphed at by the midwife on the ward for asking for my water jug to be refilled after it had been empty for over an hour. I still had my catheter in so could hardly jump up and do it myself!

Don't take not leaking as a sign that you will not be able to breast feed, I didn't leak with either of my 2 but bf both (8m with DD1, still going with DD2 at 6m).

I found either the boots or tesco pads to be fine, they do the job and are fairly priced you don't want to be spending much on them, I did move down to the tesco slimline after a few weeks.

I had a 5 yr gap and it does feel like starting again but things will come back to you as they happen.
My bag for DD2 was probably a third of the size as with DD1, there were so many things I didn't use.
Essentials were;
Something accesable to give birth in
Comfortable pj's for after (with easy access for bfing)
Dressing gown and flip flop type slippers
Toiletries
Hair band and brush
Soft Towel
Maternity and breat pads
Baggy knickers
Phone charger
Comfortable clothes to go home in
Warm socks
Drinks and snacks
Change for car park

I didn't leak at all before having DD, and I fed her for 20 months - one doesn't necessarily equal the other

Thanks everyone, I did leak with my DS, a lot! I know no 2 pregnancies are ever the same

Thanks everyone...I would say I massively over packed for DS1 and myself, looking at lists online etc so ive refused to look this time! The hospital have advised what I need for baby so im ok there, (and its probably twice as many baby grows as what I took for DS but half of everything else!) I just went blank for myself!!

Noted snacks and drinks!!
Bobble (I have very long hair) brush and toiletries.
Big Bridget Jones knickers and pads and other bits I have written down! thanks my OCD seems to have calmed slightly now