Pack me my hospital bag!

[raviolidreaming]

I'm now 38 weeks and still haven't packed a bag. What essentials do I need in there? Please help me get started!

My brother got me a snack box full of Japanese snacks. It took my mind off things very briefly trying all those new things.

I will try and find out the place he got it from

Do people really pack towels? Surely hospitals will have an abundance of clean towels?? Happy to be corrected as I had DC1 abroad, so may be different here in the UK.
I'm currently 30 weeks with DC2 and packing my bag, so this thread is great. I was rushed in early for DC1, so I'm trying to be prepared this time.
Like a previous poster I had major issues with feeding because of poor latch. I just expressed and fed using a syringe until baby was strong enough to latch properly (at about 3 days old) so not sure formula is necessary unless you plan to use it anyway.

Can distilled witch hazel be used on c-sections?

Straws - it's impossible to hold onto a cup mid contraction but a straw means someone else can hold the cup and you can take sips

If planning on breastfeeding - lansinoh nipple cream (comes in a purple tube), it's going to rescue your nipples

Phone charger

Snacks - plus loads of change for vending machines

I am shamelessly page marking - have the exact same question and there are so many good suggestions here

Do people really pack towels?

I'm now packed and playing the waiting game, but I didn't pack towels. I had quite enough stuff as it was and, whilst hospital towels are small and scratchy, they can go straight in their wash / I won't mind if I bleed all over them / there's nowhere to dry your own towel in hospital. We'll see if I regret this!

Lasinoh travel size for sore nipples if you're in a few days
Maternity pads
Camera
Medical records
Hand cream. Hospital soap is strong...

Put a folded towel or changing mat on the passenger seat of your car in case your water goes. Also take a bowl/sick bag on the glove compartment in case they're needed on the way there.

Glucose tablets, I was not allowed food for 30 hours and those were the only things keeping me alive!

I'm packing my bag this weekend as well, thanks for all the tips!

How many packs of maternity pads will I need to buy?

Also, is it worth getting some winged normal pads for when bleeding gets less heavy? I always get nervous about leakage with non winged pads....

In regards to distilled witch hazel. Will distilled witch hazel gel be okay to go on maternity pads?

Can't comment on the witch hazel, and the number of pads is hugely variable. If you have heavy periods then you will probably go through more. With DC1 I was in the hospital for 10 days, and they provided all pads there so I ended up not using any of my huge stock. So if the shop where you get them is fairly accessible for you/your DH, then I'd just get 20-30 pads and stock up if needed. I then moved to (winged) sanitary pads.

Did you have your baby OP? Did your bag provide everything you need?

Don't underestimate how many maternity pads you will need! And the fat old fashioned ones are better than the slim ones. I also needed a lightbulb! Luckily there was a Tesco next door so my husband nipped out and got one to put in the anglepoise lamp over the bed. They told me there were no spare bulbs and there was no way I was labouring through the night with a strip light!

A pillow and at least a couple of blankets for baby.

I gave birth in November (a freezing November at that) and the hospitals air con was broken which meant it was pumping out freezing cold air and they had no blankets for babies as it's. Something you should bring. we had one but it was extremely cold luckily I had my large scarf and wrapped her in that. I also had no pillow hospital was out of pillows apparently :S so be prepared! I also didn't get any food until the evening mean although I gave birth at 6am!

Lucozade glucose tablets! Amazing for an energy boost if you can't eat , DP said it was the best idea I'd ever had haha he ate more than me!

Get dressing gown and pj bottom in dark colour in case of flooding.
Nighties are good if you end up with a catheter due to forceps or c-section.

I think I packed some maternity pads but I was provided with them (and nappies) but I realise that is unusual now. I do think maternity pads should be provided whilst you are in though.

Mrstumbletap, I'm 11 days overdue, but heading in for a c-section tomorrow - so all my lovely snacks are on hold now!

I expected to be in and out within the day so I was very unprepared. I don't think you can buy too many sanitary towels but make sure they are maternity towels. Also underwear, the bigger the better. I'm a size 10 but I got size 14-16 underwear and it was the best decision I've ever made (after my daughter ). Hospital food is grim and tends to consist of cheese so have plenty of snacks! Good luck!!

I've roughly packed a bag however I'm clueless to what I need so this thread is perfect!

Sort your knicker draw..take old ones with you. You know the ones that have dodgy elastic/turned blue in wash. Wear them once in hospital then throw out.

Oh good luck for today!

Definitely witch hazel! So glad someone suggested that!