Check over my Hospital Bag list?

[kizzle]

I'm 24w pregnant today, so I have started to put a couple of lists together of things to pack in my hospital bags.

Would someone mind checking these over and maybe adding something I haven't thought of?
Or the opposite - something I've written down that I really won't need.

Thanks for any advice ☺️

Straighteners no!

Would recommend squeezie squash concentrate

Nighties rather than pj - easier to change pad if you're not trying to keep pj bottoms off the floor in toilets

Have spare things clearly labels at home ie bag of pants and nightie another of baby clothes. Leave them in the cot and sleep deprived dad or another person can find.

I bottle of water for when you pee after giving birth if you have a tear or graze, such good pain relief for the stinging if you pour over your bits while you pee. I only had 1 small graze which I couldn't even see but it stung! I had a huge bottle in the bathroom by the loo at home for weeks after

Can I just add that the straighteners were on the list so I felt like a human leaving the hospital.
I wasn't planning on redoing my hair mid labour or anything! 😂

I will add extra nighties on my list also, I like things being on my legs but I figured the waistband might irritate me as well as the pad changing keeping your pjs off the floor you mentioned.

I'd also read about squeezy juice bottles or cartons of juice with straws so they're easier to drink

Notebook and pen for noting down any important things the midwives tell you (I couldn't trust myself to remember anything), keeping track of feeding times, number of wet/dirty nappies in the first few days etc. Pen also useful for filling in hospital meal choice cards.

Just if you end up being in overnight(s)...You might need more than 3 vests.... just depends if you get some sort of black horror nappy that leaks everywhere early doors

Or just take in the minimum but ensure anything else you might need is clearly labelled/ left out so that DP can bring in any extras

A notebook and pen is a good idea thanks! Especially with feeding times, dirty nappies etc. Plus we can play hangman if I get bored 😂
I think I'll probably take 5 vests and sleepsuits now, just to be safe. We live literally a 10 min drive from the hospital so it wouldn't be the end of the world if DP had to run home and get some more clothes (and Fanta orange & crunchie bars for mama 😜)

Thought of something else - camera and charger for that.

Also, it's always boiling on the wards. If you're taking a dressing gown, make it a thin one. Or leave the dressing gown out and just take a thin cardi to throw over yourself for the shuffle to the loos!

Oh, and they did bath my baby in hospital, but they had towels there, so you won't need a towel for baby. Just cotton wool for topics tailing them

Top tailing, not topics!

Maybe a thank you card or small box chocs for the midwives.

I sorted my things into clear, labelled freezer bags, i.e. Knickers in one, nighties (2 just in case) in another. It makes it easy for you or your DP to find everything and means stuff doesn't go everywhere.

I also packed 2 sizes of baby clothes as you never know how big they'll be.

Good luck

I packed an extra bag of spare stuff which we left in the car 'just in case' DH had to be sent out for more supplies.

I found a nice smelling shower gel (not used on sensitive bits) and make up definitely made me feel more human before leaving hospital - and I am not a regular make up wearer. I was also pleased I had my toenails painted post box red.

I packed stuff for me, baby and DH into three separate bags, so DH and midwives could easily find stuff for baby without rummaging through all my stuff.

These are all very helpful thank you.
Will they mind me moving in for a couple of days? 🙈

I would agree with leave out hair straighteners, but I was glad to put a bit of makeup on. Just concealer and mascara, it made me a feel 'normal'! I'd probably not go for a body spray though as wouldn't want to use aerosols on a ward with lots of newborns and other new mums in close proximity, roll on or stick deo probably better!

I'd definitely add:

• Energy drinks with a sports lid (great during labour to keep you hydrated and energised, if you have a long one). Also bottled water with sports lids, for easy drinking whilst you're labouring/laid down/breastfeeding etc.
• Some sweets and healthy snacks for afterwards, I found I was starving and there wasn't much food on offer.
• Magicool spray (I was burning up in labour and it was a godsend!)
• A razor - sounds odd but but by the time

I actually gave birth I'd not showered for 48 hours (loooooong back to back labour!) and I was desperate to have a nice shower and shave my armpits to feel clean and fresh when I was finally finished!

Also more nappies and maternity pads than you think you'll need!

Good luck, so exciting!