Hospital bag - when and what?

[MissBax]

30 weeks pregnant now - when is an appropriate time to pack a bag? I still feel nowhere near ready to actually give birth but should I just incase?
What shall I pack? Anything people realised they missed or couldn't have done without? Thanks all :)

Hey I'm 30 weeks too and was thinking of packing at around 36 weeks. Baby no 3 here. Things I remember as being useful last time were energy drinks , snacks, about three times the amount of maternity pads you think you will need and a rucksack for DH with basics in like clean t shirt and boxers deodorant toothbrush etc

I decided to leave until 37 weeks with my 1st and she arrived at 35 weeks so DH had to go and buy everything and pack it all in a bit of a rush! I'd say if you have the time pack it, there is no harm in being prepared. I'm now 28weeks with no2 and planning on packing it in the next couple of weeks just incase but expect I'll then be kept waiting until 42 weeks this time! DH did a great job last time but I'd rather be prepared this time round!

I usually do mine around 30 weeks.
I'm 21 weeks pregnant with dc4.
The main reason that I do them early and pack plenty of food in a bag is that a few times I have been taken in to hospital, sometimes late at night (after a fall/tingling face/swelling etc) and just left in a room for hours/all night not having eaten, not being allowed to leave the ward and with no food.
All my labours have been different but all ended in section.
I normally pack several smaller bags instead of a big one.
Labour bag - things I might need during labour. Lip balm, clean nightie, food, socks, slippers. First outfit for baby. Things like that.
A bag for me - nightwear, going home outfit, underwear, socks, slippers, maternity pads, breast pads, lip balm, phone charger, baby wipes, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Bag for baby - clothes, muslin squares, nappies, cotton wool or wipes, bibs, mittens, blanket, seasonal clothes for going home so hat/suit for cold weather etc.
I also pack a "just in case" bag in case we end up staying longer for some reason, that my DH can bring. Because if he had to pack us a bag I've no idea what we'd end up with.
Sorry that was long

Nipple cream! Like the lansinoh stuff. You might never need it, but if you do crikey you'll be glad you have it.

Pack loads of spare bits - nappies, maternity pads, clothes for you and baby etc in the boot of your car then whenever DH comes to see you he has a supply to replenish you. Saves him faffing around at home and bringing in the wrong things!!!

I've had mine in the car since the two weekend weddings at almost 35 and almost 36 weeks. Now being induced on Thurs at 38+2

I have a 'labour bag' which might end up seriously depleted of the packed snacks. But also has Ipod, phone charger, hair ties, stuff for in the pool etc. A few maternity pads, one set of clean clothes for me, big knickers and toiletries for a shower after.

Baby bag- clothes, nappies

Staying in hospital bag- nighties, lots of pads etc, dressing gown, slippers

Husband also has a bag of bits- PJs and pants (he'll be allowed to stay, toiletries etc). I think I might pop another set of clean pants and socks in there for him, and another T shirt as I'm not thinking that this induction business is going to be quick.

I packed mine at 32 and its been in the car since 33, now nearly 36. Was told by my cousin about nipple cream, so definitely have that. Flip flops for the shower was another good tip.

Arbrighton, just out of interest, are you giving birth on a MLU? I see you are being induced, as am I, and I was told I have to go on the Labour ward. But you mentioned things for the pool?

If it seems to work with just propess, yes they'll allow me onto MLU @Hollyhop17. If it doesn't progress and we get ARM/ drip, I don't think so.

Consultant actually talked about 'dunking' me in the pool as we were arranging induction

But our labour ward has one pool too....

Lots of drinks and snacks! I didn't have much appetite during labour and was still puking due to hyperemesis, so DP unbeknownst to me was eating them. When I got onto the ward I felt amazing as the sickness had finally lifted but I was starving hungry for the first time in months and all that was left was a pack of jelly tots and I had packed an ample supply of cereal bars and other sugary food for energy which were all gone . Pack more than you think you will need, or a separate bag of things for your DP/H so he doesn't pilfer yours. And none of the midwives had told me there was a room off the ward that was open 24/7 with tea making facilities and fruit and toast, so get your partner to ask where it is for you and maybe write it down, I was so spaced out on gas and air I couldn't really think straight for the first few hours.

Don't bother packing magazines or other entertainment, they take up valuable space and as I did most of my labour at home didn't need them once we were in hospital as I was ready to push and after baby was born I just stayed up all night staring at her in total awe of how beautiful and amazing she was.

Lanisoh is essential if you want to breastfeed. Lots of Muslins are good too DD was very pukey at first and I got through at least 5 in the one night I was in for. Button down nightie is good if breastfeeding too. Nursing bras too.

I got my DM to deliver my nice goosedown pillows from home to me too, in bright covers that wouldn't be mixed up with the hospital ones, and although I didn't sleep I was much more comfortable propped up on them to feed than I would have been on the hard flat hospital ones.

Maternity pads in copious amounts and big comfy 'granny' knickers, I got some a few sizes up and they were a godsend.

A lot of vests and sleepsuits as if you have a baby that vomits you will get through a lot in one night, plus if you don't put a nappy on quite right in an exhausted state there will be leaks!

A full pack of nappies and cotton wool pads, nappies with a wetness indicator strip are good as you don't want newborn skin sitting in urine for any length of time and wipes can irritate their delicate skin.

Keep your going home clothes in the car so they are not taking up space and making other stuff harder to find while you're on the ward.

More maternity pads than you think you'll need, spare nightwear and underwear, snacks, couple of baby outfits and nappies. Keep extra clothes nappies etc in another bag in csse your hospital stay is longer and you dont think your partner will get the right things! They sell lots of things you might need like disposable knickers for after labour but i would just get some cheap ones in a dark colour. Get them for the size you are now.

Make sure your partner packs a bag too. Mine refused to beleive it was happening. I projectile vomited over him in the delivery suite and, as he had no spare clothes, he had to borrow hospital scrubs! In all our first family photos he looks like the doctor not the father!