Hospital bag ***2 weeks to go***

[Elkalv]

So I got for myself:
Night dress to give birth in
Pajamas ( black)
Sanitary maternity pads
Breast pads
Bottom spray
Slippers
Maternity bra, they seem to be super thick not sure I can wear them in this heat

Then obvious personal stuff like shampoo/ tooth brush / make up.
Phone and charger,
Maternity notes, anything obvious that I am missing here? Or maybe something else you found particularly useful?

Snacks I hope I ll get whatever I have on a day in a fridge.

I had a section so was in for a couple of days and the thing I packed that I used the most was my own water jug. The hospital one was too small and disappeared all the time (I had originally planned to use it for rinsing sore ladybits as a tip from here).

I also forgot my hairbrush and nail file so sent family home to fetch some.

My baby was in the NICU so I really appreciated my earplugs - I suspect they are less useful for everyone else though!

I packed maternity jeans with the stretch that goes over the bump, this was a big mistake! As bump had shrunk (bit) and the stretchy bit kept hanging down. So I would the maternity ones that are stretchy at the side, or go for leggings/dress.
Nipple cream if you are BY, and a straw.
Two flannels- one to cool you down on your face during labour, and the other for after when you wash.
Towels but don't take white ones!

Bf not By! Also read that as in take a straw to breastfeed. Obviously baby doesn't suck it out your nipples via a straw ..straw is for youa to drink out off

Cooling spray! I got one from boots and it was a godsend 7 weeks ago when I had dd.

Flip flops.

Earth mama bottom spray has peppermint in, not advised when breastfeeding

@Essygl how come, if you don't mind me asking? I was always lead to believe that the consumption of peppermint oil could decrease milk supply but didn't think a topical application would cause this issue?

I know, I thought the same but a
lactation consultant friend of mine mentioned it to me as I reason my milk supply was low and tonsrop using as I was using it for nausea after the birth of my
Son m.justbreastfeeding.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.justbreastfeeding.com%2Fincreasing-breastmilk%2Fessential-oils-breastfeeding-2%2F&utm_referrer=#2587

@Essygl thank you that's really helpful!

I had no idea about peppermint oil.

I used tea tree and lavender oils in the bath (if you put the drops in a cup of milk first they seem to mix better) - super soothing although obviously not practical while you are still in hospital!

Make sure you pack something comfy to to home in 😊. I'd take a couple of pairs of pyjamas as I only took a nightie and 1 set pyjamas and blood leaked through a few hours after being on the ward. My partners mum and dad had to bring back up when they came to visit and I had a further night in hospital (I had a worrying temp and heavy bleeding and baby wasn't feeding)

I second lip balm, hair bands etc. Don't forget a phone charger if you can. And perhaps a lightweight dressing gown just to throw around you when you go for food?

I was so chilled about it all and didn't pack until a week before I was due (I went 10 days over before being induced so re packed the night before anyway) but wish I had taken a bit more for both me and baby. My partner had to go home the night I had to stay in and I gave him a list the following morning to bring with him for when he visited lol and he continued to say what a lovely night sleep he had had it didn't go down well lol x