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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

What did you pack in your hospital bag?

30 replies

Nainer123 · 23/07/2017 14:14

Hi, I've googled this tons and I'm sure there are threads here too but I was wondering what you packed or are packing in your hospital bag? Ive packed and repacked and feel like I'm going a bit ott. I have babies things but it's more what should I pack for myself?

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Hello, this thread is a little old; for up-to-date recommendations, take a look at our hospital bag checklist.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
leafv · 23/07/2017 15:03

I used:
Loads of maternity pads (for waters and after birth - flip me there is a lot of blood!)

Lots of nappies, LO did a lot of black poops in the 2 days (1 night) I was in hospital. (Don't forget wipes (or cotton wool and water bowl) and nappy bags - I forgot these.)

Loose fitting comfortable PJs. I got through about three pairs of PJ pants.

A hand held fan, hospitals are so hot! I packed a dressing gown but it was way too hot to wear.

Loose fitting comfortable clothes for after birth.

Snacks

A couple of blankets to wrap LO in, so much easier than trying to dress at first.

A range of different sized outfits - I took first size and 0-3.

My LO is 12 weeks old now, enjoy every moment as time passes so quickly!

adifferentnameforthis · 23/07/2017 15:14

Not enough knickers - one for each day (induction) was not enough - take lots of knickers

catg83 · 23/07/2017 15:30

I loved having a cup with a straw. It meant I could sip water in whatever position I was in. X

BrucesTooth · 23/07/2017 15:36

I did two small bags, one for labour and just after, and one for afterwards.
Labour bag had flat energy drink, cereal bars, nightie, lightweight dressing gown, socks, cheap hotel slippers, a couple of nappies, first clothes for baby, a towel, a few maternity pads,lip balm and cheap big pants.
Other bag had more nappies, pants and pads, cotton wool pads for nappy changes, toiletries, more baby clothes, a couple of breast pads, some comfy clothes, other snacks.

Bluefrog26 · 23/07/2017 15:55

Make sure you take snacks. LOTS of snacks. Then pack some more snacks. Gave birth at night and was put on the mother and baby ward at 12am after being given two crappy slices of toast, one of which DP ate AngryEnvy.

Couldn't sleep so spent the rest of the night trying to quietly unwrap breakfast biscuits without waking up the other babies and mums.

ElizabethShaw · 23/07/2017 16:03

Big pants and pads
Toiletries
Flip flops (you won't want to go in the showers barefoot!)
Pyjamas/thin robe not a fluffy dressing gown (postnatal wards are heated to approx 38 degrees at all times)
Snacks and drinks as it can be tricky getting hold of meals
A nice towel
Loose, comfy clothes for going home - you will be sore and still look 6 months pregnant

Lillygreen · 23/07/2017 16:20

Some random things I'd suggest

A battery powered nightlight. One that you can switch on/off for quick night time feeds/changes on the ward. (I ended up staying for 7 nights and this was so useful as the lights on the ward were so dazzling to switch on at night)

Take peppermint tea (it helps bowels get going and helps with wind- surprisingly a big deal as your bowels move back to their original place and can get upset/constipated!)

Champagne flutes (obviously not essential but nice!)

Lansinoh nipple cream.

Ewan the sheep (he was a godsend to settle my baby when he woke at night. And on our walks down the Neonatal unit for night time antibiotics)

lydiangel83 · 23/07/2017 16:30

Place marking as was about to start the same thread :)

Argeles · 23/07/2017 16:42

A plastic measuring jug. Put warm water in it and pour it onto your bits during and after having a wee, as it helps to reduce the stinging a little bit, and to keep any stitches hygienic.

A hair clip or hair elastic to keep the hair out of your face.

Make up wipes/baby wipes. I always wear make up, including in labour and it ran down my face with the sweat.

A machine washable, or cheap pair of slippers. I was terrified of MRSA and other hospital superbugs, so I recommend doing one of the above. If they're cheap but not machine washable, throw them away when you leave hospital.

Lots of comfortable cotton knickers, preferably in black so any leaked blood will not show up.

Lansinoh nipple cream - a Godsend!

Lots of snacks, treats and drinks for you and your birthing partner.

A cotton nightdress in a dark colour for giving birth in, and one more of the same for sleeping in.

A thin, lightweight dressing gown in a dark colour.

Yours and your birthing partner's phone chargers.

Camera, unless you'll use your phone.

Plenty of change for the car park.

Magazines and an IPad or laptop or similar for watching tv or films if your baby takes ages!

beekeeper17 · 23/07/2017 17:00

Notepad and pen for keeping track of feeding times and wet/dirty nappies, writing down important things you're told and filling in your meal choices!

sunisshininghot · 23/07/2017 17:02

Maternity pads for down below
Breast pads
Nighties
Slippers
Maltesers
Pants

thegoodnameshadgone · 23/07/2017 17:17

A kindle also just incase your in for a few days. My daughter slept lots!

imsorryiasked · 23/07/2017 18:16

Paracetamol!

Lunalovepud · 23/07/2017 18:39

All of the above but I would also pack (and have this time) photos... I have photos of DC1 and our wedding etc in frames to take with me as I will be in at least one night (section) and last time I was in for 4 nights and wished I had them.

Chillywhippet · 23/07/2017 18:49

Make sure your birth partner packs stuff to keep themselves comfortable- drinks, snacks, a warm hoodie plus cooler t-shirt, toothbrush.
You will not want them to say they are hungry, thirsty, hot, cold and I really didn't want DH wandering off to find a sandwich. Makes me sound like a birthzilla but we were there for days with my first.

Notlostjustexploring · 23/07/2017 19:27

I basically packed for a weekend away with some additions, such as:
-Lots of food. Cereal bars, biscuits, more biscuits. Ate it all. Will take more next time! Also had a home made chocolate and banana loaf with flax seed in place of flour.
-8 bottles of orange lucozade sport. Initially was packing them for labour, but couldn't keep anything down so didn't bother. They were however perfect for the middle of the night recovery though, especially as they had sports caps (section).
-My own pillow. Can't recommend that enough. It made my 4 night stay so much nicer.
-Husband had his own snacks (death was threatened if he munched mine), clean pants, socks, t shirt and a toothbrush.

I would also suggest the following, from experience of not having them:

Take big pants. I ended up with an emergency section and I recall writing a descriptive note for my husband to hand to an assistant in marks and Spencer to ensure I'd get the right pants!

Take a notepad and pen. I regret not having one, as if like to have scribbled down my immediate memories before they became fuzzy.
Take plastic bags for soiled clothing.

Good luck!

Nainer123 · 23/07/2017 19:45

Thanks so much everyone. I'm going to have to pack another small bag in addition to the one I'm already packing! I'll make sure I take plenty of snacks!. I've told dp he will need to pack his own bag, he's goig to throw something's in his backpack.

OP posts:
scrivette · 23/07/2017 19:46

Good advice above, I would also suggest a magazine, phone charger and more snacks!

TheLegendOfBeans · 23/07/2017 19:47

BIG MASSIVE PANTS

Like proper parachutes.

My ones of choice were black Tesco multipack "full brief" size 16 (I am normally a 12)

Lots of maternity pads.

Plenty cheap vests

doowapwap · 23/07/2017 19:57

As all others have said - big pants!! I found the always maxi pads were excellent.

Snacks, definitely snacks and drinks (love the idea of the cup with lid and straw, not sure why I didn't think of that!!)

Chargers

I had some breast feeding bras and vests which were amazing

I didn't need breast pads at first because I was home by the time my milk came in but I did pack some

I have the Aden and anais big swaddle muslins and they were fab! I used them as a light blanket and a swaddle. Also great for covering when feeding

Books/kindles

I took my own wash stuff which was lovely the next morning (had a c section so remember so clearly shuffling along thinking my insides were about to fall out)

Lots of nappies, pack of wipes, clothes and vests for the baby and 2 hats

lydiangel83 · 23/07/2017 20:25

Silly question but what bag do you actually take? Like a weekend / overnight bag?

ProfessorBranestawm · 23/07/2017 20:33

I'm thinking food/drinks, things high in fibre especially as that first post birth poo... 😱😱😱

Also a power pack to charge my phone in case we aren't allowed to plug it into the wall

Oysterbabe · 23/07/2017 20:48

I took a wheely cabin sized suitcase last time and will probably use the same again.
I'm packing it early this time, DD arrived early and I'd mostly packed my bag but hadn't packed the snacks yet 😢😣

Starfish83 · 23/07/2017 23:31

Place-marking 😊

tissuesosoft · 23/07/2017 23:35

Most of the above and peppermints. I had a caesarean and knew I wouldn't be allowed home until I passed gas or a bowel movement. Peppermints helped with that!