Anyone else packing their hospital bag?

[thedinosaur]

Just that really.

I'm expecting a baby soon and currently packing my hospital bag but not sure what to put in it. Especially when it comes to things for me.

I can't imagine having the energy to do a full face of makeup and hair post birth but I would like to take some toiletries and bits in that would make me feel a bit better without having to do much.

I've been advised lip balm as hospital wards tend to dry your lips out.
I'm also thinking a travel size pack of face wipes - not sure what brand to use.

Also thinking of maybe some tinted moisturiser and mascara etc but I'm not entirely sure of what's actually useful and what I will use

For the baby I've got some muslin blankets - hoping to use them to swaddle too, bepanthen, nappies, water wipes, bottle just in case (planning to BF), 3 outfits/baby grows, hat and warm suit as it will be winter when he/she arrive and a soft blanket. Am I missing anything?

What is everyone else packing in theirs?

Buying "full briefs" in a multipack from any high street store like Primark in two sizes above your normal size will give you massive pants that will:

• sit above the scar if you have a CS
• be cotton so won't irritate stretched and bruised skin
• will be roomy enough to slot in giant maternity pads

I used Asda and Tesco maternity pads and they were both fine.

Lucozade sport
Straws
I took one of those robinsons super concentrated squash things because I'm rubbish at drinking plain water.

The hospital gave me some elasticated high waisted knickers after my cesarean, like these

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/carriwell-5pack-hospital-knickers-b3856.html

I preferred them to 'big pants' because they were so comfy and allowed more air to my scar. They can be washed until they wear out. I suggest bringing both as you don't know how you might feel during recovery.

I've never bothered with big pant. Just comfy ones.

You really don't need much, just pack for yourself as if you were going to spend the night in your own bedroom + lip balm (essential in case you use gas&air) and big padded sanitary towels. You don't need anything else really.

Honestly, there is no 'perfect way' to do hospital bags contrary to what people would have you think.

little gifts for older kids from baby (if you have them)

savory and sweet snacks

cheap dressing gown and slippers or cosy socks

going home outfit for you (nothing tight or constricting)

phone chargers etc

book

Thanking you for the responses about the massive pants completely makes sense. I do like the look of the Jojo ones, might invest in some of those!

remember some chocolate - you'll be knackered and need some energy. Also polos useful

Pack as early as you feel Ladybirdgal has a good list but pack extra clothes for baby and tops for yourself. I was in for 24 hours and DH had to go back for more stuff.

Don't worry to much though - we had a big bag of food and entertainment to get through the labour - I was in 1 hour before LO was born and started big contractions before I left home - woke me up from nap! And car didn't even get unpacked apart from notes

I finally found the motivation to pack mine

Earplugs! And headphones/iPad/entertainment if your labours end up being anything like mine (long)

This time I'm personally thinking of making it all about food! Maybe I'll come in with a backpack and a cooler box filled with sambos and deli meats and cheeses, picnic salads and boiled eggs! Could pop by M&S on the way to the hospital! Always bloody starving after baby arrives and they always seem to come when there's no meal for ages after! Last time 12 hrs after my latest was born I finally got lunch. Could have cried when a shallow bowl of soup arrived but luckily they brought a big plate of roast beef, potatoes and gravy 30mins later. I ate every scrap, it was amazing (ly disgusting hospital food I'm sure).

My first was born in London city centre with a Carluccios right across the street so I got a massive takeaway carbonara courtesy of DH a few hrs after he arrived which was bloody lucky because even though he was born before 11am the hospital said I was too late to get on the lunch list so could only have toast!

So yeah, a nighty, pack of maternity pads and a cooler box of food is what I'm bringing this time!

Karate kitten I wish I could eat in labour. I literally just throw up from the moment contractions start to pushing stage :( hard for energy

Quite a few over packers here. You have one small locker that's it. There is nowhere to store all this stuff it's not a hotel.
I was in hospital for a month post natal and had dh bring in stuff as I needed it.

Gin, that's all for post labour!!! I couldn't eat during labour either, also an epic vomitter myself.

But it means when baby arrives I've usually totally cleared out and worked non stop with no food for 12-36 hrs.

Ah this time of year always reminds me of hospital bags and things. 2 of my children were born in November.

Pack some snacks like nature valley bars or breakfast bars and chocolate for during and after labour, dried apricots for a smooth first poo, arnica drops or cream for fast healing, lansinoh for your nipples for breastfeeding, energy drinks like lucozade in sports bottles, disposable knickers for the first few hours as you'll bleed a lot. Thick thick maternity pads. Nice clothes To go home in. Make up and things.

Sorry if this is TMI but I have watched some YouTube stuff (had a day off and too much time on my hands) and vloggers on there were recommending little squirty water bottles to squirt down there when you're going to the toilet after giving birth to make it sting less.

Has anyone tried it, or is this an American thing?

Same here. Expecting a baby in a month and good thing I've already started packing stuff since last month. I do feel I wouldn't have the energy to do it come that time and would not leave it to my dh to do everything.

Ah that makes more sense karate kitten! My labour was only 6 hours so I wasn't starved just sore!

Flip flops or slippers for walking in afterwards on the ward? My feet swelled up so much I could only just squeeze them into flip flops, but was thankful I had them for the back and forth trips to the toilet!
As for the little squeezy bottle, I think it sounds like a good idea. I had trouble post birth and ended up asking a midwife for a jug so I could pour water over myself whilst I attempted a wee

A squirty bottle was recommended to me too. You could also use a cheap plastic measuring jug. Maybe try at home first!

Another thing you could put in your hospital bag is aloe vera, to put on your maternity pads if you need stitches.

Yes the squirt bottle is a good idea. It might sting a bit weeing and also it's good to keep that area clean of poo aswell to aid better healing incase you have stitches.

Really need to pack mine! 34 and a half weeks and I’ve no idea what I’ll be taking.