Hospital bag

[Sarah1087]

My due date isn't For another 10 weeks but I seem to have serious baby brain and I'm actually unsure what I need for myself for hospital ? I know for my baby but that's it 😅 Also I've seen a lovely maternity nightie what I was going to purchase I'll include the picture, but then I'm actually unsure if I'll be giving birth in this ? Or going in it to hospital and changing into something there. Actually lost all brain cells lol

Personally I gave birth naked - started off in my bra, then got in the pool (ended up getting out for the actual birth) and just couldn't be bothered with clothes. Dark nightie is a good bet if you want to wear something, though there is probably a good chance it'll get ruined. It would probably be comfy to wear after though, if you're planning on breast feeding it also looks like it will have pretty easy access.

Other basic things -
snacks/isotonic drinks for during the birth
comfy nightwear for after/clothes for going home
toiletries/towel for a shower after
maternity towels and big pants (primark black full briefs in a big size are the usual recommendation!)
phone charger

Tbh I wouldn't spend money on anything more than what primark or asda can offer to give birth in. I had a couple of Primark nighties and didn't have time to change - gave birth in the t shirt I went in wearing. The shirt style ones are great for breastfeeding and skin to skin.

Otherwise you want 3 categories - stuff for baby, stuff for you & stuff for partner.

Baby - 4 newborn vests & sleepsuits
4 0-3 vests and sleepsuits
A pack of nappies & bags.
Either cotton wool or wipes (I personally found wipes way easier)
2 hats
A blanket
Car seat (leave in the car until you need it)
Ready to go formula, just in case
A couple of muslins/swaddle blanket

You- a couple of nighties (prepare to throw them out, there is a lot of blood and nastiness involved)
A couple of packs of black big pants/disposable knickers
More maternity pads than you'll think you'll need, start with 2 packs.
Slippers
PJs (preferably with shorts, maternity wards are boiling)
A towel (dark colour if possible)
Snacks (I found the little concentrated bottles of squash were great)
A sports bottle/straws
Paracetamol
Face wipes/shower gel/make up/toothbrush & toothpaste/ lip balm/ hair bands
Nursing bras
nipple cream so important
Comfy clothes to leave hospital in
Phone charger (the external battery packs are also very useful)

Partner - spare change of clothes
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Phone charger
Pre made watsapp group of all important people you want to be informed when you go in.

It's also really appreciated to take something in for the midwives - a box of chocolates on a night shift goes down a treat.

There are loads of hospital bag lists on MN. Have a little read.

bobbiepin’s list is pretty much bang on what I took for a planned section 2 weeks ago.

Though both times I gave birth in a hospital gown.

Things I was grateful for in my bag:

A hand-held fan,
Flannels (before and after birth),
Sweets and chewing gum,
Vest top to wear after birth- easy to try to bf straightaway,
Thin pjs for a bit later after birth,
Disposable pants (easy to rip off rather than try to bend down and take off!)
Flip flops

I took a fancy nightie but was in such a tizz That it didn't occur to me to wear it and just gave birth in the underclothes I was wearing!

Things I wished i'd had with my first:

Phone charger
Kindle or tablet- I was unexpectedly in for a week and was so bored!
Snacks (hospital food was awful)
Flip flops for the shower (the floor was gross)
Paracetamol
Squash (I got fed up of water)

I had a black maternity/nursing nightie that I was planning on wearing for the birth but didn't end up putting it on. I ended up giving birth in just my bra and could not have cared less.

Glad I've asked this question now, I've not even thought about big black pants, fan or anything and isotonic drinks, even chewing gum. I'm going to nip to primark. I'm a side 10 bottom wise what size pants would you think I need ? Shall I go for a 12 or 14 ? Sorry FTM and quite clueless. And could you please recommend some ready to go formula please ?

Thank you

Sarah

Aptamil is great x

I took aptamil and DD ended up being combination fed. Worked well for us. Look for the pre sterilized bottles with teats, not just the ready made milk.

Personally I would go for a 14, the maternity pads are huge and you need space for them. You don't want anything tight at all.

I was a size 10-12 and went for a pack of 14-16 and a pack of 18-20! Maximum comfort - plus apparently good if you end up needing a c section as they won't rub the scar. Go for the full brief 3 pack, think they're £2.
Flip flops were also recommended to me over slippers - can be worn in showers etc and rinsed off if needed.

I had:

• nightie from primark (to give birth in)
• PJ's
• Dressing Gown + slippers
• nursing bra (if breastfeeding)
• clothes to go home in
• a TON of underwear (you'll be changing them a lot after the birth)
• Maternity pads (boots are the best)
• towels

• music
• headphones (they were a godsend)
• maternity notes

• your pillow