Clothing items for myself - hospital bag

[ER1992]

Need all your helps. Currently starting to pack and write a list if the things I need for hospital bag beings I'm now approaching 30 weeks pregnant. I'm stuck with the items if clothing I'll be needing for myself. So far I've got:

• 1 x nightie for labour
• 1 x set of PJs for after birth
• 1 pack of full knickers
• 2 pairs of socks
• Slippers
• 1 x maternity bra
• 1 x dressing gown
• 1 x jogging bottoms to come home in.
• 2 x t-shirts (1 to come home in and 1 spare in case of any leaks/spills etc)
• 1 x jumper to come home in.

I feel I've missed some stuff but can't think what and do i need extra of the items I've already got?

Hey, I’m the same! 35 weeks and not packed..! Started it this morning but to add the yours, I’ve got all the usual toiletries like tooth brush, tooth paste..lip balm is good as aparently gas and air can make lips dry. People have definately told me to take nipple cream if your breast feeding. I’ve also packed some slippers and an extra nighty encase I stay in.

Also breast pads and maternity pads. Lots of snacks and drinks for labour. I’ve also packed a few things for hubby encase he stays with me like a spare shirt. Oh and a pillow maybe? :)

Flannel/something cold to put in your forehead when in labour. I could have killed for one (it was early March when I gave birth but the hosp was like an oven!) x

That sounds about right. I also had spares out at home so could say to partner to grab extras when we were in an extra day. Better not to have lots and end up dragging it around with you!

I'd take an extra nightie as you may prefer to wear this than PJ's after. Round recommend a button up night shirt type as well, makes it easy access for breastfeeding and you won't get cold shoulders or be having to hoik your top up.

I won't be breast feeding due to medication I'm on and the risk of it being passed from me to baby means I have to bottle feed

Just in case you end up with a section I would pack some maternity leggings or pyjamas for afterwards so you have clothes to leave in that won't irritate a scar. (Not nice to think about but better to be prepared!). I'd take two bras in case of leaks. Also can highly recommend hospital knickers, the mesh ones, for whatever kind of birth - you can just chuck them. And more maternity pads than you think possible!

Nice soft towel. Hospital towels are, um, rough on delicate areas.

I would pack an additional pair of jammy bottoms in your main bag incase of leaks as it can be quite messy down there, although the hospital had me in a hospital gown for labour so you might not need then with your nightie. I would also pack 2 more sets of clothes separately with more socks/undies just incase you need to stay in more than one day so someone can pick them up for you easily :)

I have:
4 newborn outfits (vest and babygrow)
2 baby hats and mits
Could do with a soft blanket, but that can go in the car seat to save bag space.
Cord tie (more comfortable for baby than the big plastic clamp).
1 pack of nappies & 1 pack water wipes.
Pack of disposable pants, pack of maternity pads
Nightie for afterwards, soft bra and slippers
travel size soap, shampoo, toothpaste + brush

I just need going home clothes, but have so few that fit I might leave that to chuck in a bag as we leave, so I still have something to wear in the meantime! Will get dh to pack himself a spare outfit and some snacks/drinks too.

Pack an extra nightie just in case you have a section and have a catheter in.

Pack an extra nightie just in case you have a section and have a catheter in.

I'd also take flip flops and maybe a vest top for Labour you will get get hot and nightie might be too warm. Thin dressing gown as hospitals are roasting, I'd also take a water bottle that has a lid with a straw type thing. Depending on your pain relief and positions it can be difficult to drink water from a cup.

Take a spare nighty - if you end up with a catheter (which can happen for many reasons) you'll need it.

Take a crop top/ soft bra- I found myself stripping off in labour! Was glad of a comfy bra.

BabyCentre's list seems quite thorough. I have made my list from that but not packed yet. They also recommend hair elastics (if you have long hair you may want it off your neck during labour) and a portable/mini fan in case you get too warm.

I had my baby a couple of months back and found I used only about half of what I took. I had a vaginal delivery and stayed in 2 nights (complications with baby - she’s fine now)

I gave birth in the t shirt I wore into the hospital, and didn’t use a nightie I’d packed for labouring.

After baby was born and I’d showered, I wore a nursing vest and black pj bottoms in 2 sizes up. Both from Primark. I’d brought 2 sets of these - wish I’d had a couple more so I could have changed them for bed.

I used flip flops to go to the loo etc. I also used toiletries - nice shampoo and shower gel for afterwards. Having a nice hand sanitiser was a godsend for when I didn’t have the energy to get up.

Powerade/lucozade was great for energy after the birth, and smoothies helped too. I also ate some almonds and some grapes. I found cereal bars too dry on the throat.

I didn’t use any button down nighties - they were too hot and it was far easier and felt less exposed to use the nursing vest. I didn’t use a dressing gown or hoody as it was way too hot on the ward.

If I were to pack again, I’d take the following:

4x nursing vests - they have inbuilt support so I didn’t wear a bra
4x black pj bottoms
Flip flops
1 pair of thick socks just in case (I did wear socks in labour as my feet were cold)
Leggings and top to go home in
Lots of maternity pads - I took 20 and had to send DH out for more
Extra long phone charger
Lucozade
Water bottle
Snacks - almonds, grapes, chocolate
4x baby grows
4x baby vests
Baby hat
Nappies and wipes
Toiletries for me
Paracetamol - they were slow to give this on my ward so it’d have been good to have my own stash.

I wouldn't wear a nightie in labour personally, it may still be a heatwave and it's hot in there anyway. Plus you're not going to sleep so why wear a nightie? I'd wear a sports bra or cropped top or maybe a vest top.

Mitts are important as some babies nails are very sharp

I wouldn't bring a dressing gown either, it's much too hot. Bring a light cardi if you want to feel more covered up. I brought slippers a size too big as my poor feet swelled up in the last week or so.

Also - get yourself a portable phone charger. I was in for nearly a week due to complications and I couldn't reach to plug my phone in!

I would say an extra nightie or two as well, I didn’t have c-sections but I did end up with a catheter, it was easier with nightie than it was with pj bottoms :)