Hospital bag/maternity essentials

[Kt2108]

Hi all
Looking to grab a few things over the next few weeks which will end up in my hospital bag
So looking for the best/most recommended brands for the following
Breast pads - both disposable and re-usable
Maternity towels
Nipple shields
Do I need disposable knickers? If so - which ones are good?
What are the best knickers for the days/weeks after? Most comfy?

Any recommendations for the above would be greatly appreciated! :-)

Sainsbury’s maternity pads are super comfy. Don't bother with disposable knickers - get some big, cheap black cotton knickers instead. Much more comfortable! Definitely not still wearing mine five months later...

@sanjunipero - how big are we talking ?
Thanks for the recommendation though! Off to sainos! x

I was a size ten but got size 12/14 black full style pants from Primark when I had a csection.
Their bf bras were fab too!

I had boots maternity pads also very comfy and I just got giant black pants from primark a few sizes bigger (mine too still make an appearance 4 months on)
One thing I didn’t pack and regret was a waterbottle with a straw/nozzle as the G&A really dried my mouth out and the tiny plastic cups where a pain in the ass as I had to make sure I was upright enough to not spill it

I really rated Boots own maternity pads - nice and soft. I found Tesco to be same material as sanitary pads and too itchy and sweaty.
Boots own nipple shields saved BFing for me but I wouldn't presume you'd need these for hosp bag - only if you have problems feeding.
I used Lansinoh disposable breast pads and liked them.
Big pants - depends on your shape. I got Primark full briefs and they were horrid - came up to just below tummy button which was too low for me.

I was far more comfortable in giant cotton pants a size up from my normal size too, the paper pants were horrible! Boots maternity pads are good.

I’d advise having some snacks and drinks in, especially if you end up staying in. I didn’t eat during labour but I was ravenous because I was breast feeding!

I'm a 10/12 and got size 14 full briefs - they were a godsend after my emergency c-section as they came up nice and high. I'd recommend packing a good lip balm too; the G&A dried my lips to buggery.

Lansinoh breast pads... I found them the most comfortable by far (the nipple cream they do is amazing too!!!)

I'm not preg at the mo but didn't know Primark did feeding bras!

Drinking straws for labour
Pants in two sizes too big that come up to your armpits - especially in case of c-section
Kotex nighttime towels (black pack)
Hospital is really really hot. My winter pyjamas were sweltering. So some light summer pjs or nighties and flip flops
Honestly first time mums come in with bags and bags, if I had another I'd take not much more than a toothbrush and pair of pants!

If you're in hospital for a bit, something to personalise your cubicle a bit like a photo frame or ornament is nice. You could make a follow up bag to keep at home for your OH to bring in if need be.

I hated the idea of disposable knickers so I just got cheap black full briefs from primark.
I only used disposable pads, Tesco maternity pads were brilliant. £1 for 10, and very soft. Breast pads the same, Tesco. (There was a big Tesco across the road from us so it was very ideal as well, could easily nip over and get more whenever).
Can't help with nipple shields as I knew I would be exclusively formula feeding, and not even trying breastfeeding.

My essentials were a hand held fan, straw and spray bottle. My poor husband was at his wits end with my instructions of drink, fan and water spray. Other than that some nice toiletries in miniature for that first shower :-)

Essentials,comfy cotton knickers,lip balm,antibac hand gel,maternity pads,and I’ve bought some spritz for bits this time 👌🏼Been recommended by so many mums xx

Lip balm definitely as G&A really dried out my lips, M&S black pants 2 sizes bigger, baggy joggers and loose t-shirts as if you end up staying in longer than you expect then you want to be comfy. Also we ran out of babygrows as stayed in longer than expected. Soft towel and flannel for a nice wash if you can manage it afterwards.

@cholka - how many first time mums are only in for 6 hours after giving birth?

Nighties with button opening on front for skin to skin.
Flip Flops (for the shower to avoid varuckas).
Washbag with usual stuff -use products with neutral fragrances because newborns don't usually like over powering scents).
Dark colour bath towel/hand towel/face cloth (colour disguises any blood stains).

Your own painkillers, paracetamol and ibuprofen.
I found being in a room and the nurses being so busy we'd get forgotten when asking for pain relief after a c section. In the end got someone to bring the painkillers in from home and the nurses were fine, also saves the hospital a bit of money.

Nipple cream is good to have, if you use it from the first feed it makes a real difference. I'd be surprised if you need breast pads before your milk comes in but they are so small so no harm to have.

Spritz for bits is fab!

If you end up needing surgical stockings then flip flops won't work, you'd need sliders or slippers so something to be aware of. I would still want flip flops for the shower though.

Boots maternity pads and breast pads are great but I used Kotex night time pads instead of maternity ones with DC1&2 and they were equally great.

I mirror PP about not bothering with disposable undies. Get black primark full briefs in a size up.

I’ve never used nipple shields. Lansinoh nipple cream is a must!!

Agreed about lightweight pjs and a lot of hospital lists mention a dressing gown, it’s far too hot for one!

Pack two nightgowns incase you need a catheter.

Lip balm for sure. Plenty of drinks. I wouldn’t bother with your own painkillers unless you think paracetamol are sufficient for that level of pain (they aren’t).

I got these super unglamorous (!) hospital pants from Amazon and did like them, but also had giant primark pants for afterwards. Both fine for a section. Boots maternity pads were good, switched to always night time after a few days. Make sure everything is dark colours! - if you have an old dark towel you don't mind binning take that.

I had stitches and found using tena lady pants in the first few days great! There was a lot of bleeding and these made sure I didn't have any leaks. I also put a couple of drops of witch hazel and some alovera gel in them helped my recovery. I got 100% pure stuff off amazon. I also got laxatives from my pharmacy to help with the first poo sorry tmi but I was terrified and this really helped. Ask the pharmacist for which one if b.feeding.

I used re-usable breast pads, can't remember the brand but they are made from bamboo. Really soft my sore nipples. Take nipple cream with you!

Also useful: lip balm!! A straw for drinking through and flip flops for going the loo.

good luck xx

You really don't need disposable knickers. You need some great big pants to keep you comfy. After the birth, you get like a heavy period, I'm not sure why the disposable pants are still being published in maternity literature. Sainsbury's do massive pants for about £6, they will do you fine.

Congrats and good luck 😊

Yes to just big knickers in a size up. They don't need to be outrageously massive, just big enough to comfortably hold the maternity pads.

I used a few different brands of maternity pads and they're all much of a muchness. Take some witch hazel to put on them as well to help with healing.

Breast pads I would only recommend Lansinoh. Tesco ones had to be changed after each feed but still made me really sore (they don't draw the milk away from your skin so it just sits there all damp). Also tried bamboo reusable ones but they stuck to my nipples which was horrendous.

I used medela nipple shields. Haven't tried any others so can't compare. I wouldn't bother getting any though, if you end up needing them you can just get them on Prime then. Definitely get yourself some lansinoh cream though!

I took my own painkillers as well, and they were a bit rubbish at providing them (two doses a day if you were lucky), but if you're going to do this then please make sure you note down the times you take them, because obviously the staff won't know.

Another vote for Primark full briefs - i got black 2 sizes up and they were perfect.

Boots pads were great too- they do 2 thicknesses (slim like a normal sanitary pad and super thick ones) I took a selection of both as you don’t know how much bleeding you’ll have - I’d heard lots of stories but didn’t bleed heavily at all.

Also on the night ware front - don’t take anything you would be sad to lose! I had to have my nightie cut off me (don’t ask!) so was glad it was a primark cheapie and I had a spare. Deffo go for a night dress/shirt rather than pjs as you won’t be wanting to faff about with trousers...

I really loved having slipper socks with the grippy rubber bits on the soles. Very safe when walking carrying a newborn.
And definitely like a PP says, the drinks bottle with a straw. Plenty of snacks. Eye mask and earplugs.