Packed and to be packed list for hosp bag

[ExpectingFirst]

Hi, I have made a list of what I've packed and what I still have to pack. Was just wondering if anybody has any other suggestions of anything else I would need?
Thank you in advance 😊

Not sure if this photo is any better.

Unless you need them for the car on the way in, the hospital will provide bed pads. In my experience disposable knickers are really uncomfortable and often come up really small so I’d probably pack a handful more normal knickers - as big as you can buy! With regard to nappies, you might want to half the pack and keep the rest in an ‘extras’ bag in the car or somewhere easily accessible at home for your DP to find with a few spare outfits for you and baby in case of a longer stay. Depending on what kind of delivery you have, you could go home quite quickly and 24 is loads - most babies wee/poo once or twice in the first 24 hours! Birth balls are usually readily available so unless specifically told to pack one, I wouldn’t bother. Are you planning on bottle or breastfeeding? You might not need the starter pack if you plan to breastfeed as your hospital would probably provide formula if medically necessary but check that policy first.

You might want some snacks just in case middle of the night hunger strikes and NHS toast/biscuits isn’t what you fancy.

I always think (worked as a midwife on the postnatal ward for a very long time) that packing as light as possible is sensible. You can always send your partner out to the car or a quick trip home for any extras you need if you’ve put them somewhere obvious and it stops your (probably very small) bedspace from becoming overcrowded and messy. I’ve seen so many women with massive suitcases full of unused stuff as they are packing to leave and have also tripped over bags and piles of stuff on countless occasions!

@StarfishSandwich thank you! I'll definitely halve the nappies and put some of the bits in a separate bag to keep in the car "just incase". It's hard to know how much and what to take. Thank you for your reply 😊

Large water bottle and mug, hospitals are usually really hot and tiny disposable cups of tea don't crack it. Extra long charging cable for phone so you can use it in bed. Have peppermint tea in the car just in case you have a section, its great for post op trapped wind.

Agree with buying big knickers,forget disposable ones. Somethings I found useful:-

Fluffy Socks- I found my feet got cold!

Pj’s- I bought some that were like jogging bound with matching zip up hoody and a vest top underneath. Easy to breastfeed babe whilst you are waiting to be discharged and comfortable enough to come home in, without having to find clothes.

Some magazines etc- I didn’t end up reading any and poor dp only managed the first page of the newspaper when ds appeared. But a friend rang me to ask to pop more down for her as she was going very slowly. So something to keep you occupied if it is drawn out.

I can’t think of anything else. Hopefully you will be in and out really soon. But if not anything can be brought to you. Good luck

Snacks! I hadn't eaten at all during my 27 hour labour so I was starving afterwards and it was midnight when I got to the ward- long way off breakfast!