Hospital Bag Advice

[VixenAndCub]

Hi guys.

So I'm hitting 36 weeks tomorrow and still haven't got a hospital bag together since I moved house.
I've googled what I should bring (since my midwife hasn't mentioned it or given me a list) and it seems huge! Am I expected to bring a suitcase?

I want to travel light if I can, my partner and I can't drive so we'll be relying on a taxi when the big day arrives.

What do you guys really recommend for a hospital bag? I feel like if I pack EVERYTHING on these Google searches and not need them it'll be annoying. Not like I'm going on holiday! 😆

I'm in the process of packing my bag too - might be a silly question but does anyone know if the hospitals have hairdryers or would I bring my own?

@fee1234 no, the hospitals don't have hairdryers, id also prepare for dirty looks of the other mums if you wake their baby drying your hair 😬😂 xx

Mum
-LIP BALM & NOTES
-Night dress to give birth
-Pyjamas or comfy clothes for after
-Clothes to go home in (something that fit when pregnant not before)
-4 pairs big black underwear
-Comfy/nursing bra
-warm socks & 2 pairs for after
-Flip Flop
-Old towel

-Toiletries.. 10 Boots Pads, Shampoo/Conditioner, Body wash (Sanex), Sponge or similar, Make-up wipes, tooth brush/Paste, hair brush /bobbles,-LACTULOSE !!!! (Stool softener), Lavender essential oil (for the bath)

-Snack & Drinks (1 of those ‘Squash’d juice to add to water)
-Phone Charger
-Hair tool if wanted.

Baby
-Nappies/Wipes
-3 baby grows
-3 Vests
-Something to wear home,Hat,mittens,socks.
-Dummy & Milk (if needed) OR nipple cream
-Blanket
-Carseat
-Muslim squares / Swaddle blanket (if wanted)

Pack spare bag with extra for you & baby incase needed.

Sorry its long, this is what I took with DD I was in 2 nights start to finish...

I'd also add breast pads to this list.

Once your milk comes in you'll need them 😄

I would definitley recommend prepare a bag for 24 hours and have another packed at home your husband can bring in the next day if you aren't getting home.
I packed a small cabin type suitcase for myself and back pack for baby. Didn't use half the things I took

Hairdryer 😂 sorry PP, had to laugh at that. Can you come van and tell us if you blew dried your hair post birth?

Good point re flip flops and I've emptied what I won't need for first 24hours. Do we really need to take our own towels? I wonder if baby will need one to cover him just for skin to skin?

Hospital towels are tiny and scratchy and not nice! It's definitely worth packing one of your own. Lots of hair bands for keeping your hair out of your face (I was in for four days and I think I brushed my hair once, the rest of the time it was pulled back). Take LOTS of pairs of pants but not many socks.

Definitely a long phone charger cable, I couldn't reach my phone when it was charging and it was such a pain.
Also roll-on deodorant. I took aerosol, then was told I wasn't allowed to use it because it sets the fire alarm off.
The best thing I took was a small jug, I had stitches so being able to pour cool water over myself when I went to the loo was a godsend.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Juice-Lightning-Charge-Cable-Pastel/dp/B07FCXRGMT/ref=ascdff_B07FCXRGMT/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=326462779181&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12141547130420602140&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045983&hvtargid=pla-650285119360&psc=1

I just got this really long phone charger got my iPhone. It's brilliant. I can lie in bed on my iPad comfortably while it charges.

@Dalesgirl16 its only 1 metre isn't that the size of a normal charger?

@HJWT I can only compare it to my Apple iPhone charger which is definitely much shorter. I can't sit and read in bed with that comfortably. It's also thicker so it doesn't fall down as easily if you lay it on a surface.!

Fybogel and oj... No matter how you give birth no one needs to strain after that!!!

You probably need half of what you think you need!

Use their gown for labour, bring something to wear after you have given birth, something to wear home, a couple of bodysuits and sleepsuits, nappies and wipes, washkit for you including an old towel, maternity pads and old/cheap knickers (or disposable ones), snacks and a phone power pack as plugs aren't always handy. If you need to stay another night then someone can bring more stuff, but most people go home the next morning.

@Dalesgirl16 -- I couldn't shower after a c section without help and the shower room wasn't very nice so I waited till I got home just kept using wet wipes to make myself feel slightly cleaner. I didn't want to get the scar wet straight away either.... but you might feel differently.

@le42 I think I will do the same. On my way to caesarean now!

Yes I bought a suitcase
And then needed extras too
I was in for over a week both times 😱
So yes, what will be taking a case again

@Dalesgirl16 oh wow good luck! Not long now until you can hold your baby!

Ask your partner/ family to bring you smoothies and drink lots of water after - make it easy to go to the toilet!!