Hospital bag - what do i need/what are the essentials??

[MrsRose2018]

Aight ladies,

I’m 28 weeks but could go at any time due to waters breaking at 25! I’m either being induced or having a section at 34 weeks provided I don’t go spontaneously.

So far I have the below on my list but brands of things like maternity pads, knickers, nursing bras etc would be helpful! Also anything I’ve forgotten or any secret hints and tips!!

nightdress/long t-shirts
Slippers/socks
lightweight dressing gown
Lip balm
Water/cooling spray
Snacks
Maternity pads
Big pants
Breast pads
Moisturiser
TENS machine?
Hair band, bobbles and a brush
Face wipes
Hot water bottle
Hand held fan
Phone/iPad/headphones/chargers
Soap/body wash
Shampoo/conditioner
Deodorant
Going home clothes

TIA Xx

I would include pj's for after labour and if your breastfeeding i would make sure there button down, also if you want skin to skin after labour I Button down nightgown x

I’ve packed nipple cream just in case

Watching with interest as I literally just packed my bag. Its bursting and I still haven't everything in it yet! I've most of what is on your list but added some flip flops for the shower. I'm a little funny about using shared showers though.
I've also separated everything into individual clear make up bags and zip lock bags and labelled them. For example for baby's clothes for the delivery room, I've a set of two different sizes with a nappy and hat in each bag and then labelled it. Depending on baby's size my DH can grab the zip lock bag needed. Mainly did this so when I'm asking DH for something he doesn't pull out a million different things asking me if that's what I'm looking for. Also easier for when I inevitably check my bag a million times in the run up to my due date to make sure I have everything.
I've also added in an essential oil roller ball as that helps me relax in the naive hope that my labour will be a serene and pain free experience here's hoping!!

Snacks for after labour/middle of the night.
Tens machine was excellent for me, got me through the first 3.5 days of contractions without pain relief!
Lansinoh nipple cream if breastfeeding.
Button up jammies. The lighter the better as maternity wards are hot as hell.
One of the phone powerbank chargers, turned out to be a life saver as my bed was nowhere near any available sockets.
Paracetamol, saves waiting on the midwives to give you some as it can take hours after asking.

Toothbrush and toothpaste 😊 re. the maternity pads, I found the Sainsbury's own brand ones fantastic. Also recommend soaking the pads in witch hazel, really soothing. Take a little bottle to squirt water as well for when you use the toilet after the birth, will sting less than using paper.

Have a labour bag and after birth bag - probably count for 3 days just incase.

Labour bag:
Nightie, slipper socks, dressing gown
Sports bottle
Phone, Earphones, Charger
Camera, Kindle/book/magazine
Bobble, face cloth

Afterwards:
4/5 vest tops, 4/5 pj bottoms
2/3 leggings, Long cardi/hoodie/dressing gown (I preferred to get dressed in daytime whilst in hospital)
3 socks, 3 stretchy bras, 5/6 granny pants
1 pair sliders
Breast pads, Night time maxi pads
Sensitive baby wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, lip balm, moistyriser, shampoo, conditioner
V-cushion

For baby:
Nappies, cotton wool pads
Hat, 7/8 babygrows, 7/8 vests, 1 cardigan
8/10 muslins

Any suggestions for maternity pads?

I've heard the always/traditional sanitary towels are a scratchy on tender bits

Boots maternity pads are great, I’ve used them every time.

Nightdress
BLACK pyjamas- can’t emphasise the black enough
Huge black granny knickers- again, definitely use black.
Maternity pads
Breast pads
Nursing bra
Nipple cream
Lip balm
Going home outfit
Toiletry bag with toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, hairbrush, hair bobbles, maybe shampoo/conditioner, mouthwash, deodorant, face wipes, make up if that’s essential for you
Flip flops or backless slippers
Maybe a dressing gown- I’ve never been a fan of them personally
Phone charger
Nursing pillow
Spare pillow because NHS only supply one really scratchy pillow
SNACKS! Lots of those and also drinks.

Baby:
Muslins
Baby wipes
Nappies
Three outfits
Cardigan
Hat
Blanket
Car seat in the car obvs