OMG Sooooooooo much to remember, what do I need to pack for hospital ??????????

[GoodGollyMissMolly]

Hiya ladies,
I'm trying to pack my hospital bag, I was hoping to get all mine and the baby's things in one bag, but no such luck. So baby's bag is now packed, but where do I start on mine?
So far I've got;
X2 old nighties.
X1 pair of PJ's.
Slippers.
Toiletries.
Tens Machine.
X5 pairs of disposable briefs, do I need any more?

But I dont know what to do about the things below.

Do I need to take my own bath towels or do they have them there?

How many maternity pads?

How many pairs of bras?

Will I still be wearing maternity clothes when I come home or will my old normal clothes do????

Is there anything that I have forgotten, or anything you can recomend?

TIA
xx

dressing gown and a book. (never finished my book!)

dont remember about the towels. prob only need 2 bras I would think. Lots of pads I would take a whole pack. I wore my old clothes but loose ones like jogging bottoms rather than tight jeans! HTH

I'd take my own towels.
More disposable pants or some cheap throw away ones.
at least 2 packs of maternity pads
I pack of breast pads.
change for the phone or bankcard for paitentline.
2 bras
maternity clothes to come home in or big elasticated trouers

snacks, squash, slippers

Thank you all so much, I just dont know where to start, and how any I gonna fit it all in? I suppose I will have to go shopping for a new bigger bag and maybe a new handbag while Im at it

Anything else?

I took a small suitcase on wheels and got everything in for me and the baby.I would take my own towels,im sure they dont supply them..

CASH - for emergency taxis to or parking at hospital.

BIG granny knickers and soft loose trousers or leggings (NOT under bump ones or tight ones - ones that come up high and don't cut into your lower tummy) in case of a c section.

Re what size clothes you will be in - I was bigger than pre-birth for at least a week - very swollen and bloated (nice!) so don't assume you will deflate immediately post-birth!

Re there being a lot of stuff - you could pack one smaller bag just for the stuff you'll need during and immediately after birth, and another for if you have to stay in overnight or any longer... the second bag could be brought in after the birth by your DP or other family member/friend coming in to see you.

Thank you cards for MW etc.
Chocolate biscuits.

sorry to hijack the thread but when is it sensible to pack the hospital bag/suitcase?

i've started mine and im not due for 6 weeks, but then have had a lot of twinges and very frequent BH so im just being prepared lol then again there's still some bits i need to add to it. I'd guess anytime from a month from your due date would be advisable?

I would only pack what you will need for the first 24 hours (or less) after the birth and then pack extra in a seperate bag, to be left at home or in the car and then brought in later by your OH. Otherwise you could end up packing for days in hospital and be out within the day.

I would pack a towel, so you can have a shower there - some wards don't have towels and can't think they'd be very nice anyway.

You might want to add a pillow to the bring-in-later-bag.

How long are you planning to be there??? I think a pair of pjs and two nighties is bit excessive tbh. You're not likely to be in any longer than 24 hrs so one nightie and a comfy set of clothes should be more than adequate. If you end up with a section just make
sure your dh knows where spares are in
case you need to send him home for a clean one.

Flip-flops for showers

Mascara - sounds very silly but those pictures people take if they visit you in hospital are always on show and a bit of make up made me feel and look a million times better.

loads of food, you'll be starving post-birth and if like me you give birth after tea they might not feed you.

My bag was mostly food!!!!! Was the biggest mistake the first time round not having enough. Remember people if you are going to visit people in hospital - ask what they would like you to bring FOOD wise - I was starving and surrounded by non edible flowers!

I took two bags, one for labour and one for after:

LABOUR:

Nightie to give birth in
Towel
Tens Machine
Snacks (DH Ate them!)
Hairband to keep hair out of eyes
nappy for baby
vest, babygro and hat

Then after baby had been born, DH popped out to car and got my other bag which had:

Change of clothes inc clean nightie
Towel
Washbag
Spare clothes for baby
magazines
maternity Pads and napple pads

I could have got them all in one but asked to take only a small bag in so this was easier.

Agree about mascara!

No no no Trafficcone - it can be a messy business so you need at least two nighties

Hospital bag essentials (not already mentioned):
Giant chocolate button
Glucose tablets
Straws
Trashy magazines
Clean T-Shirt for husband (yes, really)
Lots of maternity pads - I was using 3 at a time (sorry if TMI)
Mobile phone
Camera
Tissues
Champagne (for afterwards - you deserve it!)

...and if you're being induced take playing cards, Nintendo DS, monopoly game etc. etc.

Good luck!!!

I would forget disposable knickers and buy cheap cotton ones. You don't want anything near your nether regions that isn't very, very soft!!

Regarding the query on when to pack - unless you have a very quick labour you'll have loads of time to do the actual packing then. Assembling everything is a different matter.

Don't forget toothbrush and hair brush. I plaited my hair for labour with dd1 and then didn't brush it out again afterwards straight away - BIG mistake....

I think everything you should take has been covered but i would say don't pack your bag too early - i packed mine about 8 weeks ago and am just about to go and repack it for section tomorrow. I know i have everything i need in there but just wnat to check cause its been that long!!!!

Oh i second the pants don't go for disposable get cheap ones you can just bin afterwards much nicer to wear.

Good luck x

Lip balm! The gas and air really dries your mouth and lips so was grateful when DH found an old one in the bottom of my bag! Also totally agree about not using the disposable pants, they are horrible! Its cheaper and comfier to pop to Matalan/Primarche and get some cotton soft bumper pack of big pants! I would suggest doing a hospital tour of the ward prior to your due date, the nurses are usually quite good at advising what they provide, towels, maternity pads etc. Good luck