Washing and hospital bag!!

[Sandy1301]

I really need help, I'm worrying too much (first time mum probs)!!!!

When to start washing baby clothes, I'm 33 weeks and really think I need to start! I'm using persil non bio and comfort pure, hat wash cycle do I need to out it on? Is daily 59min okay?

Also any tips what to put in hospital bag and when to have it packed by??

Such useful advice from everyone! To the people recommending Tena pants over maternity pads: what size did you buy? E.g. as a size 12/14 pre-pregnancy, would it be best to go for the large one? Also, do I understand correctly that they have an integrated pad, i.e. fully disposable and you put on new pants with every change? Thank you!

@DAC21 I need to know pant sizes too! I bought large and they look small but stretch a bit, it all depends on how much your belly goes down to be honest! My cousin said they were better than pads so it's worth a try!!

I'd definitely start washing a couple now. If nothing else it will put your mind at ease knowing things are ready.
In terms of hospital bag pack some energy dense/filling snack like nuts or granola bars. I found baby had a knack of being hungry when food was served and I never managed to eat one hot meal.
Depending on how you want to feed I'd pack a cheap light sports bra style top. Baby wouldnt latch so I used the hospital pump. Lactation consultant had a good trick to make it easier. Cut a small slit on each side and tuck the pump in and voila - hands free pumping. Unfortunately I did not have one with me and with covid DH couldnt drop me in one. It would have made it so much easier and meant I could have dosed off a bit when pumping. Those style tops will come in handy anyway as boobs too sensitive for bra but I still feel undressed without something on them so it would have been a happy alternative.
I was in for longer than I expected so wish i packed more clothes. And more than just pjs. In future I'd pack my maternity leggings and some baggy tshirts. That would I'd feel comfortable but as if I had gotten dressed for the day. Also would pack maternity pillow as stomach still very delicate after unexpected csection
Best of luck and congratulations!

Thank you! I will buy a pack of large and see how they come up. Also wondering if they are suitable after C-section, but will probably have these pants as well as some cotton ones and regular maternity pads and see what works best.

@babbafett brilliant thank you! I just dont want to turn up with loads as it will be more stuff to lug around with me.. My maternity pillow is as tall as me and double sided, I'll have to take just a normal bed pillow I think..

@DAC21 I was think the same as the material feels a bit irritating.. I've heard the lil-lets matenrity pads are the best (on offer in asda and amazon at the moment)!! I've heard of other sticking one on cotton pants where the C section has taken place so its cushioned there!! Good luck with everything!

I was a 12-14 and got size 18 high waist pants which were just right, I had a c section so needed ones that wouldn't roll down.

@Sandy1301 Thank you so much! I'll get those lil-lets ordered now!
Good luck to you too! :)
Have a great day everyone!

I would also recommend using a medium sized wheeled suitcase & packing cubes. That way you only have 1 item of luggage for you and baby together and can easily move it about on wheels but keep your and baby's stuff separate inside. Definitely easier than a bag for mum, bag for baby, and a bag for snacks.

@MsSquiz thank you, I was looking at the medium sized suitcase and thought the midwives would think I was moving me Where have found the best packing cubes please?

[quote Sandy1301]@MsSquiz thank you, I was looking at the medium sized suitcase and thought the midwives would think I was moving me Where have found the best packing cubes please?[/quote]
I just got mine of Amazon, I got this set

Savisto Packing Cubes - Small, Medium, Large, XL (6-Piece Set) - Purple https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078NCN5DL/ref=cmswwrcppapifabt11evNXFb8KVH5NF?encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I second the packing cubes. I found them very helpful. I also used ziplock bags to separate a couple of outfits for baby. Going home outfit and ones with everything the baby needed for straight after birth but had one smaller sized clothing one and one for a bigger sized baby. I was told baby would be huge but he was actually pretty average and he fitted the smaller size perfectly. It meant when the midwife asked my DH for babies clothes he just grabbed the ziplock bag. DH would have been perfectly capable of gathering the clothes but I predicted I'd be on edge and it helped me relax knowing everything was in its place.

I agree with @babbafett about the ziploc bags! They were so handy and you can write on them what's in them. Makes it really easy for your partner to find stuff!