Hospital bag

[Notlongtogo82]

Due a c section in a couple of weeks. Bag is packed with the usual bits (outfits, nappies, milk etc)

Anyone have any suggestions for must haves that you don't find on the usual lists?

Personal choice but I'm talking plenty of toiletries and make up for myself this time. Looking back at those first photos I do regret not brushing my hair at least!!! X

That's a good shout- thanks! Will add a few more bits in!

I wish I'd brought a big notepad and pen. The nurses kept asking what times different things had happened (e.g. feeding) and I was so exhausted and drug addled I just didn't have a clue. Also bring plenty of snacks. It can be like a long time between dinner and breakfast.

Defo snacks and drinks!! Ibroprofen. I had to chase down nurses for hours trying to get some and I left after 11 hours and still never got any. Just helps with the after pains. Tissues, I kept crying for no reason lol

I'm planning to formula feed, can anyone tell me if the hospital supplies formula or will I have to bring my own?

an extra long charging cable and nice soft drinks

Maryb90. Take your own you can buy little packs with small ready to use bottles in with the sterilised treats.

A pillow to put under your seatbelt for the drive home

I’m getting one soon too. Taking flip flops to wear in the shower and may also wear them home. Have been told you swell up so much that you can’t fit your feet into your shoes and can’t bend down to put them on either. Button up nighties for skin to skin. Small bags inside your hospital bag with a full outfit for the baby so that if your partner has to leave, the nurses can find the clothes for you without having to empty your whole bag. Chewing gum and colpermin tablets (stronger than peppermint tea) for trapped wind as I’ve heard this is the sorest bit about it!

@MaryB90 I had my booking in appointment a few weeks ago and there’s a sign at my hospital saying that from January 2021 they’ll no longer provide formula and advising what to take, and how much. But it’s probably really individual to the hospital, so I’d give yours a call and check.

Ooh this is a handy thread! I’m just in the process of gathering everything for my bag... like the pen and notepad idea. Going to lurk around for more suggestions 🙂

@MaryB90

I'm planning to formula feed, can anyone tell me if the hospital supplies formula or will I have to bring my own?

Depends on the hospital but speak with your midwife to check. Most don't if your planning on formula feeding but do have a small supply for people who planned to breastfeed and can't or run out of what they brought in - they won't let a baby go hungry!

Lip balm for dry lips.
A couple of bottles of still lucazade (sport) as when your nil by mouth it's a good way of getting some energy and then you can refill with water after and the sports cap makes it easier to drink when your flat on your back!

The longest phone charging cable you can find and/or a portable charging block - keep that charged up and you won't need to plug your phone in as often. I found I was totally reliant on my phone in hosp - this may be especially so in covid times as visiting will be restricted. Also means you can take a million photos of your baby, access your kindle library, mumsnet (!) etc without having to charge or balance a load of different devices.

Dried fruit (prunes, apricots) are good high fibre/sugar for night time energy without getting crumbs or melted choc all in your bed and they help that first postnatal poo along which can be a bit nerve wracking!

Hair ties if you have long hair.

Long sleeve button up nightie like www.boohoo.com/maternity-long-sleeve-button-front-nightie/BZZ00193.html out of the way for the catheter, long sleeve to stop bingo wings getting cold when doing skin to skin
Peppermint tea bags. Not the tastiest but helpful for the trapped wind pain in your shoulder.
Jelly babies. Just because.
Big high waisted black pants. Tesco have some that come up really high and make sure you size up.
Sign up to tena for a free sample pack of incontinence pads and order the all in one pants style for the first day, put pads in top and then you have an extra layer of protection.
Extra long charger so you don’t have to twist in bed
No aluminium deodorant (not essential if not bf)
Biscuits to have at tea round time
I took a refreshing sheet mask too and it was lovely at 4am on a sweaty ward!
I took shampoo, hairdryer etc but didn’t wash my hair as lifting my arms stretched the wound
Wishing you as lovely an experience as I had

Long charging cables (maybe a plug with two USB ports) and plenty of water. I was so dehydrated after having DD2 and wasn’t allowed to go home until I’d produced enough wee. I drank 5 bottles of water before I passed the test. The hospital gave me a small jug but it would have taken ages if I’d needed to have it refilled. Also, the gas and air dried my throat out.

I second LOADS of snacks and bottles of water. Crisps, chocolates, Soreen, Apples, mini cheese packs, biscuits and crackers, mini butter packs. Literally stuff that you can have mini meals with as you will be ravenous and so thirsty. I was looked after really well in hospital and was offered tons of water and buttery toast but after speaking with other women they haven't had anything like that.

One of my friends wasn't offered food for 36 hrs after her c section!

Also? Toiletries, headband or wrap so you can look nice without fussing with your hair if you want, make up, plenty of comfy big knickers like really huge knickers, joggers and a sweatshirt/zip hoodie for easy boob access if BF.

Also, I found a peri bottle really helpful so I didn't have to wipe hard with toilet paper.

A book/kindle for when (if) baby is sleeping and you have the energy and can't get to sleep.

A book/kindle for when (if) baby is sleeping and you have the energy and can't get to sleep.

After DD1, who was born at 10:56am, I had to stay overnight and was desperately tired after labouring the night before and being awake all day. She did not sleep without being held but, luckily, my DM came to the rescue and held her new GD whilst I slept in the hospital (DH was also completely exhausted).

After DD2, who was born at 7:20pm after a very quick labour, I was really awake all night. I can only assume it was adrenaline. DD2 also slept wherever I put her but I couldn’t sleep. I had so much energy that I was up and reading the leaflets on the wall of the ward. Definitely bring something to entertain you just in case.

For the mums having a natural birth, a little jug to pour water down there as it can sting the first few wees!

Mini juice cartons (breakfast and tea didn't arrive till 9am on my ward).
Straw water bottle - you are taking pain meds every 6 hours. I was left with boxes of meds and no help given to find water etc at 3am
High waisted knickers so they don't run on scar
Long charging cable
Small cushion for drive home (between belt and scar)

And slip on shoes - I left wearing my support stockings and Birkenstock's in January.

Always plan nice going home outfits and end in comfy clothes