Hospital bag

[Mel892020]

When should I? and what should I pack in my hospital bag? Worrying I'll forget something!

I'll start packing my hospital bag at about 36 weeks I think, this is my second pregnancy

Have you looked online at the lists that are recommended?

Remember to bring a towel!

I was in to be induced and was there for a few days. Felt great to have my nice fluffy towel from home.

Also had a dressing gown for the ward.

I packed for pre and post labour.

Many many pairs of big underwear.
Maternity pads
Changes of clothes
Breast pads

Snacks
Toiletries
Things to keep you entertained etc etc

A few outfits for baby

I'm just close to 37 weeks. Lots of ladies due in September have gone into labour, some have had their babies early in August. So it kicked me into gear! I have found watching YouTube hospital bag recommendations helped and research some lists.

Tips:

Pack things in sandwich bags and label them for baby clothes
Pack a dirty clothes/laundry bag
Pack snacks (you can always bring them home)
Pack toiletries separately (I've separated into dry non bathroom bits, wet shower and sink bits and sanitary for pads)
2/3 bags - mummy, baby, birth partner
Don't forget something nice for yourself. I got white company mini toiletries because you deserve to feel like a queen after giving birth!

Apart from the usual stuff people (and internet lists) will tell you to pack I would add. A big water bottle that you can generally fill yourself rather than asking a midwife to refil and flip flops for walking around and getting a shower. Slippers are rubbish for going for a shower. My feet also swelled quite bad post c section, strangely not at all throughout pregnancy just post section so flip flops were good for that too.

You'll get loads of lists on here and on the internet but I would say don't leave it too late even if you end up repacking it a couple of times. I got admitted overnight the other day and I'm only 33 weeks (it was me not baby) and it was SO handy having a bag packed with spare clothes, toiletries and snacks in. I'll have to repack it again now of course but it was one less thing to worry about, we had a feeling I would be staying in so took it in the boot of the car just in case.

I’m 37 weeks and haven’t packed mines. Mentally I know what I need to pack but it’s just the actual doing it. For some reason I can’t be bothered, I know that sounds so irresponsible!

For baby just a few vests and sleepsuits. Hat, nappies and milk will all be provided.

For myself some maternity pads, underwear and two sets of pyjamas to change into as the bleeding can be quite heavy.

Some snacks/Lucozade and a puzzle book in case I have to stay longer than a night. Oh and of course toiletries.

I would be wary of assuming things will be provided by the hospital, definitely no hats nappies or milk in my trust!