Overpacked hospital bag

[19annie86]

1st time parent. I feel like I've over packed, iv a big bag for myself a d then a changing bag full for baby. Is there anything I might not need, pjs and nightdress, slippers, towel, toiletries, pads, going home outfit. I just feel like iv got far too much stuff

You mightn't have heard of the perineal irrigation bottles - they were supplied free by the hospitals I delivered in in the US. They were the handiest items, and incredibly useful for the week or two after delivery, especially as I had stitches. You can buy them online.

The tennis ball was recommended by prenatal class teacher for back labour. Nobody knows if this will happen and it's too late to run home for anything that will help if it develops. It doesn't take up much space and can make a difference so why not pack it?

Same goes for hemorrhoid cream - you don't know how labour will go or how you will be affected, and you might or might not have a nurse willing to provide it in your hour of need. Takes up very little space.

For the day of the delivery, take the barest minimum. Your partner can bring extras a few hours after the birth. Pack all the extras yourself. This will eliminate the problem of taking up space needed during delivery or losing stuff if you are taken quickly for a CS.

First time I took way too much. One particularly useless item was a dressing gown. The ward was hotter than the sun!!

Second time I packed a small bag for me, a small bag for baby and a snack bag. Enough for 24 hours. I also packed duplicate bags and left at home for DH to bring if we stayed in longer and would know what to replace if needed. Wish I'd done that first time round.