When to pack hospital bag

[thunderonlyhappenswhenits]

I'm pretty sure with my first I just flung it all in within a few weeks of my due date. I was so unprepared, didn't have much, didn't even have anything to give birth in so was stuck in a hot itchy hospital gown ! I want to be prepared this time and have everything.

I keep having reduced movements too and now a doctor has said I need to speak to my consultant to make a plan whatever that means... so now I'm thinking should I be packing a bag ? I'm only 28+2 but it's got me thinking.

When was everyone all sorted by ? I haven't bought one item yet

With my first I was very laid back and hadn't packed it at 35 weeks when I went into labour 🙄 That made for an interesting 15 mins as I tried to pack a bag while my waters were breaking.

I'm 26 weeks now and I'll be packing it by 30 weeks. I'm just not risking it again, and there really is no harm in being prepared early! I know chances are most people won't go into premature labour or need to be admitted early but I'm of the view that just do it early and then it's done and one less thing to think about.

If you've had some episodes of reduced movements too I think it really makes sense to get it sorted sooner rather than later x

Just on next now ordering some things -
I've got in my bag so far
3 sleepsuits in first size
3 sleepsuits in upto 1 month
The same for vests
3 mittens
3 hats

What else do I need?

I think I did my bag at 34/35 weeks. That was the first time I had some Braxton Hicks or weird tightenings/cramps, and my OH was away for the weekend. It really made me think that it could happen anytime and I packed it all straightaway.

Periodically I throw extra snacks into the bag, or some small thing that I've forgotten. Feels better to have it ready I have to say! Not least because OH would never ever find everything if he suddenly had to bring me stuff. 😂

We had 2 (small) seperate hospital bags. One for the baby - sleepsuits, nappies, cotton wool, blanket and a box of chocolates for the midwives

One for me with changes of clothes, nursing nighty, nipple cream, breast pads, snacks, phone charger, etc.

I found straws v helpful as the gas and air made my mouth really dry, and dh could sit next to me with a cup of water and just point the straw at me

If you're not mentally or physically ready to pack bags yet, it would be a huge step forward to sit down and make a proper list of what you need/want to take.

I'm 35 weeks tomorrow and only wrote a list a few days ago - the morning after I'd had loads of very painful tightening and it spurred me into action. That same night as the pains, I started packing stuff 'just in case' but I wasn't calm or methodical or organised so I'm getting properly prepared now.

As for when is the 'right' time to pack, honestly there isn't one. I gave birth to twins around 23 weeks gestation. Bleeding, ill, confused and in shock on the post-natal ward, I asked for maternity pads and was told "you should have come prepared". I was too shocked at a so-called professional telling me I should have had everything ready and bags packed before 23 weeks to either say something back or bitch-slap her (I'm not violent and never would have done but mentally I wanted to!).

If it would help you, I'm happy to share my list with you so you can get a few ideas.

I started mine at 30 weeks. At 27 weeks ish I had monitoring for reduced movements and the monitors picked up contractions so it got my arse in gear!
I wouldn't worry about mittens for hospital - a lot of baby grows have in built mittens. And 1 hat should be fine for after birth and coming home.
I bought plastic zip lock bags off amazon for baby's items and labelled them e.g 'first outfit' 'clothes for hospital' 'coming home outfit' 'nappies'. Same with my items. I also bagged up spares of things in case they were needed - baby grows, more pads etc. I was only in from morning til tea time the next day and baby only wore 2 different babygrows but the baby opposite projectile vomited over everything so he needed a good few changes!
I had a planned c section so it was really handy when I was asked to be handed things from our bag/cupboard.

For baby - cardigan for coming home, blanket, 3 baby grows and coming home baby grow, hat, 2 muslin cloths, nappies (20 or so), wipes (couldn't be arsed with cotton wool, got the aldi version of water wipes and biodegradable).

Me - 2 nighties (Matalan do long ones with short sleeves for about £6, great for modesty and the hospital being hotter than the sun), leggings and long top for home, flannel, water bottle, snacks, phone charger, ipad, earphones, pads (20 or so), massive knickers, breast pads (didn't plan to breast feed but took some in case of leakage), comfy bra, shower gel, flip flops, slippers (couldn't get flip flops on with surgical stockings), towel and usual toiletries (toothbrush etc).

You won't need mittens as Next sleepsuits have integrated ones built into the sleeves, very clever.
If you mean what else from Next for your baby, a few muslins? A little cardi for in the car seat (imagine it'll be a lot cooler in around 20 weeks!)
Congratulations

Thank you ladies.
Yes this time I am thinking of a labour bag and then a case (cabin size) for myself and baby things.
I think I'll end up being induced anyway due to reduced movements so I could be in for a few days couldn't I... and I'm on antidepressants and also have group b strep so I expect to be in for a couple of days afterwards too so the baby can be monitored. I won't pack loads though and my partner can always grab me some extra stuff if needed.

Lists would be great if anyone wants to share !

Also yes I ordered some muslins aswell

My lists:

My bag

Maternity notes
Birth plan
Phone charger & phone
Medication
Camera
6 knickers
2 bras
3 tops
3 leggings
Pyjamas x 2
Button-front nightie
Flip flops
2 x packs maternity pads
Breast pads
Roll-on deodorant
Flannels
Shampoo
Shower gel
Vaseline
Cooling spray
USB fan
Hairbrush & bobbles
Toothbrush & paste
Nipple cream
Feeding pillow
Loose change
Snacks
Drinks

Baby's bag

Car seat
4 x vests
4 x babygrows
Going home outfit
Socks
Cardi
Nappies
Wipes
Nappy cream
Hats
Scratch mitts
Blanket
2 x muslins
Cotton wool pads
Hooded towel

Somebody please tell me if I've missed anything!

I had both mine done by 30 weeks just to be prepared. Will probably do this one sooner though as I'll have bags for DC and the dogs to pack too! 🤦‍♀️

I'm 34 weeks and have two bags packed, one Just with stuff for me and then one with both, reason being I was admitted unexpectedly at 32 weeks and had to get my mum to pack me some bits, and she struggled with finding what I needed, so want to be more organised if it happens again

Thank you! That list is really helpful.
I didn't even think to get an overnight bag packed for my ds 🤦🏼‍♀️