Hospital stay preparation bag

[Anonymous006]

Hi everyone, I’m going into the hospital for an induced labor on Monday and I’m really excited to finally meet my baby boy but I need to know, what should I bring with me? I could be there 2-3 days according to my doctors.
I have outfits for the baby, and me, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, a couple of postpartum items for me, blankets/swaddles for my baby, but is there anything else I should bring?
Also any products/tips anyone recommends for a baby and/or first time single mom? I really appreciate all advice! I’ve been interrogating family with children in order to put everything together but I’m the only single mom I know. My parents are gonna be helping me with watching him and learning how to be a mother but I appreciate all tips so anything helps! Thank you 😊

I had my last baby 3 weeks ago and spent some time on the antenatal ward beforehand.
For before: flipflops/ slippers, comfy clothes (remember the wards are HOT), ipad with stuff downloaded, headphones, big drinks bottles, lots of snacks
For after: as above plus a straw to make drinking easy! Big pants and loose dresses in case you end up having a section.

I packed way to much for my induction as i was only in the hospital for 12hrs before baby was born lol.

But my "essentials" :
Maternity pads
A bottle of pop (or similar) for something other the water!
Big pants
Loose clothing
If breastfeeding something that's easy to nurse in
Nipple cream
Phone charger
Kindle or puzzle book

Baby:
Plenty of nappies & wipes
Outfits in newborn & 0-3

One thing I didn't have but wish I did have was roll on deodorant! At my hospital you couldn't have spray on because of the smoke alarms. Also recommend a really long charging cable (that you write your name on!) And your own pillow because hospital pillows are not comfy. And an eyemask if you struggle to sleep when it is light.

At my hospital you had private rooms but if you are on a ward for the induction then definitely pack ear plugs and headphones

Loads of snacks and some nice drinks like juice. Snacks with fibre
Some slippers.
Bags for dirty waste
I took a towel for showering
Muslins

*bags for dirty clothes

Eye mask
Ear plugs
Snacks
Flip flops
Big knickers and maternity pads
Nursing tops (button down pj tops) if planning to breastfeed
Face wipes
Long charging cable
Headphones
Some sort of entertainment - book, kindle, pack of cards, iPad with a bunch of films downloaded onto it etc. My induction only took 11 hours but a friend of mine went in on a Thursday and didn't go into labour until the Sunday night. Obviously I don't know why you're being induced, so they may not let you go that long.
Probably frowned upon, but I ended up taking my own painkillers. They were frequently late with giving them out - and at one point refused to give me a dose because they thought I'd already had it (I 100% had not).

Drinks with a sucky lid are important. In the throws of labour you are not going to want to unscrew a lid and sip from an open bottle. And your partner can help you drink it easily. Preferably a sports drink for the energy.

Lots of water for post natal ward as if they're mega busy it might take them a while to fill your jug.
Vitamin tablets, because your health will take a hit the days following birth, you may be weak, anaemic etc and need to take care of yourself.

One of those microfibre quick drying towels from decathlon so you don't end up with a sodden towel on the ward.
Lots of trash magazine, you probably won't fancy reading anything even remotely challenging, snd these are great for if you're up in the night with the baby.

Good luck, your baby will be with you so soon!!