Hospital Bag

[GlassCaseOfEmotions]

Hey all!!

Long time lurker!

I am 24+4 with my first but like to be very prepared 🤣

What do I need for my hospital bag? Anything you wish you'd had/ realised you didn't need?

I massively overpacked my hospital bag the first time round 😂 this time I have divided it into two halves -

needed in labour / immediately afterwards -

• some snacks (sweets and a few cereal bars)
• Loose nightie & breast feeding friendly pjs
• Vest tops for in the birth pool
• Toiletries

after labour / baby -

• 5 pairs of massive pants (ha)
• pack of maternity pads
• nappies
• wipes
• 3 baby vests
• 3 sleep suits
• cardigan
• hat
• blanket
• couple of changes of comfy clothes
• flip flops

I think that’s about it!

@oodles50 thank you so much!!

I feel like I'd end up packing my whole wardrobe if I didn't ask 🤣 and online there seems to be tonnes of stuff suggested to take!!

The things which my partner had to bring back for me on day two and three of my hospital stay were:

More pyjamas (I leak through a set and where I had a catheter and no pants the first night the first nightie got blood on it)
More snacks
More maternity pads
Longer phone charger
Jumper (didn't need it in the hospital but dot going home)
Dirty washing bag

The rest of the online lists are pretty accurate. I felt my suitcase was massive but I actually used pretty much everything in it.

Also plan to stay for a couple of days in hospital as I hadn't packed for two nights as I wanted to stay as short as possible but a forceps delivery and feeding issues meant I was there for longer.

I agree, pack for a couple of days. I was discharged the same day last time, but have packed for a couple of days still this time around just in case.

Thank you both, this is really helpful 😊

I'd also check with your hospital what they provide. Ours provides nappies, wipes, formula, baby clothes (for while the baby is at the hospital), maternity pads and knickers, etc. so there are certain things I won't need to take this time round.

@Busyhedgehog oh I didn't know this was a thing!! Thank you, I will ask my midwife when I next week her 😊

Definitely take a mini electric fan! Delivery suites are generally very warm and you’ll be glad of it during labour. I got one with a clip on the bottom of it so attached it to the rail in the birthing pool whilst I gave birth and then to the rail on the bed afterwards.

@OopsieeDaisy brilliant idea!! I actually already have 2 for the dogs for when they're in the car in summer 🤣 so I'll borrow 1 of those!!