Will I look a complete knob if I turn up at hospital with 2 big bags of stuff?

[MamaG]

I've tried to keep it to the bare minimum but I've ended up with two huge bags

Is everybody going to point and laugh?

I have two bags (at the moment). One for me (sort of holdall-sports bag) one for baby (bit smaller). I have told DP to pack himself a little one too (change of shirt, undies, socks, book, hearing aid batteries) and I intend to have spare pillows in the car, as Royal Surrey has a reputation for being very stingy with them.

I took one bag then ended up in hospital for a week so dh ended up carting stuff backwards & forwards. Taking shedloads of stuff next time.

I had 3 bags - Only actually used the things in one!

Don't forget car seat to go home!

hmm no nighties in my bag yet (36 weeks)....

I had a wheely suitcase and I still had to send my husband out for more stuff.

chocbics - M&S online sale had some maternity nighties for a fiver, front fastening for BF - don't know if htey'll have nay left though

You wont look a knob just a first time mother

First time I had 3 bags, a trolley case, about 5 changes of clothes for me and the baby, half of Boots and various aromatherapy and homeopathic remedies which I don't even believe in, a gameboy advance, 3 books, an ipod, a sleeping bag, bleach, a pack of cards, a dressing gown, slippers and my own balance ball.

Second time I arrived, gave birth and left in the clothes I was sleeping in when I went into labour and had 1 small bag which I didn't open until the baby was born to get his clothes.

Do it though, it makes you feel better

Im nearly 38 weeks with dd4 and only packed my bag this week, i have packed this have i left anything out

Nighty x2 (old one for labour, new one for after)
old towel for the dirty shower after birth
new towel
knickers x5
s towels x1 pack
lilipadz breast pads
3 sleepsuits
3 vests
scratchmits
baby socks
baby towel
toiletries for me and baby
nappies and wipes
Think thats about it im sure the mw will try and kick me out after 4 hours like last time, but i will resist and enjoy the rest from the dd's

Hehe with pfb I had a huge bag for me then a smaller one for dd, then a huge wheely suitcase DP brought with him (he lived 200 miles away), also bags of presents.

In the end Dd was in scbu for 2 days and I was in hospital for about 5 days, still ended up sending Dp out for more pyjamas. Got a snotty Hca who told me to clean up my bed area when I was 24 hours post-natal (having been awake for around 60 hours due to labour) and had just been told Dd would be having a lumbar puncture, I told her to fuck right off in no uncertain terms, still about that.

My god expat, canot believe you are so far along. Time really does fly (not for you probably )

That sounds brill for a standard 6 hours and they are out birth 4andnotout. I would stick to that, if you need anything else others can run around.

hi mamaG im 38+4 and its my 3rd pg as well and i only have 1 big bag but i had for my other previous pg 2 bags . 1 for me and 1 for the baby so your not so bad and at the time your in labour you don't care whether their looking or commenting about it.
when is your edd ? boy or girl?

I'm having a HB but have packed just in case

I have one big bag that I'm taking in with me and another full of spare baby clothes that will live in the car boot

Last time I was in for most of the week and they only give you a storage closet the size of a bedside table and don't allow you to put bags under the bed so had my bag dumped on the bed at regular intervals.

I'm packing my bag today and also have on list (as well as most of the above)

Tens (ever the optimist)
ipod/speakers
cards/book/magazine
Change for car park and snacks
Hat for baby
Muslins
Blanket for baby
Car seat
Maternity notes

I packed two bags. One for the labour room. One for the ward afterwards. DH swapped them over before he went home. We kept the ward bag in the car boot till we needed it. He then took the labour bag home.

I'm just going to take the two bags, I'd rather have too much than not enough IYKWIM.

EDD is 30/10 bat, having a boy - what about you?

im having a boy too edd 22/10

i also want to bring a birthing ball. now is that going to be completely ridiculous? i want to try an active birth, but to get into a lot of the positions I'd need about 7 pillows and a birthing ball just seems somehow easier...

i'm just wondering if i'll look the equivalent of someone arriving at the labour ward with a large sombrero and a straw donkey...

kraft you've ade me feel better, hopefully we're at same hospital and your troller full ofbags will dwarf mine!

I'm bringing a suitcase, no joke an actual suitcase, you can never be too prepared.

heh, mamaG that sounds fabulous. i'll bring a mini-fridge and champagne so that we can celebrate afterwards...

wow thanks hanaflower - i'll check with the midwives to see what the story is...

I have two and I'm not even going to labour. I have one for me and one for the baby.....don't forget a large purse full of change, pack of cards and eye patches for a rest (those lights are sooooo bright!). And good luck!

kraft, loads of peopl bring their own birth balls, at least you know it is inflated to the level that is comfy for you then iykwim

Completely not the point of this thread - but EXPAT - when did you find out you're having a DS????

DD I had a BIG bag and a little one, but DH had to bring in a load of stuff too.

DS was homebirth - so much easier