MN Bumpfest: What should mothers-to-be pack in their hospital bags? Chance to win a £50 voucher!NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

In the run up to BumpFest (which is going to be totally awesome by the way) we’re looking to get a better understanding of the experiences Mumsnetters have had around different issues surrounding childbirth.

We've seen from the many threads on the subject, that Mumsnetters have got packing a hospital bag down to a fine art. We’d like to hear what you think are the essentials, and what can actually be left in the shop.

What items did you pack the first time around which you later realised were completely unnecessary on the day? Did you find you overpacked your hospital bag when you were pregnant with your first PFB DC?

Everyone who adds their thoughts to this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks,

MNHQ

I'm due in January, and I think my husband is already wondering what snacks he's going to pack. For himself.

Buy a dark coloured large towelling bathrobe. You can always give it to DH/DP after a good wash!
Some of that Magicool spray would be good too!

black pants.

plastic bags to put bloody pants in.

dark coloured nightie.

night time towels are more comforatble then the brick sized post birth pads.

something for bruised undercarriage.

I had one of those cool gel pads to soothe but never used it. makes a fantastic cool pack for sore necks though.

I think I could have left out most of my extensive range of baby clothes especially the up to 7lb's range that I gave to the girl in the next bed with the dinky little baby. Ds1 was 9lb's 8oz and they were never going to fit.

The most useful thing was my packet of baby wipes. I used them for everything except wiping the baby.

another vote for huge granny pants here

Did not need the warm clothes I'd packed - the wards are so warm!

Did not pack nearly enough maternity pads!

We had the main bag I took in, then spare stuff in the car for just in case to avoid having to send hubby shopping far and wide

Haven't read the whole thread, so sure these have been mentioned. A light dressing gown was essential, as it was bloody boiling on the ward. Food! A nightie rather than PJs in the event of a CS, less rubbing! Own pillow, earplugs for if staying on a ward overnight. Disposable knickers - just no! Cheap cotton ones that you can throw away are much better. A sneaky packet of baby wipes for when the midwives aren't looking. And definitely cotton wool pads rather than balls, as they just leave bits of fluff all over baby's nether regions!

definately socks, pads, comfy pjs.

I over packed, but then I gave birth at 00:06 and left the hospital that afternoon.

My must have item would definitely be the maternity pads. Took breast pads cos I wasn't aware that milk could take days to come through. I think a few snacks is useful but really there is no need to take a great deal of stuff. Few small size nappies, few outfits (mine were all too small - 9lb 13oz baby), change of clothes for you and a few toiletries to make you feel human again.

The most useful things we packed were:

Shower gel & shampoo (I remember the post-birth shower being one of the best I've ever had as I was so hot, sweaty, yacky after delivery!)
Make up
Hairbrush
Comfortable change of clothes (loose fitting, elasticated waistbands, flat shoes or slippers)
Camera
Phone & charger
Baby vest, baby gro, nappies, hat & mitts

And DH would say Lucozade & chocolate (for him!)

Thank you everyone for all your comments. Congratulations, KitCat26, you've won the prize draw for a £50 John Lewis voucher! We'll be in touch soon.