Hospital Bags (My Version of the List)

Member Name: shellyuk1000

Product:	My Version of the List
Date:	14/06/09 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Packed for you, by you!

Disadvantages: Not always enough in there

I have had 2 children now, both hospital births and looking back I can see that I was no-where near right when packing the hospital bags. Sure I checked all the lists available, the Mothercare one on the catalogue, Babycentre one on their website, Bounty one, all the ones in the magazines! I found the first time I didn't have enough clothes for baby and the second time I didn't have enough clothes for me! Both times I didn't take in enough snacks or anything to do when baby was asleep and no visitors were allowed. So here is my list, hope it helps someone, somewhere, somehow:

Labour & Birth Bag
This bag is all about you and your birthing partner, pack enough to last you a day and be prepared for clothes that will get wet if you labour in the birthing pool.

~ 3-4 thin nightdresses that are a bigger size so they are easier to get on and off
~ Maternity bras
~ A box of Maternity pads
~ A change of clothes for your birthing partner
~ energy bars
~ energy drinks
~ Snacks and drinks for your birth partner
~ Bananas (a great source of energy)
~ Crosswords or something similar for your birthing partner to do
~ Slippers
~ Lip Balm, gas and air will make your lips very dry
~ TENs machine
~ Digital Camera
~ Spare batteries
~ Change for parking
~ Your Green Notes

For You, After the Birth:
Always pack with the thought that you could stay in there for a few days, I used to pack thinking I would be out in a day - never happened yet!

~ 2-3 Changes of clothes, pack clothes that are big, comfortable and not restrictive in any way!
~ Your purse, so you can buy TV time or snacks
~ Maternity Bras
~ Breast pads
~ Tooth Brush
~ Toothpaste
~ A sensitive body wash
~ Deodrant
~ 10pairs of large, cheap knickers that you wont mind throwing away!
~ Slippers
~ Light dressing gown
~ Hairbrush
~ Bottle of juice, you will only be offered water or tea on the ward
~ Mints or sucking sweets
~ Crosswords/magazines to do inbetween feeds

For Baby:
Again, it will be best to pack for baby with the thought you will be staying in for a few days

~ 5-6 sleepsuits, I found I went through 2 of these a day
~ 5-6 vests
~ Whole pack on nappies - you just never know how many you will need
~ Cotton Wool - normally supplied at the hospital but best to be prepared
~ Coming home outfit
~ Nice blanket - for photo opp
~ Socks if the babies outfit doesn't have them
~ Warm jacket/snowsuit if its cold outside
~ Hat but that is optional

Don't forget the car seat!

Summary: Pack as if you are staying for at least 3days!