hospital bag

[matchstic]

:wave:Hello everyone

i was just wondering what you guys had packed in your hospital bags for your baby ? :confused:
Im due feb 14th and on my L's- :yes:

[mahna mahna]

Hmm, I think I'll label the different bags to make it clearer. :D

1. labour bag

birth plan
wheat packs
old nightie
CDs
essential oil blend
facial spritz
massage oil
shower cap
socks
snacks (dried fruits, glucose lollies)
wooden massager thingy
hairband/ scrunchy
address book
Rescue Remedy
camera & spare batteries2. Hospital bag

comfy underwear
maternity pads
day/ going home clothes
maternity bras
breast pads
old dark towel (to put under me on the bed to prevent stains)
bath robe
slippers
food (chocolate, coffee etc to celebrate after the birth!)
toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, toothbrush/ paste)
squirt water bottle (to help with peeing after birth)
all necessary paperwork (private health fund etc)
nipple cream (I've got paw paw balm - doubles as lip balm)3. bub's bag

receiving blanket (I'm sleeping with it every night so it smells like me)
bunny rugs
sleepsuits
singlets
cardigan
scratch mittens, booties/ socks, beanie
going home outfit
wipes
toiletries (I've got natural bottom balm, powder, & bath wash because the hospital uses harsher, chemical varieties)Gosh, that's all I can think of for the moment, and I can't be stuffed getting up to check if there's more! :D Anyone feel free to copy, add to or edit my list!

[dingo]

Mahna Mahna...OMG you are so organised. I ahve my bag all laid out on the bed, just needs to go in the suitcaser, but you have thought of so many good things I am starting again with your list :yelclap:
About the birth plan, we havn't done one and I don't know if it is worth is as we are really fairly restricted with a lot of stuff. 1/I will be induced 2/ Can't have pethadine or epidural:eek: 3/ DF will be there with me.

What else would I put in a birth plan ??? I am not sure if I really get the gist of it :confused:

[matchstic]

thanks for that Mahna Mahna ! I will definetely be using your list :yes: :)

[MrsO]

receiving blanket (I'm sleeping with it every night so it smells like me)That is such a lovely idea hun! Do you mind if I steal it?

[MrsO]

About the birth plan, we havn't done one and I don't know if it is worth is as we are really fairly restricted with a lot of stuff. 1/I will be induced 2/ Can't have pethadine or epidural:eek: 3/ DF will be there with me.

What else would I put in a birth plan ??? I am not sure if I really get the gist of it :confused:

Even if you are going to be restricted with some birth choices you can still do up a birth plan with things that are important to you. Things like how you would like to try and manage you pain (can I ask why you can't have peth or an epi?) might be really important, including any strategies you and DH would like to put in place. Whether you want to remain active in labour, have VE's, have your waters ruptured or allow them to go on their own...etc etc. Then once bub is born are there things you would like to happen, such as DH to cut the cord, skin to skin contact, augmented or natural third stage? These are just a few random suggestions, search BH for 'Birth Plans' and I'm sure you'll come up with heaps of information.

Having said all that, you absolutely don't have to have a birth plan if you don't want one...some people don't. It really is a personal preference :D

[MrsO]

Oh, and to actually answer the question :o:rolleyes::doh::footinmouth:...

I don't need to pack a bag because we're staying at home :D

[mahna mahna]

Oh, and to actually answer the question :o:rolleyes::doh::footinmouth:...

I don't need to pack a bag because we're staying at home :D

Lucky duck... :p
Although my doula, DH & I will be staying home for as looong as possible...

That is such a lovely idea hun! Do you mind if I steal it?

Oh gosh yes!! Please do!
I'm planning on having skin-to-skin contact for the first little while, but when he's ready for the blanket, at least it'll reek of DH & I.

[dingo]

Hey Mrs O , I can't have peth coz I am allergic to it and the epi is at this stage a no go because I have had DVT in the past and with the blood thinners I am on the anethatists (SP) are not keen on a epi as it can be very risky ?? We have a meeting with them next Friday so things will be clearer then, butt o be honest we are just really going on what they suggest to be the safest for me and bubs at this stage.

Thanks for the info though there was a few things you mentioned that I figured would just happen, so I will jot a few things down and stick it in the bag, just in case !!!

:)

[elissas]

I've got 2 bags.

Once contains essentials, things I know I'll need for sure, and things I'm pretty sure I'll really really want.

The other bag contains "nice to have on hand just in case I want it" kind of stuff.

I packed them all in together last time and DH found himself rummaging through "kinda nice" things looking for an essential item.

[miss b]

don't forget nappies...some hospitals require that you supply your own

good luck:D

[MrsO]

I've got 2 bags.

Once contains essentials, things I know I'll need for sure, and things I'm pretty sure I'll really really want.

The other bag contains "nice to have on hand just in case I want it" kind of stuff.

I packed them all in together last time and DH found himself rummaging through "kinda nice" things looking for an essential item.

That's a really good idea! :idea:

[~Alicia]

Ooh MM, I'll be stealing a few of those ideas for sure!

I've written my lists out (still on holidays at my mother's). I can't wait to get home and pack! :D

[sonlou73]

that's right - got to pack bags but i'm not as organised as the previous times. make mental note to do so this week & to leave half the stuff out especially with the labour bag - i never use most of the stuff i pack.

mahna - love the idea re sleeping with the blanket.

[~Alicia]

mahna - love the idea re sleeping with the blanket.

Oh me too. It makes so much sense :yes:

[BecD]

I've written my list out and have packed what I can pack now and the rest will be packed when I'm in early labour at home.

[ShadyCharacter]

Nothing here either (another home birth)... kinda glad because I have a memory like a sieve ;)

[greenie]

OMG you lot are so on top of things!
Haven't even thought about the bag yet.

Maybe it's 3rd time complacency!

I have to admit I haven't used half the things I packed the last 2 times so I'm planning to try and keep things simple.

Mahna, I've found in hossie they have these mat things (bit like a disposable change mat) that you can put under you on the bed to stop stains. I wouldn't think you'd really need to take your own.

I'm planning to take a bigger stash of food this time and I've wanted better snacks than I could get in hospital!

[mahna mahna]

Mahna, I've found in hossie they have these mat things (bit like a disposable change mat) that you can put under you on the bed to stop stains. I wouldn't think you'd really need to take your own.


That's good to know! :thumbsup:

[BecD]

This is kinda related to the hospital bag topic - has anyone thought of taking Ural to reduce the acidity of your wee?? My SIL suggested it yesterday and I had heard of it before but never gave much thought to it. She said she started using it as soon as she was in labour and kept taking it until about a week after the birth.

Another thing to add to my list I guess! :D

[dormouse]

The hospital supplies Ural for me last time, but since I am going to a different hospital thime I might have to take some with me just in case they dont supply it. It is a definate must IMO.
Thanks for reminding me!

[*~alegna~*]

You're all terribly organised. I packed my bag with DS about 10 minutes before I walked out the door to drive myself to the hospy.

I WILL endevour to get my act together this time by 36wks, so over the next week or so.

ural sounds good!, must get some.:)

[TillieAndBug]

I didnt know you could take Ural if Bfeeding? I had really bad cystitis and the pharmacist wouldnt sell to me as I was bfeeding...also know cant take when PG as my doctor said that this time round...
I told my DH and a couple of PG friends about the receiving blanket idea & everyone thought it was wonderful...what kind of blanket do they normally use - sorry just cant remember anything about what happened after DD's birth except the time in the recovery room without her seemed like forever...

[fabulouscazza]

dunno about Ural in breastfeeding - i will have a look in my medication book at work tomorrow and let you all know.
I don't know of a hospital ward that doesn't stock it, so you shouldn't have a problem getting it supplied whilst in hospy. you would have to let the nurse know you want it, cause she would have to get it charted before he/she can give it to you. If you took your own in, you'd have to let them know too, 'cause you're not really supposed to give yourself your own medications in hospital without it being on the chart.
When you get home though, Ural is sooo cheap from the chemist, and very good. I always have a box at home, and as soon as i get the first hint of cystitis, have a sachet or two and it's gone!
Good stuff, highly recommended.
As i said, I'll let you all know if it's okay in breastfeeding..... :)

[fabulouscazza]

Taken from MIMS online (medication bible for nurses and doctors!

URAL:

"Use in pregnancy. Studies regarding the effect of citrates on pregnancy have not been done.
Use in lactation. Caution should be exercised when administered to a breastfeeding mother."

It has a very high amount of salt, so I'd probably leave it or be very careful, and consult with your GP/Obstetrician.

Hope that helps everyone. :)

[TillieAndBug]

Thanks FC - that is probably why my doc said no during pregnancy and the pharmacist wouldnt give me whilst BF...I have survived through BF and this pregnancy on Cranberry juice and those horse size cranberry supplements from Blackmores...as well as one course of antibiotics when it was really bad!

[TillieAndBug]

What kind of blanket are people using as their receiving blanket - have fallen in love with MM's idea - but cant remember what DD was wrapped in ie a thin cotton blanket or a full on bunny rug like blanket...

[Sparrowgal]

Hospital always seems to put them in bunny rugs when they wrap them and give you baby, after they wipe them down with a green drape.

[MC11]

My hospital bag contains (so far) a nightie, pads and lollies - somehow I think I might need a few more items :laughing:
Planning on coming home 4 hours after birth but realised I'd better pack for a longer stay in case things change...
Mahna Mahna you have a great list, I'll def be taking some ideas from there although I know the Birth Centre has a few of those things already.... how exciting - just had our baby shower so now have to decide which gorgeous new outfit to take for bubs to wear home:flowerz:...
Might be too hot for a bunny rug, will have to sleep with a muslin wrap as well I think...