Whats in your Hospital bag?

[nemosmum]

Whats in your hospital bag?

Are you packed and ready to go? OR

Like me are you still fumbling through a list that seems never ending and havent even started the actual packing? hehehe

Ok so i need some help this pregnancy brain mush is making is very difficult to remember everything i took to hospy last time.

Heres my list so far:

The Birth

*A longish t shirt to wear during labour
*music cd
*heat packs
*aromatherapy spray
*Evian facial spray
*Uno cards/checkers to pass the time??? ( i took them last time and didnt have much time to use them lol but i thought what the hell lets see what happens this birth)
*Some drinks and sandwiches for dh

Post Birth

*pads x4 packs
*breast pads x two boxes
*undies x 20 pairs
*sleep pantsx 3
*3/4 pantsx 2
*nursing tanksx 3
*t shirtsx 3
*bath sheet
*2 pairs of thongs(one for the shower)
*hair and makeup stuff
*going home outfit

Baby
*muslin wraps
*outfit to wear home
*singletsx6
*wipes and a small pack nappies for going home
*Chuck up cloths
*bfing pillow


Cant think of what else i will/may need

Would love it if others could add some ideas to this list ta so i can get started :thumbsup:

Thanks for all the help:)

[Little_Toad]

Thanks Sarah,

How long are you planning on staying in hospital?
I am hoping to leave soon after the brith if possible.

So far.. I have


NOTHING! I don't even have a bag!


I know I need to go get some pyjamas and some "sensible knickers".

I don know that I am wearing the t-shirt thast DP was wearing the first day we met during labour. he was going to chuck it out and I wanted to keep it.

[nemosmum]

LT- That is soooo romantic about the shirt! awwwww im almost crying.......hehehe damn these preg. hormones hahaha


I stayed 48 hrs last time, this time im hoping to stay a little less depending on the birth.

BUT trust me LT I used up alot of stuff as its quite um messy after you give birth so i found you go through clothes/undies etc very quickly:o :yes:
You just cant be too prepared for all the explosive bodily fluids (yours and bubs LOL):barf: :laughing:

Sorry that was probably TMI but we'll all be living through it very soon!!!

[Emma 80]

I haven't even started packing yet. I have to find a bag to use first lol.

[annsam]

Not a thing!

I have mat. pads arriving in shopping this afternoon but have to put together my CD and start thinking about what to put in the bag.

Panicked when I saw this thread - cant believe how close we are getting.

[M2B]

Sarah, that's a great list! I might have to pinch a few ideas from there. I have the essentials, but think I need to stock up on the undies as it is going to be messy!

I have all of bubs stuff packed in her nappy bag, nappies, clothes, wraps dummies etc... Just need to sort myself out!

[BlueGin]

Ummm, nothing yet for me :o
That is however what inspired me to get a move on with the nappy bag, as I'll be needing to take that in.

Still no nighty, went to Target this morning to look, but the basic cotton one was $40 :eek: so I might head off to BigW or something... I hate nighties so it's not something I'll wear again either ever, or till I am labouring again, he he. I also need to find some reasonably price fleecy PJs, as I seem to get pretty cold in hospital.

As for the clothes and perishables, are you just planning on packing them last minute?

[Little_Toad]

if you are bottle feeding do you have to take in your own bottles and formula?

[lg084]

Hi :wave:

I am not expecting, but sounds like your organised. I hardly packed anything in mine as I stayed for 3 nights & had to keeping running my mum home for things.

The bonds wondersuits are really good too, may be a bit hot though) make sure you pack heaps of them or short sleeve suits.

Good Luck :yes:

[library-laksa]

i haven't packed anything yet but i have started writing the list (i love lists :D i AM a cataloguer, after all!). thanks for all the ideas, big help to this first-timer...

[BlueGin]

Quick question regarding the little suits: do you always have a singlet underneath? Do they ride up if you do? Are sleeveless/legless suits important in hospital? (Just a few questions to keep the brains working :p ;))

[AquaDevil78]

I havent even got a bag or packed it either :o
Dandenong Hospital have told me if i have a natural birth and all goes well , i go home in 24hrs so in that scenario i only need a few things, they gave me a list. Basically need 4 jump suits, 4 bunny rugs, 2-3 nappies for going home(they provide nappies and towels while at hospital) 4 singlets and a hat. For me, something to wear in labor, 2 x packs of maternity pads, toiletries, button up pj/nightie. Maternity bras, nursing pads, and old undies. (i be buying cheapo new ones thp - prude.. hehe) basically thats all i need.

If however im booked in for a C/s i will have to triple the above i guess.. as i be there for 6 days. :eek:

[Merlion]

I know I'm not in this month but I'm due in 5 weeks and this is my list for my bag. Make sure you have a camera otherwise you would regret it.

Labour Room
• Heat Bag
• Birth Plan x3 (one copy with hubby, one with my doula and one in my bag)
• Music CD
• Snacks - for myself and hubbie
• camera
• List of people to call/txt when labour begins and when baby is born
• Massage oil and aromatherapy stuff
• Some comfy boardies for hubbie if I decide to hop in the shower and hubbie wants to help me
• Scrunchie
• Mobile Phone

My List for hospital stay
• 4-5x underwear
• 3x bra's (you might want to pack more)
• Rite Aid Pack of 40 breast pads (I bought these ones from BigW)
• 10 pack Libra Maternity Ultra Thin extra long Pads with Wings (I found these the best and they were so comfortable they felt like you had nothing on and they are super absorbant - I was hospital with Jess for 12 days and I landed up buying 5 packs at the end)
• brush
• toothbrush/toothpaste/shampoo/conditioner/deodrant/soap
• Panadol - the a/c used to affect my sinus badly
• p'js - button pj's easier to b/f and more comfortable
• Dressing Gown - I brought one last time around but landed up not using it
• slippers
• trackie pants
• jumper - it gets freezing in the hospital
• camera charger
• Mobile Phone charger - if you are with pre-paid make sure you buy more credit (I learnt my lesson last time around I forgot to buy more credit and hubbie had to buy more for me)
• phone book
• Hand Moistureiser (my hands get so dry and so do my feet)
• B/F Pillow
• 8x Terry Towellng Nappies for bubba
• Some all in one outfits for bubba in hospital to smell like home
• Plastic Bags for dirty clothes
• Boob tube tops to wear under button shirts just easier to feed


Baby Bag for going home
• 6x Cloth Nappies
• 2x spare change of clothes for bubba
• 1x dummy
• 2x muslin wraps – to go under my boob to lift it up when b/f
• 1x spare top for me
• 4x breast pads
• 3x maternity pads
• Baby Sling (Hug-a-bub sling)


Going home list
• Bra
• Underwear
• Comfy Pants
• T-shirt
• Sandals
• Scrunchies
• Baby Capsule
• Going Home outfit for bubba
• Cloth Nappy
• Baby Wrap

[nemosmum]

LT- yes my sis bottle fed from the get go and she neded to bring in her bottles and formula etc


The clothes im going to try and keep ready at all times lol am i being overly worried lol maybe but who cares!
The food hopefully dh can do while i clean up after my waters break hahahaaha
Dont laugh too hard i did that at the hospy last time my waters broke in the toilet and the middie came in to find me on my hands and knees mopping the stuff up with paper towel:laughing:

lg084- thanks hun for the positive birthing vibes:hugs: we all need em!

ally- thank you so much i knew i had forgotten the most important things lol the camera and video recorder!
Plus great advice about the boardies as i am planning on using the spa bath for sure:yes:
Great list btw!


I dont really care if i over pack as i hate getting stuck out and being so far from home! Yeah its only a 10min car trip BUT id rather be prepared.

Thanks girls for all your help...keep it coming!

[lukaelmo]

Ooo bugger, I haven't packed anything either... and I keep looking at these threads and everyone is so organised for the baby, all I have organised is a car seat!!!

I think I am in denial...

[PurpleHaze]

I haven't started packing yet but one thing I will be packing is the nice soft toilet paper, not using horrible scratchy hospital paper.

Right might have to start this today maybe lol

Jodi

[Elmopalooza]

Quick question regarding the little suits: do you always have a singlet underneath? Do they ride up if you do? Are sleeveless/legless suits important in hospital? (Just a few questions to keep the brains working :p ;))

I always put a singlet under them... I used to use the 000 singlets even if they were a bit big (just fold them up) OR bonds now have little singlet suits where they are the same material as the singlets but they fasten up underneath!

I haven't started packing yet but one thing I will be packing is the nice soft toilet paper, not using horrible scratchy hospital paper.


:laughing: Now THAT is something i need to remember to pack!!

[RTCsMum]

One more thing I've packed is Dove soap (the liquid kind) as the soap at the hospital is awful and dries your skin terribly esp since you are sitting in an air conditioned room all day. I also packed a note pad and pen so I could write down a list of who sent flowers, cards, pressies etc so I could send Thank you cards when I got out and got some time Ha Ha!!

[Bambaloo]

March babies - I haven't got many wondersuits yet but thinking it will be too hot during the day, especially if wrapped as well to wear them & will only use in the evening.

Have a fair few short sleeve summer suits for her to wear but in the hospital do you think she'll be colder? I think she'll mainly wear the hospital clothes in their anyway.

Haven't packed my bag yet but have so far bought 2 singlet nighties, 1 pair stretch shorts (have another couple at home), 1 pair long track pants, will prob buy more of these $10 maternity singlets from Big W, bought 2 x 5 pack of Kmart undies. Worried I'm not gonna have everything on time! Pity that my fave maternity tops are strapless and my other fave clothes I thought I'd live in at the hospital are about 3 dresses (not even maternity) which are strapless as well but can't wear them since need to wear maternity bras. :crying:

[MrsP]

Hi Ladies,

I'm due in Feb and just wanted to add that I'll be taking my own expressor with me.

I learnt from DS#1 & my time in hospital with him - I had troubles and had to PUT MY NAME ON A LIST!! (yes, you read correctly!) so I could use the hospital one! Hopefully this doesn't happen to you, but if you've got one, maybe a good idea to throw it in too.

I second the toilet paper thing - splurg & get yourself the softest you can find, you will definitely thank yourself for it!

[Little_Toad]

Do thhey supply nappies there in the hospital or do you have to take your own?

I've heard conflicting reports.

[Bambaloo]

Do thhey supply nappies there in the hospital or do you have to take your own?

I've heard conflicting reports.

Depends on which hospital you go to - the one I am going to used to supply everything but now they supply half pack of nappies & half pack of wipes & you bring the rest yourself. Just give them a call.

[defaipe]

LT definately give them a call.. i must do that too.. i know with my first two everything was supplied and all i needed was a going home outfit and nappy but not sure at this one.. thanx for the reminder!:thumbsup:

[defaipe]

great lists allycat & nemosmum!!
if you are bottle feeding do you have to take in your own bottles and formula?
not 100% on this LT but i think it'd be the best idea, that way you know which formula bub will be having from day 1. plus YOU get to pick it not just deal with what they give you.

carrieB just remember in hospital its a controlled temp so all in one suits are perfect! i know with M though i didnt take clothes with me(mum ended up bringing some in coz i wanted her in her cute outfits not hospital stuff hehe) but they pretty much supplied singlets and little tops and then you'd just wrap bub with as many thin blankets needed.

oh and i bought a 5 piece suitcase set from kmart yesterday.. $80! im taking 3 parts to the hospital.. big suitcase for me.. bag that sits over the bar(to wheel it along) for baby and it came with a makeup bag so taking that too.. just incase any of you are yet to get suitcases/bags hehe. oh and the rest of the set was like a sports bag thingy and a slightly smaller suitcase.. bargain!

that many pairs of knickers n/m?! wow i think i packed for 2 a day.. and only coz i was having showers morning & night.. always nice to put on new knickers hehe

r&t'smum great idea about the book & pen! i must put that in too!

[Two Little Buggalugs]

I am so excited for you mummies to be! :wave:

I had a long list and there isn't one thing I regretted taking, you can never be too prepared.

My tip is to take a pot of lip balm in your labour bag - I went through half a pot! I also vomited about 10 times so was glad I had packed mints...

Most of the maternity wards I have visited are kept at a really warm temp, so I agree with Shezi. Start light and add blankets. You'll be less stressed when handling your bub for the first time if you only have a simple all in one to deal with!

Also, I was so glad I'd picked up some eye/sleep shades. Helped me sleep during the day.

I packed mainly 000's and some 0000's, but we ended up sending my sister to buy more 0000. Unfortunately, you never know what the size will be!

Good luck with the births :)

[jaimie]

Hey march yummies!
Make sure you take your own towel as the hospital ones will probably be so scratchy.
And this is for both hospital and home, if you are breastfeeding you will be sooo thirsty so make sure you always have heaps of water on hand.
I will pack my bag next week i think....you just never know!!

[Two Little Buggalugs]

Forgot to say, did one of the mums say they were booked in for a caesar? My ob gave me a great tip after my emerg c/s. Attach one of the big maternity pads to the inside front of your undies so it protects your scar and feels a bit more comfy.

[nemosmum]

oh and i bought a 5 piece suitcase set from kmart yesterday.. $80! im taking 3 parts to the hospital.. big suitcase for me.. bag that sits over the bar(to wheel it along) for baby and it came with a makeup bag so taking that too.. just incase any of you are yet to get suitcases/bags hehe. oh and the rest of the set was like a sports bag thingy and a slightly smaller suitcase.. bargain!

that many pairs of knickers n/m?! wow i think i packed for 2 a day.. and only coz i was having showers morning & night.. always nice to put on new knickers hehe!

Im taking the same kind of luggage set too Shez and a bfing pillow as last time i got the worst neck strain when attempting bfing for the first time!

AND yes that many knickers lol I must have been a heavy bleeder (sorry TMI ) i was changing every few hours, cant stand feeling ucky!

Hey march yummies!
Make sure you take your own towel as the hospital ones will probably be so scratchy.!

Yep great tip i bought a huge bath sheet especially for this.....its HUGE!

[Emma 80]

Make sure you take your own towel as the hospital ones will probably be so scratchy.


Yes and here in brissy the towels aren't very big. Like an oversized teatowel. :thumbsdown:

Best I'd be doin' a bag now :yes:

[babypisces]

My bag packed so far, I intend to stay for 4 nights in a private hospital so stuff for baby is provided.

lip balm
maternity pads
nipple pads
nipple cream
bottle and formula just in case
snacks
pj's
clothes that I can breast feed in comfortably
outfit and nappy for baba when we leave
camera
video camera
massage tools
toiletries
bikini top
hubbys clothes and boardies
lots of knickers
mobile phone
breast pump - two types
hair ties
mum to be face spritz
mum to be cooling spray
a good face mask and hair mask for that shower after the birth.:thumbsup:
books
gatorade for energy
dressing gown
CD's of different music for different moods and stages of labour :thumbsup:


Thats me so far x x