Packing a bag ready for labour

[jb190281]

I keep reading in books, websites, etc, of all the things I should be packing to take with me to hospital for when I'm in labour. Sounds as though I'll need a suitcase!

Any tips from ladies out there of the absolutely vital things i should pack, and the things i can defo leave at home? Also, when did you pack yours?

[bednobs]

i know it's different but i took big knickers and nightshirts, plus shower gel and stuff. I didn't have to take anything for the baby though.

[bednobs]

get partner to take a camera, and credit on their mobile

[ummmm]

I packed when I went into labour.

I wouldn't worry too much...you can always get someone to bring you stuff in.

Lot's of sanitary towels though...

[karenmac60]

Disposable knickers - you know those paperish ones you get from Boots, and pads. I also needed regular clothes as I ended up being in for a week and didn't want to be in a nightie the whole time. Cds for listening to in the labour suite. And I'd take a wee carton of juice or something for after the birth - all they seemed to dish out was tea and I was desperate for a cold drink.

[4getmenot]

remember your phone charger

[ummmm]

They try and kick you out as soon as possible now. I gave birth at 11pm and was home for lunch time the next day.

[bednobs]

as regards to knickers, you can get cheap big knickers in tesco, that are cheap enough to chuck away if needed. they need to be big to take the jumbo pads you need, plus if you have a ceasarian, you don't want then interfering with the scar

[karenmac60]

My daughter was in the special care unit Ummm, I had actually been discharged, but they let me stay in the bedroom in the SCBU.

[jb190281]

The big knickers thing seems a definite then, thanks guys. I suppose the rest is just common sense, clean change of clothes, wash bag etc??

[ummmm]

My daughter was as well...only for 5 days.

[cazzz1975]

comfy bedclothes, underwear, toiletries, baby clothes, nappies, scratch mitts, bibs (it will save the babygrows from the sick ups)

[sherrardk]

I took my own pillows toon

[sherrardk]

Sorry - submitted to soon. You may have to take your own nappies and might need breast pads too.

[jb190281]

I'd thought of that sherrard, maybe my god send memory foam pillow!!

[tiggerblue10]

Definitely sanitary towels (large night-time ones) and disposable knickers. Also a set of babygrows. I got a pack of 3 new born ones from Mothercare and they came with mitts and hat. Night-shirt if you're staying in and maternity bra for breastfeeding (if you're breastfeeding that is).

[sherrardk]

When I had then twins I knew I was staying in for a few days so I took loads of stuff with me - food, drinks, sweets, books, word-searches, etc, etc. I had my own room and it was like I had made the bed in to a nest.

[jb190281]

Has anyone used one of those birthing balls? Any good?

[ummmm]

They take you mind off it a bit.....also suppose to be good for quickening labour.

[puma86]

I Think it depends on the hospital as to what they provide for you.

I used a birthing ball and thought it was great. I sat on it with my arms and head lent on the bed and rocked about and bounced. I arrived at the hosp at 2ish and gave birth at 6:17 - so if they are meant to speed up labour it worked for me :o)

Good luck

[redcrx]

tens machine- you can rent them if you want one.

lots of big knickers, sanitary bags (or just nappy bags) big maternity pads (comfier than sanitary towels)
warm socks
hand sanitiser
book
money for tv and phone
list of phone numbers of people you need to contact, just in case mobile wont work.