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?

[jb190281]

The big maternity pads is my latest thing - how many will i need? I've read about women going through 20 a day for 5/6 weeks?! Really?!

It's so obvious this is my first...

[redcrx]

First week or so you will need a lot, they arent too expensive, just buy tesco own or something.

On that first day its very very heavy, something that you cant prepare yourself for at all. I soaked through everything i was wearing within seconds. After a few days its just like a heavy period and will gradually ease up over the weeks. The other thing is that if you over do things it can get very heavy again

[ummmm]

Like Red says...first few days are bad. I soaked through the whole bed...!! Mine did ease up quite quickly though. I had about a week of heavy period bleeding...and then about 5 weeks normal period...obviously getting lighter until the end.

[redcrx]

lol @pinki, that was a great first bag

i would also recommend a bag at home that can be brought in if needed of lots of clothes for mum.

I went in to be induced on the wednesday. I just took my normal labour bags. After 3 days i had to phone my friend to go shopping for clothes for me as i had run out of everything and still hadnt even gone into labour

[ummmm]

Bloody hell Red....that must have drove you nuts..!!

[daffy654]

This may sound silly but make sure you take some warm socks in with you as well, my feet got really cold during labour and I didn't have any socks with me. I bought my daughter a pair to take with her and the midwife said she wished more people thought of it as it is a common problem.

[jb190281]

I'm loving the bottle of champers in your first bag pink!

I think an extra visit to Boots is called for - I hadn't given things much thought until last few days, eek!!

[redcrx]

oh yes, ummm i was going stir crazy. lazy little baby just wouldnt get moving til 42+3.
and all those internals and pessaries etc and no sleep were sending me mad.

Wish i had known then that i didnt HAVE to go in at 42 weeks and couldve refused.