Labour Bag

[Picky]

Hi All

I am nearly 37 weeks pregnant , so I feel like this might be the right time to think about packing my bags as we have decided on a hospital birth as this is our 1st. I have read through the magazines etc and they give you lists of things that they advise you take to the hospital, but I would really appreciate some real life advice on what to take and what not to - I don't want to end up with loads of stuff I don't need and missing loads I do!

Thanks, Picky x

[redcrx]

well I had my bag packed from 37 weeks and by 42 weeks I was taken in to be induced so off i went with my bag.
I was in hospital for 3 days before baby arrived and in that time I had to send out for more underwear and clothes. It may be best to have an extra suitcase for yourself tucked in car, just in case.
Also if you go in for induction, books and magazines come in handy and plenty of money for phone and TV as the days do drag if you are waiting.
I took some snacks for energy and had some lucozade too.
If you are taking a tens machine, make sure you have spare batteries too.
Disposable pants are very uncomfortable Id suggest getting a big pack of cheap underwear instead and lots of pads, Maternity ones feel like bricks but are the best for first few days after birth.
I have since been told that arnica tablets help with bruising so perhaps think of packing some for after the birth.
As for baby, take babygros, vests and hats and a nice going home outfit plus the usual nappies and bottle / milk if you are not breastfeeding.
cant think of anything else as yet but will pop back if i do.
best wishes for the birth.

[bex401]

Expecting my second on the 1st April,a few things I will be including are:-
1 - Dextrose tablets,to give you extra energy in labour.
2 - Cheap cotton pants ( the disposable ones are awful)
3 - Lavender Oil (a few drops on a tissue will calm & relax you)
4 - Some shaped,thin sanitary towels(the hosptal ones are thick & uncomfortable)
5 - Some cheap breast pads(advisable if you're breast-feeding or not,& vaseline if you are!!)
6 - Some chocolate treats (Yum-yum)
Good Luck!!


sanitary towels(the hospital ones are thick & uncomfortable)

[bex401]

Sorry was supposed to delete last bit!DOH!!

[spudqueen]

A snack in case you give birth just before a meal time - by the time you get on the ward you could have hours to wait for food! Maybe a couple of snack bars and have some fruit handy to put in the bag.

[Picky]

Thanks everyone! I have sent my poor husband to Asda today to get me some cheap knickers (bless him) and I will def add all those bits to my bag. I'll let you know how I get on!!

Picky x

[Picky]

p.s I should say I am only sending him as he has the only car and 3 miles is a bit of a walk (waddle) at this stage!

Thanks again!!

P x

[poopy]

Hiya, your not allowed baby wipes, creams, lotions & potions etc. All you can take in for the baby is clothes, nappies & cotton wool wipes (the best ones are the type you take your make up off with). So I would pack the bag more for youself than the baby. You'll need 3-4 vests & baby grows & an outfit or 2 for coming home in!. I virtually took his full wardrobe in and didnt need most of it. OHHH them were the days.
I thoroughly enjoyed having my baby! So good luck and enjoy.
Poopy
xxxx