[Katastrophy78]

Great ideas ladies.

I do think your list would change with subsequent births also. Like, with DD2 and DD3, I didn't plan on being in hospital long, so really I just packed a change of clothes, jamies and toiletries. For bub, I took a couple of wondersuits and that was it. My hospital provided everything else including a little baby pack, with shampoos and everything, but with DD3 I was out within 24 hours, so I bathed her when we got home

It is a very exciting time! (we are TTTC#4 and I'm loving reading all your lists - how special) Don't go over the odds, I wouldn't bother with 'aromatherapy' burners and candles and music.... I just find you 'zone out' and just focus on breathing and you don't even hear any other noises (IMO)

My top tips?

Paw Paw Ointment ( you can use it for lip balm and nipple cream, I didn't like lansinoh at all its all sticky and ick)
Your favourite jamies and socks (for after, well and socks for labour if you like)
Your own Pillow is nice for the stay (things with your own smell).
Lots of maternity pads
A belly band (or some sort of underwear that supports your belly post birth - I found I felt really 'winded' post birth with all my organs moving back to the gaping space in my belly and I was walking around holding my belly up to where it was)

I do like the idea of the siblings bags. Generally you might already have their own bags with toys and books and nappies anyway.

I hope I get to pack a hospital bag again soon :wink: Good luck ladies x

[theweehaggis]

SHOWER CAP!!

The one thing i wish i took.. went and had a shower whilst in labour.. no time to faff about drying your hair and was pretty cold and uncomfortable with wet hair!

ive recommended it to numerous friends and they all ended up using it..

[Lilymorris76]

A must have in your bag is the Cottons Maternity Pads. They were the most comfortable. They say that no chemicals have been used and good for sensitive skin (and for those of you who know what it's like, you're super sensitive).
I can't recommend them enough.

[manvish434]

Just wondering what type of bag other mums to be or mums used as their hospital bag? The list of things you should pack seems pretty long so i am not sure what type or size bag to put it all in? Some links to websites with some examples would be greatly appreciated!! Also any extras that people have thought of that are not on most of the standard lists?
bone pain
foot pain

This post has been edited by manvish434: 02/05/2013, 08:59 PM

[Justaduck]

I just took the one suitcase - by the time I packed nappies, pads, breast pads. Clothes for me, clothes for DD, clothes for DP, Wraps for DD. Toiletries, my pillow etc. Also room to bring home gifts people brought to hospital. I knew I would be in for at least 3 nights (c-sec) so needed more clothes than if I was in for 1 night.
Was easier taking the one suitcase and unpacking rather than one bag for me and one for her.

My biggest tip - even if having a Summer bub, make sure to get l/s onesies. The hospital can be quite cold and I had only packed short sleeved ones. Had to send DP out the next morning to buy more.
Biggest waste - Mittens. They were all huge and just fell off anyway. Same with some beanies - even the newborn ones fit DD when she was 6mths and not before.

If you are having a planned c-sec, or an epidural where they make you have a catheter in...I recommend a dress to wear until they take the catheter out.

This post has been edited by Justaduck: 02/05/2013, 09:27 PM

[*LiMa*]

Not a what to pack tip as such, but when I pack our bags, I will pack 2 days worth of clothes for myself and baby in my actual bag, but at home I will have 2 further plastic bags packed - one for day 3 one for day 4 which I will get DH to bring down IF I need them. Each time he drops a bag off he will take one home and wash the stuff and rebag it straight away in case I need a day 5/6/7 etc.

The other thing I'm taking thats not already listed is my wifi stick (country hospital, no internet available, this might not be needed in metro hospitals) and my iPad so that I can use Skype to introduce baby to all my interstate relatives.