Hospital bags

was all packed by 33 weeks, I have my c-section booked at 39 weeks. I have been adding little bits each week when I’ve thought of things x

Depending what your hospital supplies for you & baby you likely don't need much, other than clothes for both of you. I would maybe see what your hospital supplies & see if you need anything extra... I packed a lot of stuff that never ended up getting used. My son was born at 36+3 In the 1% weight 0% height .. he was the size of a 32 weeker so he spent 14 days in the nicu.. clothes & his iwn blanket were really all we needed for him because the nicu supplied diapers and wipes and anything else we needed baby soap for baths.

•3 days worth of clothes for mom, dad and baby (depending on if NICU is needed you may need more or less for baby. I delivered at 31 weeks so we took fresh clothes every week for 5 weeks) •Pillows and blankets for mom and dad (I also had a wedge pillow! 100% recommended for after the c section! It made it so I could lay on my side afterward) •Comfortable shoes/slippers •Toiletries •Entertainment (I was stuck for a month in the hospital before I delivered so I'll list what we had!! •ps3+games •dice •cards •coloring books and colors •word searches and crosses • small crafts like painting ceramics, string art, painting picture frames I'm sure there's more that I'm not remembering but hopefully this helps!!

I got the always postpartum underwear. Oh my goodness!!!! I can’t express how crucial they were. I did not wear actual underwear for the first month after having the baby. Loose fitting pajamas. And a little makeup kit. Pack two baby outfits for pictures. Don’t bring anything else. I have done this twice and the first time my bag was ridiculously overpacked. The second time I tried not to overpack. I still did. Underwear, pajamas, 2 baby outfits for pictures. Everything else is provided by the hospital and you end up having too much stuff when you leave

@Molly my baby is also on low percentile and will most likely be delivered early too. I have a friend who’s baby was born prematurely and she had advised not to take too many clothes as baby is most likely be in the incubator with nappy only for a little while. Although everyone is trying to be very helpful, we need to bear in mind our babies are smaller than a baby born at the gestation they take them out at if that makes sense. I’ll share what I’ve included in mine by friend’s advice and midwife’s too. X3 premie vests up to 4lbs with Velcro X3 premie sleep suits up to 4lbs with Velcro X6 size 0 socks X2 premie cardigans up to 4lbs with Velcro X2 blankets X4 muslins X1 pack of water wipes (not sure I’ll use these) X1 cotton wool X1 size 0 pampers nappies X1 premie pampers nappies up to 4lbs (Asda give these out for free at the pharmacy) X1 nappy bags X3 premie size hats Teddy for pics X2 comforters with my smell to aid bonding with baby is in incubator

Also baby books to read to her as she will know my voice I’ve enquired into hiring a medela breast pump hospital grade to have next to her cot in NICU and also will buy one when I’m discharged to pump at home to take to her. If you’re not planning on breastfeeding I would take your formula (ready to feed) so baby can be feed. I’ve been told by my midwife baby will most likely be tube fed at first.

Oh I didn’t even realize that your baby was low percent. Mine was in the 3 percentile but I carried her til 38 weeks. She jumped to the 5 percentile by the end of her first month. She’s two now and toggles between the 15th and 25th percentile. She’s perfectly fine, happy, full of life and energy. She also eats constantly.

@Lativa do you mind sharing a pic of the Always postpartum underwear you got? I can only find the incontinence pads 😫

I liked the large because it went over my csection scar and didn’t add any pressure. It covered me from lower back to above my belly button lol

@Lativa thank you so much 🙏🏻

Defo order some smaller baby clothes I e premature and tiny baby size. If they are admitted to NICU you won't need them till they come home, but it's nice to have them ready. Our coming home outfit was like a tent on baby 🙈

Think about meals for the first few weeks too. If babys in NICU, you'll prob be at the hospital most of the day and meal prep is the last thing you want to worry bout.