Hospital Bag

I want my hospital bag ready by 30 weeks. In a similar position, thinking about Csection but not locked in. So far, I have one nightie, maternity pads and breast pads. Planning: Long charger Water bottle with straw Fan Slippers Dark pjs x2 (or three) Dark towel Underwear Eye mask Ear plugs, taking my loops. Or headphones. Comfy outfit for heading home

I’ve packed a lot of mine now, I’ve got GBS so got to stay at least 24 hours in hospital so probably packed more than what I need to! This is my list… Hospital bag ◦ 3x nursing bras ◦ 3x socks ◦ Crop top for water birth ◦ Glasses ◦ Phone charger ◦ Maternity notes ◦ Water bottle ◦ Lucozade ◦ Snacks ◦ Hair bands ◦ Hair brush ◦ Clothes for home ◦ Flannel ◦ Speaker ◦ Power bank ◦ Peri bottle ✓ Light weight dressing gown ✓ Contact lenses ✓ Hand fan ✓ Flip flops ✓ 2x nursing nightdresses ✓ Dark coloured towel ✓ Hand san ✓ Lip balm ✓ Toothbrush ✓ Moisturisers ✓ Shower gel ✓ Toothpaste ✓ Face wash ✓ Deodorant ✓ Shampoo & conditioner ✓ Breast pads ✓ Nipple cream ✓ Witch hazel wipes ✓ 10x maternity pads ✓ 10x disposable knickers ✓ Toiletry bag ✓ Bag ◦ 3x hats ◦ 5x sleep suits ◦ 5x body suits ◦ 5x muslins ◦ Dummy’s ◦ Baby blanket ◦ Swaddle ✓ Cellular blanket ✓ Happy cream ✓ 10x nappies ✓ Water wipes

I’m all packed, this will be my second c section baby. Pack as basic and as easy as possible. The last thing you want is to be struggling to get everything out post surgery. Nighties are a must for post c section; and a dress to go home in. Frida disposable underwear and big maternity pants- one from Asda are best! Baby bag, 4/5 outfits and then do a little carrier bag at home with emergency stuff so you’re not having to explain where everything is. Oh and a long charger and a fan and water bottle + mini squirt squash are a godsend! X

Best things I brought other than the essentials was my own blanket & pillow (Comfort is a must after all that work, & the hospitals sucked) My own bath towel (hospital’s were scratchy & tinnyyy) Bluetooth speaker to play relaxing music during labor. An eye mask!! (Delivered at 4am and it helped me sleep through the day) My own snacks + spring water (hadn’t eaten since lunch the previous day & the cafeteria didn’t open until 8am😭) Breastfeeding pillow Also, If you’re thinking of having a C-section because of a medical reason then I hope everything goes well!!! ❤️ if it’s because of the pain I will say, just like most hard things in life it’s truly mind over matter, you can change your perception of certain sensations by just shifting your mindset it’s actually very fascinating. I would look into hypnobirthing if natural is something your considering as well, it helped me a ton☺️

Pack your hospital bag for enough for two days. My advice is to make a box with everything for the first week, then if you need to stay longer than two days someone can get it for you easily.

@Louise I had GBS with my daughter back in 2023 and they’ve said that they’ll test me 2 weeks prior with this baby as apparently it can come and go! They’ve also offered to just give me antibiotics in labour just to be 100% sure baby is covered and then we won’t have to stay in the additional 24 hours❤️ Might be worth asking for a retest closer to babies due date x

Most the women have mentioned most of the list! BUT An essential would be your own tea bags/coffee, shelf milk cartons and your own mug too. Hospital hot drinks aren’t nice 😂 And also, take a rechargeable hand fan, absolute life saver for me during labour 🙌🏻 my boy was born July 5th last year 😊

@Holly hey thanks for this! I actually got retested a few weeks ago after a bleed and the GBS has done! But annoyingly I had an appointment with the consultant last week and she said they’ll still treat me as if I have it so still got to go in for antibiotics and they still want to keep me afterwards! So frustrating but as long as little lady gets here safe and well I don’t mind! 🥰x

Do it by 30 weeks! I didn’t and went into labour 35 weeks with no bag and it was a nightmare The NHS has guidelines and that pretty much is all the essentials! I would just note a few things to get which are not on the list 1) water bottle with a straw as it’s hard to unscrew a cap in between contractions 2) 3m phone cable as the plugs are far from the bed 3) postpartum belly wrap if not C-section delivery to support your abdominal You can also buy or create your own hospital bag at mybabynest.co.uk you’ve got this! 💪🏻