Hospital Bag

There are some good lists on Pinterest too! But the NHS will probably be absolutely fine. x

Honestly all you need is snacks, juice, comfy jammies and toiletries for you. A long phone charger, earphones, things to watch, maternity pads, underwear and for baby - baby grows, nappies, bibs, muslin cloths, wipes, a few ready made bottles incase you have issues breastfeeding/choosing not to. Pack some spare baby grows in your bag for baby and take a spare bag with some extra toiletries and things and leave in car as worse case scenario for you & baby if you’ve ran out of anything If you have visitors in they can always bring in bits and pieces for you that you may have forgotten. You’ll be surprised at just how little you actually will use compared to what a lot of people take in with them

20 weeks seems a little over the top! I’d say around 30-35 weeks is ideal but really anytime! Usually washing bay clothes around that time too. We moved house at 35 weeks so didn’t end up packing mine till around 40ish weeks (though had bought the stuff). Went to 42+1. This time I’ll probably do it at Christmas time as have some time off then. I think at this stage just having a list and adding anything you need to buy etc. is a good idea. That way if anything did happen early, someone can use the list and just chuck it in a bag. Also very rarely is labour an emergency/get to hospital and you have time at home so definitely no need to panic but totally get it because there seems to be a lot of stress on the bag and emphasis on creating the ‘perfect’ bag for hospital. I definitely overthought it! In reality you won’t use much and a lot of it is to cover the unexpected or in case of. Will send a list below… there is also usually a Boots/chemist next to hospitals.

Baby -Hat -Newborn & 0-3 month sized vests & sleeping onesies -Socks/mittens or inbuilt ones -Blanket/Muslin Swaddles -Naples in 2 sizes -Water wipes -Cotton wool -Coming home outfit (warm layers for winter) -Premade formula bottle (hospitals also have this but can’t be brand specific or boots will have some) Mum -Something to wear for Labour or use hospital gown e.g water birth you’d have a shelf bra top -PJ’s that open easily for BF -BF bras -BF pads -Perineal spray & bottle spray (had a emcs so never used this) -Toiletries - anything nice that’ll make you feel human/pampered -Water bottle/snacks -Pillow (hospital ones are crap) -Pads -Big undies/disposable ones -Comfy clothes - loose pants -Flip flops/slippers Optional -Fan -Straw for drinking water -Anything using for labour - birth comb, tens machine, aromatherapy -Eye mask / ear plugs -Dummy (not usually advised to use until later but up to you) -Bottles

Hospital notes & birth preferences And the best tip was using any kind of bag organisers and labelling so easy for anyone to find bits. Have a second bag at home with extra supplies if your stay ends up extended… extra baby grows etc. There’s honestly so much you can pack but some hospital stays are a day so a lot may not be used and a lot comes down to personal preference - people will say you need lip balm/hand cream etc. I had no time to use this. So many lists online which can make it overwhelming but just curate one that works for you. And you have sooooooo much time to do this.

That seems early but just do it for yourself if you feel you will be more relaxed after. Try not to get stressed, things can always be brought if needed or forgotten and hospitals tend to have toothbrushes, paste, gowns etc. Its mainly about you and your babys needs and comfort… a change of clothes, for you and baby (and you fella may want to bring his own) Underwear/pads/nappies wipes and tissues for you and baby Toothbrush and paste a car seat snacks & electrolyte/lemon drinks sleepwear for you and baby. (Again you fella may want his versions in his own bag) and any comfort you may want that feels like home… battery operated warm lamps/lights, blankets, Spotify playlist, oils, fave tea/flask, hot water bottle, fluffy robe n slippers pics, affirmations, phonecharger etc etc.

i didn’t pack my hospital bag until 39+5 in my last pregnancy, luckily didn’t give birth until 41+3! i used a medium sized suitscase and this is what i packed, i had her at 14:17 and left the hospital at 21:30 x

20 weeks?! I’m 22 weeks today and we’ve not bought a thing yet so would have nothing to pack! My midwife said to pack after Christmas/new year and i’m due feb 3rd. So 4-5 weeks prior. Not sure if my midwife is too relaxed or yours is too organised 🤣😅

@Liv (previously Peanut) I know! Every time I speak to her she asks me how the packing going 😞 don’t know if it’s because I’m high risk, but it’s just scary to making me panic that he’s going to come to soon and they aren’t telling me something!

20 weeks seems quite early! I’ll be doing it at like 34 weeks 🤷🏻‍♀️

They aren’t allowed to not tell you anything of concern so please don’t worry about that. I was under a prem team and told my girl was likely to come early and as I said above came 42+1 and I packed quite late. I would just tell her you are sorting it and have a list or even just say yep to squash it. It’s really not something midwives need to concern themselves with. A gentle suggestion sure but it’s not an important aspect of care. Please don’t panic. If something unexpected/ealry happens, the last thing you’ll be worried about is the hospital bag. A partner or family member can always help to sort this. Gosh most people haven’t even started to buy anything at 20 weeks. Please stay calm and don’t let her comments worry you.

Ah perhaps because of high risk but seems a little unfair to panic you if they’re not due yet. I would maybe ask what they expect them to come realistically as you’re a bit worried now being told to pack a bag already. I’m sure all will be fine x

I barely used anything I packed just take some loose comfy clothes and a nursing bra if you are planning on breastfeeding

You only really need a bag packed for yourself this early on. Why not do your own bag and then do baby's a bit later? Breaks it down into manageable steps. You won't need much for yourself really, just imagine what you'd take for a few days in a hotel, but instead of outfits you'll be packing nighties, pyjamas and dressing gowns. I'd recommend flip flops for the shared shower, nice smellies so your first shower is a treat and a comfy going home outfit (mine is a stretchy maxi skirt, vest and cardi).

Try not to feel overwhelmed, they just want you to be ready. I remember the doctor telling me off massively at 24 weeks for not carrying my maternity notes around on a daily basis when travelling to London for work! They just want you to be in safest position to have everything in case baby does come early. One thing I would say though is you do not need to pack the world! The nhs website will be good guidance for what you need and if for any reason you have to stay in longer than you thought you can hopefully have someone pop home for you to top up anything you need