I wish I'd taken more clothes for myself & less for bub. I ended up staying 5 nights & didn't have enough clothes to get me through so my partner had to fetch things for me and it was not easy describing what I wanted & where he might find it. Perhaps you could have a second bag of clothes packed at home so he can easily grab it if your stay is longer than expected. You need light clothes as you will be quite warm. Dark pants are better than light cos you might leak. I did and was in light grey PJ's at the time and hoped no one noticed.
Snacks & lollies for sure.
Something to read. You may not use it but if your bub ends up in special care you will want something to distract yourself with instead of lying there on your own worrying at night.
I had lots in my labour bag but all I used was the lip balm - nothing else. I laboured in my clothes & then in hospital gowns - prior to giving birth I thought there was no way known I'd wear them. Oh and of course the camer.
The coins that were in the labour bag to use in the vending machine for my partner did not get used during labour but I used them for TV rental as you had to pay cash for that.
Soap - gorgeous, luxiourious bodywash (or soap!) and sponge for the shower after the birth. I still can remember the joy of birth when I smell that bodywash, it brings back all the good memories for me.
The best thing I packed and I swear by it but obviously only if you are breastfeeding is Lanisoh for your nipples - dont wait until they are cracked (even though I did) but put it on after every feed, its ok to leave on and you dont have to wipe off when you feed bubs next time. I found this stuff was so soothing and helped my nipples heal quickly.
I agree that it is better to overpack, the thing that you think you will just leave out will no doubt be the one thing you wish you had, and you never know how long you will be in the hospital for.
Not sure if RWH will have this or not, but a sign for your door 'DO NOT DISTURB' The hospital I went to had one & it was the best thing I ever did. I put it on the door when I decided to go to sleep at night, so it was on there right through til lunchtime. Nobody coming in cleaning the toliet/changing towels/emptying the bin at 7am in the morning. I left the table near the door, so they could just drop my tray of food off & leave me to sleep. They come back later in the day to clean my room, when I wasn't so tired.
Love the Do Not Disturb sign.....wish I hadve taken one with me!!! Lanisoh is another thing I wish I had thought of too!
The only things I sent DH home to get for me was my own pillows....soooo good!! And some snappi nappy fasteners....I was not confident in using the safety pins at all.
I found the Kotex maternity pads the best, and I had bought undies in the next size up from normal to fit them in, much more comfy!
Definately secong the suggestions of comfy loose clothes and slip on shoes
Good luck with your birth I hope it all goes well for you and bubs
Thanks so much girls. I have made up this list so all of your suggestions are in one place and perhaps others can use it to:
Labour Bag
Birthing Nightie
Massage oil
Birth Plan
Pregnancy Record
Lip Balm
Book / something to do
Warm socks / slippers
Video Camera
Still Camera
Snacks & Drinks
Water bottle
Tissues
Hair brush
Head band / hair ties
Coins for vending machine & payphone
Mobile phone & charger
Pen & paper
Hot pack
Ipod
Pillow
Hospital Bag
PJ?s
Bras
Undies
Breast pads
Dressing gown
Slippers / socks
Pads
Books / magazines
Eye mask
Shampoo & Conditioner
Soap / Body Wash
Face washer
Moisturiser
Hair brush
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hair ties
Tissues
Dental Floss
5 pants
Jumper
Deodorant
Thongs
Soft toilet paper
Wet wipes
Breastfeeding singlets
Ural
Plastic bags
Lansinoh
Do not disturb sign
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