What do I really need to take to the hospital?

[Salad]

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.

Such an amazing experience - all the best.

[RhiChiChi]

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.

[Daffodil Mumma]

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

[joey123]

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


Baby Bag
Nappies
Wipes
Nappy rash cream
Wraps
8 wondersuits
8 singlets


Partner
Full fuel tank
Swimmers
Jumper

[Cupcake]

im not a parent (yet) but am just curious as i see a few of you have put swimmers for DP/DF/DH? Am curious as to why if anyone can help me out? hehe

[Taurean]

im not a parent (yet) but am just curious as i see a few of you have put swimmers for DP/DF/DH? Am curious as to why if anyone can help me out? hehe

So they can get in the bath/shower with you without having to lose their dignity as well!

[Muffy]

Sounds like you have things under control!
just remember PLENTY of pads (both types breast and maternity)

[Cherie]

aamy4, swimmers are so that DH/DP can get into the birth pool or shower with you. I think most hospital staff would prefer that the partner remains clothed, even if the woman in labour strips off

[DoubleK]

when i had DD i just took one bag for my whole stay, rather than labour bag, and then hospital stay bag. this time, ill definitely have two bags!!

Labour bag-
change of clothes/pj's for me for after birth, undies and pads
2 outfits for new DD
camera/video camera (i had my dad on standby with the camera to film as soon as DD was born, not the actual birth itself. i cherish that dvd more than anything now, as i was a little groggy directly after birth, and it is amazing to see the look on your own face when you watch it back!)
snacks/water bottle (i had mum make me up a few sandwhiches on fresh fresh bread for once i had showered and been transferred to my room)

for my stay- (im going to a birth centre, so will more than likely be out within 24 hours if everythign goes smoothly)
- comfy clothes (spare trackpants, as i had to get DP to bring in HIS trakkies because i had bled/leaked over my own 3 pairs within the first day!)
- comfy underwear
- toiletries (you need to make yourself feel comfortable, for me that meant my concealer and mascara!)
-note pad/pen/diary/baby book
-snacks (again i had mum bring in some yummy sandwhiches for me, as well as some biscuits and fruit.) im not too keen on hospital food!!

i think thats all!

[Cupcake]

Thanks for that ladies!! hehe