Labour Bag

[Jas]

Hi,

one thing that really shocked me was the knicker situation. In the beginning after I had Noah they kept checking because I was having a high volume of blood loss and I never got a single stain on any of my knickers. I had black, tan and white and I never had to throw any pairs out.

I used the kotex maternity pads and they were by far the best they are very thick and I hate pads never use them normally but the thickness was actually a really good thing really comfy. The midwife showed me a great tip which was to useedtwo pads at a time and overlap them and then you are covered front to back real comfy for afterwards and probably helped keep the knickers nice! lol

I took way to much in so my tip would be just take basics for after especially for your room because I had a small room and it would have been a lot better if I didn't have so much stuff in there.

I wasn't able to eat during labour because of the high chance of having to have a c-section so they wouldn't let me but I was definitely hungry! and about thirty minutes after Noah was born I ate and ate and ate. I had a 5pack of frozen poppers and I had all those they were fantastic. so if the hospital wont let you eat or you're worried you wont feel like eating they are great!! because they're frozen it kinda fels like your eating something.

[Nettie]

Oooh - I forgot to mention that there's a freezer in the 'kitchenette' by the labour ward I can use to put my ice blocks in! Yay!

And as I have 3 support people I can send any one of them out for supplies whenever I want them...

Finally got some baby clothes to pack as well, so I'm nearly all done (except I've got to put it all in the bag! Then I'll make up my 'last minute' list.

I've only got 3 weeks left til due date so I'd want to be finished with this by the end of this week - just in case!

[Astrid]

I used the kotex maternity pads and they were by far the best they are very thick and I hate pads never use them normally but the thickness was actually a really good thing really comfy. The midwife showed me a great tip which was to useedtwo pads at a time and overlap them and then you are covered front to back real comfy for afterwards and probably helped keep the knickers nice! lol

I found that using a kotex with a libra goodnights worked very well. The libra gave good coverage at the back, with the kotex place more towards the front.

[rustygirl]

Thanks for all the info girls!! My bags are packed and are in the boot of the car ready to go! I need to write down a last minute list though so we don't forget to pick things up like camera!! I would DIE if we forgot that!!!

Also never thought to use two pads at one time for extra comfort.....very smart!

[Astrid]

**Just bumping - have a Q**

For those of you who have BTDT, did you actually wear a dressing gown? I did take one last time, which I think I may have put on once, but the hospital was so hot I really did not need it.

This time around I have a nice big fluffy winter weight dressing gown and really don't want to take it due to heat issues and the amount of space it takes up in the bag. I have already had to buy new sleepwear, my old flannie pj's are totally shot and were too hot to really wear last time, so I have bought lighter stuff. So if I want a lighter dressing gown I will need to buy one, not an easy task at my size (about 20), normally I like to go 1 size up in sleep wear and most stores barely go above a 16, let alone to a 20 without looking like a grandma. Have looked online and am looking at a lot of money. I doubt I will be wandering around much, if I am capable of it or wanting to do so, then I will just check out and go home. Should I bother trying to find one? Did anyone find one useful?

[Janie]

I wanted to take my dressing gown, but figured it would take up too much space, so didn't pack it. Just as well, because the hospital was plenty warm enough, and I definitely didn't need it. I did however take a lightweight summer wrap JIC, which I didn't really use.

[luey]

I have bought a big cardigan - from cotton on body, but they are everywhere at the moment. It is wrap style and has a hood. It does up nicely above my bump. I figure I will wear it during the day over trackies/jeans and can put it on at night if needed. Plus will be useful at home after too, plus I will look all fashionable too. Which I am sure will be a concern after giving birth. HAHA

[hannahfroodoo]

Astrid - I agree with the others, I had a nice big chenille gown last time but I didn't take it. I don't think you really need one.

I got dressed during the day so if I needed to wander around I looked respectable (and felt better for it too) and only wore my PJs at night.