when should you start getting your hospital bag ready?

[SamiH]

#1 - around 32 weeks - and then kept taking stuff out and putting it back - silly - like hair dryer etc

#2 - had bought the pads etc but packed nothing - then I got bad gastro at 35 weeks and they said if I threw up once more I would have to come in for saline etc so I ran around and packed a bag just in case arrived early cos I was so sick

#3 - again bought the pads and stuff around 30 wks - had a bag on the bedroom floor and kept a list on top of stuff that I needed to pack if in a hurry etc or last minute - like hair dryer!!! Lucky, cos my waters broke 10 days from EDD and my mind went to custard

My advice, put the bag out now, put in the necessities that you can and make a list of the last minute stuff - rescue remedy, lip balm, hair ties, clothes that you still wear to pack etc

I packed mine fully, and this time came home again in less than 24 hours anyway

Good luck

[satya]

I think I started to pack mine around 30 weeks as I was paranoid I'd go early. I didn't.

Brunette - I wore PJ's & nighties for the first 3 days then trackie pants & maternity tops for the other 2 days. I suggest you pack enough for 5 days in case you get a sick bub (like I did). Yes I know that your partner can get stuff for you but it's not always easy trying to explain exactly what you want nor where it might be found (for instance the purple mat top you love could be in the laundry basket, hanging on the line, or in your wardrobe).

I didn't use any breast pads at hospital or at home. I never got enough milk to need them.

Maternity pads - 3 packs. Hospitals sometimes do provide them but I saw what my hossy provided & there's noway I'd wear them. Aldi overnight ones give the best coverage - never had any leakage with them, but I did with the maternity ones that were a popular brand (can't remember which one).


One last thing I just remembered. A strong pain killer of some sort. If like me you get discharged to a bonding room you don't get given any drugs anymore. If you've had stitches you could have quite a bit of pain and you will appreciate what you've bought with you.

[Novella]

This time I had most things packed by 30 weeks. As sataya said getting your partner to bring things in may not be a good idea. After DD I asked my partner to bring in my maternity jeans to wear home, he brought his jeans to the hospital instead of mine .
Sataya I would have been annoyed at them sending you to a bonding room with no pain relief. They could have given you discharge medication even if they can't administer it.

[Brunette01]

Thanks a million for all the tips! I'll make a start on it this week, can also ask at the ante natal clinic on thursday to see what the hospital provide and what else I'll need to buy. Thanks again

[Brunette01]

What pain killers are allowed when breast feeding?

[Netix]

I need to pack my bag, and I can't work out how many weeks I am!

Brunette, I had panadeine forte while I was bf, given to me by the hosp.

[Brunette01]

If you're due on the 6th jan then you're three days behind me, so 31 weeks something, I think it will say in my ticker but can't see it till I post! Correction - 4 days behind me! I can;'t believe I forgot when I was due! Thats defo not happened till now!!

What baby clothes is everyone taking with them? I really wish I didn't have to pack this!

[Deltadawn]

I packed my bags at 28 weeks and everyone in my Belly Buddies group laughed at me (because I already had the reputation of being super-organised). The thing is, I went into pre-term labour at 31 weeks and was ever so grateful that I packed that early. It saved DH coming home and guessing what I needed.

[CathieW]

Hi
I packed my bags at 30 weeks as I was having twins. Don't forget to take a pillow with you the hospital pillows are awful.

Cathie