Pregnancy bags

Sligo1

Hi,

I've lost my hospital list!!! So I know we need 3 bags (as per Holles St anyway)... Does anyone has a link or a quick run down of what to put into the bags? Can barely remember last time.

I know to put babygros, nappies, vests, hat, wipes or cotton wool into baby's bag... But am at a loss of what to put in mine...

Nightdresses, mat bras, pads, breast pads, toiletries, disposable undies, ... Anything else?

Moonbeam

2 bags is plenty.

You need a couple of nighties/jamies.
Breast pads
Maternity pads,
Shampoo/conditioner/shower gel,
Some towels,
a good book,
flip flops (for the showers,they are shared with alot of people)
clothes to wear home (yes I forgot these!)
Anti bacterial wipes

For baba
vests,
Babygros,
Nappies,
Wipes,
Muslin squares
bibs

For your labour bag
an outfit and nappy for the baby,
Tens machine
change of clothes for you

Sligo1

Thanks a mill... I probably should've packed them ages ago. Was out at dinner last night and my friend kinda looking at me wide eyed that I hadn't packed already at 37 weeks when i went a week early last time. Lol. So I said if better get it done today. Lol.

nikpmup

lol... I had mine packed and ready from about 32 weeks..... at 36 weeks I haad to pull it asunder to get some pjs out as I was admitted to hospital for a kidney infection, and the day after I was released I had to ring my sister in a panic to buy me more pj's and bits & pieces cos my waters had broken! I have a list somewhere...I'll dig it out.

Sligo1

Lol. I'm just so last minute! When my waters went last time (contractions 3-4 min apart) I was grabbing at the bags trying to add stuff to them that I hadn't put in! Haha

January

I packed each of my bags the day I went to hospital on all three girls. Thank god for waters breaking but no contractions for a while.

I'm bringing:

Labour bag:
2 night dresses
Underwear (4 pairs, just in case!)
A few maternity pads
Towel
Wash bag
First outfit for baby (packed in a sandwich bag, that tip was from Neyite, so vest, babygro, hat, mittens, nappy and vaseline to put on to stop first poo sticking)
PJ's to change into after baby is born.

Ward bag:
4 x PJ's (again just in case)
2 towels for me(my partner can bring more if I need them)
Baby towel, in case I want to bath him in there but I didn't on the last two.
8 pairs of underwear
Packet of nappies
Baby wipes
Pack of maternity pads
6 outfits for baby (in the sandwich bags)
Anti bac wipes/hand sanitiser

My partner can bring in mine and babies going home outfit, I'll leave them laid out for him along with extra stuff just in case I'm kept in longer than expected.

lazygal

Nightdresses are much comfier than pjs. I left clothes for going home at home and himself brought them in the morning I left so they didn't smell of hospital.

jakeypooh

Why the sandwich bags?

jakeypooh

Why the sandwich bags?

Chattastrophe!

One thing I found handy - I brought a few disposable shower caps (you can get them in Boots.) Because I had an episiotomy, I was told to have three showers a day while in hospital - and you're not going to go washing your hair every time!

And make sure to bring clothes for going home in, or at least leave them laid out at home. My boyfriend "couldn't find" any of my clothes, so brought me in his own tracksuit bottoms and tshirts instead. Lovely.

Sligo1

Chattastrophe! wrote: »

One thing I found handy - I brought a few disposable shower caps (you can get them in Boots.) Because I had an episiotomy, I was told to have three showers a day while in hospital - and you're not going to go washing your hair every /

I always take the plastic shower caps from the hotels when we stay so was very pleased to find a couple of them in boxes when doing my bag up today .

Roesy

jakeypooh wrote: »

Why the sandwich bags?

The sandwich bag is just a handy way for keeping a babygro, nappy, vest, Vaseline, mittens, hat together in your labour bag so your OH isn't rooting around trying to find stuff when the baby arrives. I saw that tip here and found it very handy.

If it looks like you are going to go very far over it might be handy to pack some sort of unscented baby moisturiser. Another boardsie gave me that tip when I was induced at 10 days over. My little chicken was over cooked that her little feet and hands were very dry and peeling.

Suucee

Chattastrophe! wrote: »

One thing I found handy - I brought a few disposable shower caps (you can get them in Boots.) Because I had an episiotomy, I was told to have three showers a day while in hospital - and you're not going to go washing your hair every time!

And make sure to bring clothes for going home in, or at least leave them laid out at home. My boyfriend "couldn't find" any of my clothes, so brought me in his own tracksuit bottoms and tshirts instead. Lovely.

Oh thats a good idea re the shower caps. Something to add.
Oh brought my clothes in no prob but my shoes wouldnt fit. Had no swelling when pregnant but the size of my feet aftr. Had to come home in flip flops. . None of my shoes would fit for days and it was april and cold so couldnt wear flip flops out. So got a pair of runners in pennys 2 sizes too big. Hopefully i still have them. Might have them ready incase theyre needed.

effibear

This might be a silly question, first time mum here. But what should I bring to wear for the delivery ward?

Chattastrophe!

effibear wrote: »

This might be a silly question, first time mum here. But what should I bring to wear for the delivery ward?

I got a nightshirt from Penneys, maybe mid-thigh length, so easy to pull up when the time came. And it buttoned all the way down the front, so was handy for trying to breastfeed.

I wouldn't spend much money on whatever you get ... mine went straight into the bin after labour!

Heatons had similar ones, too.

Hello Lady!

Just a few things from someone who recently had the pleasure!

Your labour ward bag doesn't need much - nightie, undies, towel, flipflops, shower toiletries (you might want to have a shower/bath during labour), sandwich bag with babies clothes (because if you end up having a section you won't bring the bag with you so it's handy to have everything in one bag to hand to your midwife). Couple of nappies for baby and pads for you. Hairbrush, lip balm.

Then a second bag for on the ward. In addition to things already mentioned, here are a few more things I found useful.

Re maternity pads - make sure they are the green backed thick ones. A few of the ladies on my ward just had normal ones which weren't up to the job! And make sure your knickers are fine big ones for your own comfort!

Most toilet paper - A MUST!

A few hangers. I was in hospital for almost a month and moved room a few times and not one of the wardrobes had hangers!

A pen and notebook - very handy for keeping track of things midwives tell you, writing lists for hubby etc

A nightlight or torch on your phone - great for night feeds.

Download a feeding app for your phone to keep track in those first few days of how much and how often baby feeds, pees and poops!

A roll of those small bin liners for poop stained or blood stained clothes and underwear (nappy bags aren't big enough).

Don't bring loads of baby clothes - about half a dozen is loads. If you need more send the dirty ones home and get new ones brought in. Same for your own jammies - a nightie for labour and another for on the ward and then pyjamas for after that.

A small changing mat for changing baby on the bed otherwise you are liable to sleep in a shopy bed! I got one in Tesco for under €6 that folds small and does the job perfect.

A nice blanket to wrap baby in because the blue blankets in the hospital aren't the best for taking photos. I didn't think of this before and all our photos of our girls are in scratchy blue blankets

A pillow - another must. If you have a body pillow bring it as it can be used as a nursing pillow.

Hopefully you wil have a natural and complication free birth and won't need to make too much use of all this stuff, but plan for the possibility of being in for 5 days just in case.

I would recommend you use the space in your case for these things and leave going home clothes, extra clothes etc for someone to bring into you.

effibear

Chattastrophe! wrote: »

I got a nightshirt from Penneys, maybe mid-thigh length, so easy to pull up when the time came. And it buttoned all the way down the front, so was handy for trying to breastfeed.

I wouldn't spend much money on whatever you get ... mine went straight into the bin after labour!

Heatons had similar ones, too.

Great thanks I'll keep an eye out for something similar!

nikpmup

I got those nightshirts from penneys too.... in the hospital every second woman I saw going to the shower post-birth was wearing the same thing

Hello Lady!

Please dear Lord, out of consideration for your ward mates, please ensure your nightie is fairly long! I was sick to death of seeing women in hospital with arse skimmers and being able to see their unmentionables!

January

Do the night shirts from Penneys button all the way down or half way down?

cyning

I would also add for your labour bag mags/book something to do! I was induced it took 3 days no tv and bored out of my brains!

I had my nightdress taken off and hospital gown put on once I got epidural... And yes make sure nightdresses are long enough! I wore leggings or pj bottoms under mine a lot of the time: I wasn't walking the hospital with my legs bared for everyone to see and I kept clothes with me because I was out walking the grounds too...

I have two small bags packed with pjs/spare outfits/nappies/pads etc so when hubby is coming in each day he can bring one in when coming and bring it out full of stuff after.

Oh and dark pyjamas: not fleecy ones either unless you want to roast! Vest tops are really handy for popping boob out if your trying to breastfeed and just throw another top over it for visitors...

nikpmup

January wrote: »

Do the night shirts from Penneys button all the way down or half way down?

Half way, down to the belly button! HL, I got mine in a size 18 so that it was good and long, it came down to just over my knees.

Found my list!

For me:
Slippers
Dressing gown
4 pairs pjs
Socks
2 breastfeeding vest tops
2 breastfeeding bras
Towel & head turban towel
Nipple shields (sterilised and sealed in their little cases)
Toiletries:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Shower gel & shower puff
Toothbrush & paste
Mouthwash
Alcohol hand gel
Vaseline
Tea tree oil
Senekot
Vaseline
Razor
Earplugs
Face wipes
Deodorant
Hairbrush
Shower cap

Phone charger.
2 packs maternity pads
10 pairs big granny pants
1 box breast pads

For baby:
8 sleepsuits
8 vests
2 hats
4 pairs mitts
3 bibs
24 nappies
Nappy bags
Cotton wool pleat
2 hooded baby towels
Vitamin D3 drops
Milton wipes (for wiping down the cot etc)

Labour Bag:

2 nighties (one to give birth in, one to change into should I need to after the birth or during labour if I get messy!!)
Disposable pants
Maternity pads
Small toiletries bag with shower gel, deodorant etc
Facecloth
Towel
Slippers
Warm socks

Baby outfit (nappy, vest, sleepsuit, hat, mitts, cardigan)

Gee_G

I have said this on here a few times before but the most valuable thing I had in my bag was a hot water bottle!!:) i had my oh walking behind me holding it on my back when the labour pains kicked in and it was also nice for the few days afterwards for whatever pains you may have!!

nikpmup

Gee_G wrote: »

I have said this on here a few times before but the most valuable thing I had in my bag was a hot water bottle!!:) i had my oh walking behind me holding it on my back when the labour pains kicked in and it was also nice for the few days afterwards for whatever pains you may have!!

I was in hospital with a kidney infection a few days before I had the baby, and I had one of those microwave heat packs - they actually had a microwave on the ward specifically for heating them. In labour, the midwife produced a heat patch, it did help.

pwurple

Wow nikpmup, that's a lot of stuff. There is feck all storage space from what I remember in CUMH so I'll be packing as light as I can. I have a bag packed for one-two night stay, and then an extra one at home to bring in for longer stay if needed.

kandr10

I had my bags planned quite well. Anything I thought I needed I didn't and vice versa. Things I've learned:
I brought 9 baby grows and vests and most came home brand new even after 4days stay (with baby- 5 days for me). Next time I'll bring less and oh can bring more if needed.
It's unbelievably hot in the rotunda anyway and there is no way I'll be bringing a dressing gown / pj top with long sleeves anywhere near the place.
Nighties are comfy and pack down small but as said, pj bottoms are necessary underneath.
Breast pads aren't needed til your milk comes in and you're likely to be home before that. Take a few from pack just in case but not whole box. (I find the washable ones good and less wasteful).
Nice toiletries in minis make you feel good :-)
A mineral water spray was a godsend for me during labour and to cool down on the ward.
I've stayed on 2 other wards in the rotunda besides post natal and it's crazy but you get less space on postnatal than any other. Factor in a cot and there's barely room to move. It was really difficult to root through cases for stuff so for me, less is more and anything I've missed oh can bring in.
I also brought plastic bags for dirty laundry.
I had two carry on size suitcases and it was too much!
My opinion of course, others will differ!

nikpmup

pwurple wrote: »

Wow nikpmup, that's a lot of stuff. There is feck all storage space from what I remember in CUMH so I'll be packing as light as I can. I have a bag packed for one-two night stay, and then an extra one at home to bring in for longer stay if needed.

It does look like a lot! The things I didn't use were the breast pads and funnily enough the maternity pads - maybe it was because I had a section, but even in the first few days I didn't bleed much.

All the toiletries were in mini size. One thing I wish I'd packed was paracetamol - one of the days there was a very frazzled young nurse on duty, I must have asked her for pain relief twenty times. I finally got it about five or six hours after I was supposed to have gotten it, and I was in agony! 2 days after a c-section!

I managed to pack all of the above into a small gym-sized holdall (labour bag) and a meduim sized case.

Hello Lady!

Totally agree on the less is more in the rotunda. No space at all. That's why I suggested a nightlight - the switch for the small bedside light was behind the bed. Add in being sore from labour and a cot and it was an obstacle course to get in behind the bed to switch it on. Even worse for me with two cots. Definitely bring in the minimum and do swaps with dirty stuff out, clean stuff in. I also agree with not bringing too much for baby - I had twins and in 5 days used 5 sets each and that was just cos I wanted to change them each day.I could have gotten away with less. Some babies will be pukey so you might go through more, but wait and see how you get on the first day and get more brought in if needed.

Hello Lady!

nikpmup wrote: »

It does look like a lot! The things I didn't use were the breast pads and funnily enough the maternity pads - maybe it was because I had a section, but even in the first few days I didn't bleed much.

.

I had a section too and bled A LOT. Dunno if that was because I had twins and my uterus was stretched more, or if it was because just after the op the IV with the oxytocin collapsed and no one noticed until I started to come around myself and told them. As a result the meds were going into my muscle not vein so weren't working quick enough so I just kept bleeding. I was close to needing a transfusion, had I not noticed the huge lump the size of a tennis ball on my arm :rolleyes: so that might have contributed to my blood loss.

nikpmup

Hello Lady! wrote: »

Totally agree on the less is more in the rotunda. No space at all. That's why I suggested a nightlight - the switch for the small bedside light was behind the bed. Add in being sore from labour and a cot and it was an obstacle course to get in behind the bed to switch it on. Even worse for me with two cots. Definitely bring in the minimum and do swaps with dirty stuff out, clean stuff in. I also agree with not bringing too much for baby - I had twins and in 5 days used 5 sets each and that was just cos I wanted to change them each day.I could have gotten away with less. Some babies will be pukey so you might go through more, but wait and see how you get on the first day and get more brought in if needed.

Oh, that reminds me, for next time - a skipping rope to tie to the side of the bed so I can pull myself up out of it lol!

I used all the baby stuff and then some - but my lad was pukey, pooey and pissy. Managed to pee in the air at every nappy change!

nikpmup

Hello Lady! wrote: »

I had a section too and bled A LOT. Dunno if that was because I had twins and my uterus was stretched more, or if it was because just after the op the IV with the oxytocin collapsed and no one noticed until I started to come around myself and told them. As a result the meds were going into my muscle not vein so weren't working quick enough so I just kept bleeding. I was close to needing a transfusion, had I not noticed the huge lump the size of a tennis ball on my arm :rolleyes: so that might have contributed to my blood loss.

OUCH!!

kandr10

I was allowing for a pukey baby when I packed which thankfully she wasn't! She was also nudey in an incubator a lot of the time which obv isn't gonna be every child but then the majority of women on the ward were sent home after 24 hrs. So I think next time I'd plan for that as you said pwurple and leave extras out at home just in case.

My oh is great and helped me buy clothes and stuff but still he didn't get the diff between a baby gro and vest! Coach your partner lol :-)

HL- I felt like I had twins as the ward was so tiny next doors cot was pushed permanently in beside my bed so I couldn't get out without moving my own cot! It was weird having a cot shape protruding out of the curtain!! Luckily the people were nice though :-)

My sil gifted me maternity pads. It was the best gift. I cried. I made my oh get loads extra on 3for2. They're still in the bathroom!

John Mason

January wrote: »

Do the night shirts from Penneys button all the way down or half way down?

They have some at the moment which button the whole way down, as does tesco

January

Brilliant, will check them both out tomorrow, thanks.

ncmc

Brilliant thread. I'm not due til June, but I definitely will be taking advice from this. I'm leaning towards the 'less is more' route. I don't know what the space in CUMH is like, but I'd imagine it's tight and I expect it to be roasting. I have a little handheld fan I might throw in the bag. I'm hoping to get away with a very small bag for labour (something like a changing bag) and then a hand luggage sized bag for the ward. Hubby will be coming and going and worse case scenario, there is a Penny's just across the road.

fineso.mom

Hi Girls, good luck to all of you. Just a quick post about the sandwich bags,,they are brilliant any time you are travelling with kids, you can put an outfit (including socks and undies) into each bag and leave them in the bags until you need them. You can see at a glance what's in each bag and if you have packed them carefully and squeezed out some air before sealing, they shouldn't be wrinkled upon opening. Saves so much hassle when away,and of course you can pop the dirty clothes back in the bags if you want.
Good luck to all of you.

nikpmup

ncmc wrote: »

Brilliant thread. I'm not due til June, but I definitely will be taking advice from this. I'm leaning towards the 'less is more' route. I don't know what the space in CUMH is like, but I'd imagine it's tight and I expect it to be roasting. I have a little handheld fan I might throw in the bag. I'm hoping to get away with a very small bag for labour (something like a changing bag) and then a hand luggage sized bag for the ward. Hubby will be coming and going and worse case scenario, there is a Penny's just across the road.

I pretty much got everything from Penneys! That would be awesome if there was a penneys beside Holles Street!

Sligo1

Hi ladies, OP here. Thanks for all the replies. This has turned out to be a great thread with loads of good suggestions for new mums to be .

It's Penny's all the way here for me aswell! I'm nearly finished packing bags now. But thought I'd mention last pregnancy I bought a pack of the disposal undies and although they were grand I also bought a couple multi packs from Penny's. there's 5 in a pack (not disposable), but they're only around €4 per pack. They're kinda cute and made me feel somewhat human and hold the maternity pads in place a lot better than the disposable ones from the pharmacy. You can wash them or throw them out as they're not expensive.

Also I may have missed it but I don't think anyone's mentioned Nipple Cream. Obviously not everyone will need it. But can be good to have if you intend on breastfeeding. I bought the Lasinoh cream... It's bloody expensive but it worked for me last time.

Millem

Sligo1 wrote: »

Hi,

I've lost my hospital list!!! So I know we need 3 bags (as per Holles St anyway)... Does anyone has a link or a quick run down of what to put into the bags? Can barely remember last time.

I know to put babygros, nappies, vests, hat, wipes or cotton wool into baby's bag... But am at a loss of what to put in mine...

Nightdresses, mat bras, pads, breast pads, toiletries, disposable undies, ... Anything else?

I packed everything on list and only used 10% of the stuff! We weren't allowed put cotton hat on baby only when he was going outside! They actually had cotton balls in the changing place free (I brought my own anyway). Bought the disposable undies never used them had granny pants (which one midwife had a great laugh over lol lol)!i have loads of breast pads and never used 1! I bought a granny nightdress in heatons with buttons the whole way down for the birth but never even got to wear it gave birth in the white top I was wearing lets just say not the best colour choice! I found superdrug great for the toiletries and heatons for nightdress €3.50, drrssing gown to match €8 and ultimate granny slipper €6. All baby pink again another horrendous colour choice on my behalf! I would recommend red or black lol lol

Always number 1

I would agree with most of the above but would also include a bottle of water with the sports cap to use on yourself while you go to the toilet (especially if you have stitches)
I got my OH to bring me in some cereal bars/snacks. In Holles Street anyway your tea is at around 5 in the evening and then not a bite of food til 7 or 8 the next morning. They definitely come in handy.
I would also recommend you advise your husband/partner to sign up for the park by text instead of using coins because at least then they don't have to keep dashing off to top up the parking - the last thing you want to be thinking of when in the throes of labour is whether or not you'll be clamped.

Chattastrophe!

Agreed re. the snacks. They go on and on about how important healthy eating is, and then feed you feck all when you're in hospital, and what you do get is muck ... e.g. my dinner one evening was two sausage rolls!!

January

Chattastrophe! wrote: »

Agreed re. the snacks. They go on and on about how important healthy eating is, and then feed you feck all when you're in hospital, and what you do get is muck ... e.g. my dinner one evening was two sausage rolls!!

That's your tea Your main meal was the one they give you around midday.

Breakfast and dinner were always so close to each other!

Sligo1

January wrote: »

That's your tea Your main meal was the one they give you around midday.

Breakfast and dinner were always so close to each other!

Agreed. They serve up roast or chicken etc at like 12 midday!!! I'd usually only be ready for a scone and a cuppa at that time!

nikpmup

Oh Jesus - the first full day I spent on the ward, I thought I was going to eat a baby! I was so hungry! I hadn't eaten in about four days as I'd had a bad kidney infection, and the antibiotic I was on made me sick. The day I had him I ate nothing at all, so by lunchtime the next day I was famished. Dinner arrived, only to have it whipped out from under my nose by one of the catering staff who had just found out i'd had a section and informed me I was on a "light diet"! I nearly cried!

Hello Lady!

Oh god yeah I used to be ready to collapse with hunger in the rotunda. 4 weeks in there and I ended up weighing less after a gave birth than pre pregnancy! But I didn't find dinner and breakfast too close - 7.30 breakfast, 12.30 dinner. I would be counting the minutes to dinner even though it was usually crap! I didn't have a fresh vegetable except for a few carrots boiled to death in the whole time I was in.

January

nikpmup wrote: »

Oh Jesus - the first full day I spent on the ward, I thought I was going to eat a baby! I was so hungry! I hadn't eaten in about four days as I'd had a bad kidney infection, and the antibiotic I was on made me sick. The day I had him I ate nothing at all, so by lunchtime the next day I was famished. Dinner arrived, only to have it whipped out from under my nose by one of the catering staff who had just found out i'd had a section and informed me I was on a "light diet"! I nearly cried!

Oh I had that 'light diet' on my first too. Scrambled egg for dinner just doesn't cut it, especially after fasting for the whole day before it...

Suucee

Ill never forget eating sweets from a box of roses and crisps that Mil brought it at about 3am. I was starvin.
I made Oh bring in loads of fruit and cereal bars the next day. And bottles of water. They dont give you enough water i recall thinking of chancing the tap water i was that thirsty and had asked loads of times for a drink

nikpmup

Suucee wrote: »

Ill never forget eating sweets from a box of roses and crisps that Mil brought it at about 3am. I was starvin.
I made Oh bring in loads of fruit and cereal bars the next day. And bottles of water. They dont give you enough water i recall thinking of chancing the tap water i was that thirsty and had asked loads of times for a drink

Yep, I did that too - a box of milk tray got demolished at 3am, even the Turkish delight!
I had to keep asking one young nurse for pain relief - I was 2 days post section, and she couldn't find my chart (not my fault/problem!) so she wouldn't give me any! I think it was about 6pm I got 2 panadol :-/

Hello Lady!

Suucee wrote: »

Ill never forget eating sweets from a box of roses and crisps that Mil brought it at about 3am. I was starvin.
I made Oh bring in loads of fruit and cereal bars the next day. And bottles of water. They dont give you enough water i recall thinking of chancing the tap water i was that thirsty and had asked loads of times for a drink

In the rotunda they do give you a jug of water and there are water fountains in the corridors. But you might not be up to walking out to fill up the jug.

Bring snacks that can stand the heat! It was very warm in the rotunda. Chocolate etc was squishy. Cereal bars, biscuits, crackers etc. I ate LOADS of mince pies! (Girls were born in December!)

January

In the Coombe you got a jug of water but it was great, the girls would bring you a jug of ice if you wanted it

Roesy

I'd say all the hospitals are the same with the odd meal times and lack of healthy food. Thankfully CUMH is across the road from a big Tesco so my husband used bring me fruit, juices, yogurts and salads. Oh and my lovely in-laws went on a raid of the English Market and brought me in a picnic of blue cheese, Brie, nice bread olives and pate. I was in heaven. Nearly cried sending it home with them Snacks I found handy were werthers original and granola bars.