It's been so long since I packed a hospital bag that I've been looking online for lists of what I need. Babycentre has recommended lists, and forum posts suggest taking three bags. Three bags, seriously?!
Last time round I went to hospital with no bag. I called the labour ward with pains at 25 weeks and they told me to come in and bring a bag "just in case", but me being me, decided they'd send me home so off I went just myself and a book! This resulted in Mr J having to race home from work, 70 miles away, quickly sort me a few essentials and then drive another 50 miles to the hospital I was transferred to. 3 days later, still stuck in a delivery room with no window and I was trying to shave my legs with his electric shaver. That was of course before I lost all my dignity and Mr J was fishing out bits of carrots after emptying my sick bowl down the sink!
Bearing that in mind, I decided three bags including a tens machine and a handheld fan is a load of bollocks. I've even read ladies packing a plastic jug for those first wee's after giving birth. Whatever happened to just weeing mid-shower?!
Last time, Mr J was dispatched to the nearest supermarket for maternity pads, big pants and new pyjamas and so I realise it's really not the end of the world if I don't have a fancy pants going home outfit or a year's supply of nappies with me.
I've not yet fully packed, but I have a bag prepared with a few essentials ready...
Starting clockwise, here's what I have so far
£4.50 for 26, or 3 packs for £12
2. Cotton wool pads- easier than faffing with cotton wool balls for nappy changes
3. Wash bag- packed with the obvious shampoo and conditioner, shower gel, toothbrushes for us both etc.
99p (currently buy one get one half price on selected products)
5. Pyjamas- dark PJ's are obviously recommened post baby, and I decided to treat myself to some nice ones.
Ted Baker at Debenhams pyjamas £25.
7. Black knickers- Why bother with grotty disposable ones when you can just ditch these?
Primark £2.50 for 5 pairs.
8. Pampers new baby wipes- these were a freebie from my Emma's Diary pack. These are more for me, for makeup removal and general freshening up!
9. Newborn neutral baby sleepsuit. £11.00 from Boots. I obvs will pack a couple more and vests and a hat.
10. Lanisoh breast pads- again a pregnancy pack freebie.
11. Soft blanket. Neutral and a Primark cheapie. Can you tell I'm not convinced the sonographer got it right?!
FJ
