Hospital bag pressure..

I had my baby Saturday evening. I went into the hospital Saturday morning in a white t shirt and leggings, I had the same t shirt on until after I had given birth. (Granted I was lucky to have a quick 11 hour ‘vaginal birth’) but not one item came out my hospital bag until he was born, even then it was only fresh pjs for me and a vest, nappy, hat and baby grow for him. I felt really pressured to have everything these online lists say you need but honestly if you haven’t had your baby yet or purchased those items you think you might need, don’t worry too much about them. I’d also bought items for after birth such as spritz for bits, coolings pads… I haven’t even unpacked those things either. The only items I have found useful so far are Frida disposable underwear, maternity pads & a peri bottle.

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The vast majority of items aren't for giving birth, it's for the hospital stay after, especially if you have a more complicated delivery. I thought like this for my first and then ended up needing surgery, and staying in on my own (covid) for 2/3 nights and had to get more stuff dropped off. Plus you might have a sicky baby like mine borh have been and I've worked my way through multiple outfits, muslins and blankets per day. I'm in at the moment after a c section and I've used most of what I brought 🤷🏼‍♀️

@Katie I second this, everyone told me I was over prepared but I ended up haemorrhaging so had a 2 day stay after and used everything I packed! I also didn’t have to worry about people having to bring stuff up for us as we were prepared for it! I think it’s really individual what you use however I prefer to be over prepared over needing something and not having it! Spritz for bits and cooling pads were also a godsend for tear recovery!!!

I’ve had 2 “quick, in and out of hospital same day” births now and my hospital bags have remained largely unpacked both times! Even baby’s bag was left in the car til 2 hours after she was born as induction moved quicker than I thought 😂 The battery tea light candles and fairy lights purchased 4 years ago and put back in my bag for the second time never made it out, nor the Tens machine 😂 It’s better to be prepared but agree with you on the pressure to have everything ready. Amazon Prime exists for those additional purchases and visitors can always bring extras if needed 🙂

I had a planned c section so was in for 24 hours after birth and used basically nothing

I think it depends how long you are in for. With my first I had a small trolley and only stayed overnight with a quick labour so didn't get to use much. So I packed a small bag for this time. Only needed baby outfit and outfit change for me. I can imagine if I was in for a few days, I would use stuff. This time I didn't pack snacks and could have done with something better than wine gums and wispa!

I agree with this! Had my baby Friday and literally was on the antenatal ward one minute to her being in my arms the next. Everything I’d prepared to use pre birth was not used 🤣

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