Maternity bag essentials?

[Flumpykins]

Ok, so we're at 34 weeks and I really have to start packing my bag.......

Are there any essential items that you really wish you'd taken but hadn't?

I'm trying to think of everything and have read loads of lists but you never know if there's something else you could have done with 😮

[LottyB]

Relax. I took what the lists said and doubled it. Haha. I like to be organised. 😊 and if it comes to it, you can send your partner to get more stuff. X

[Flumpykins in reply to LottyB]

I just don't want to forget something mega! 😕

[Little_dudes_mum]

When I had my first we didn't use half the stuff one thing I would advise is paper knickers and the big maternity pads you will be surprised how much you do bleed and the bigger pads have a bit more padding for you

[LottyB in reply to Little_dudes_mum]

Very much agree with this actually! 🙈

[Ronnie12]

Body lotion! Whatever u put on your bump to keep the skin lovely - use on your non- bump! Gud luck. X

[Flumpykins]

I have a ton of maternity pads 😱

Debating the disposable pants 😱

[Little_dudes_mum in reply to Flumpykins]

They ain't the most glamorous of things but go straight in the bin and were so much easier in the beginning

[Flumpykins in reply to Little_dudes_mum]

I've given in to my snobby side and bought disposable pants! 😱😱

[Dips4]

Camera as well as phone, x

[KellyTrip]

Agreed on the maternity pads and pants. I took more than I thought I would need then sent my husband for more!!

Snacks like flapjacks are really good although I couldn't eat them during labour. I was so thankful for them on the ward!

I only took two pair of loose fitting trousers or jogging bottoms but with a combination of myself and the baby, they ended up getting dirty very quickly! I also took some slippers that I managed to pick up for 2 pound! They were like old man slippers but I was so happy to have them when I was walking around the ward! I would say make sure you have nice loose, comfy clothing for after but you can always ask someone to bring more and take the dirty things!

[Hidden]

A friend of mine recommended lip balm and lots of drinks as hospitals are so hot and the gas and air can make you so thirsty and your lips dry. I took lots of cartons of juice and I drank them all plus more that my mum brought - all during my labour!!!

I also wouldn't have been without hair bands, hairbrush and concealer/make up.

I didn't really care what I looked like during labour just wanted my hair out of my face but the next day I wanted to get up and dressed and feel 'normal' to receive visitors 😊.

Also, that first shower after labour was so nice despite being almost doubled over after a csection - a few miniature luxury toiletries helped me feel better.

I appreciate this must all sound very vain but I felt so much better in myself. Bubba had plenty of clothes, nappies and cuddles so he was just fine. Good luck!!!xxx

[137owl]

A drinking straw was great for the labour. You can drink from any angle!

[hough]

Drinking straw good idea & plenty of drinks (we had heatwave in April & labour ward boiling). I second big pants (could buy cheap plain black ones from primark or somewhere), I was 8 stone pre-pregnancy so size 14 was fine. Also take more maternity pads than think you'll need, dressing gown & slippers, iPod / tablet & t-shirts & baggy / not too warm pj bottoms - I went in Monday to be induced, came out Thursday.

Recommend extra pair of legs too, I had spinal block op after in end, as placenta came out in pieces - that is, be prepared for any eventuality.