Packing my hospital bag

You girls rock!!!

Please keep this coming, and esp advice as to what you need first day / what can be brought in later etc. For both natural and c/sec.

I am looking forward to going through this in detail tomorrow and going in to buy what I finally need when I start ML and know that I have an idea and not caught by surprise!

Mwah!!!

eileen- definately buy the cheap granny pants from ackermans or jet wherever is cheapest, you just never know if you might have a c-sec and i promise you bikini cut is uncomfy after a c-sec, i made that mistake because i was planning on natural and only booked C-sec the day before.

maternity pads, i took 1 pack of 12 in with me because the hospital also supplied a pack and i still bought some home but take one and have one waiting in a bag DH can bring in if you need.

Breast pads, I would say maybe 12 max? can't really remember because the hospital supplied a lot of things but again, take what you think is enough and tell DH where you keep the spares in case you need him to bring in more.

Girly- if you do get booked in for a C-sec (although i really hope everything goes well for you guys) then may i suggest as a little extra (not the end of the world if you don't) heat packs for your boobies!!!!

I woke on the second day to 2 huge rocks laying on my torso, when engorgement strikes then running your boobs under a hot shower can work wonders but it's not always easy to jump out of bed after a C-sec so this time i bought 4 heat packs to take to hospital! like i say not essential but may just make things a little more comfortable. I bought those hand warmer packs from Crazy store, they're liquid packs that you press a little metal button and it gets hot. i think they were R20 each and a really good investment!

I also have the carefix gel boob heat packs, they are great, a little more expensive but those are shaped perfectly for placing in your bra but you need a kettle and bowl to heat them so not ideal for in hospital.

o.k all i have to add are luxuaries LOL but i think every new mum must take as much as she needs or wants into hospital because the most important thing is that YOU feel comfortable.

lots of sweeties (like that whomever suggested that one)
i took cans of coke because i am an addict LOL and they worked really well to bribe the nurses when i needed favours LOL cheeky i know but i got a private room out of it!

because i was in for 3 nights i only bought in what i needed IN hospital and left a bag for going home stuff with DH so i sent home all the dirty washing and he bought back clean clothes!

defo take a pillow and dark face cloths as Julz suggested!

oh and sweetie, please if you're likely to have a c-sec planned then shave or veet everything yourself (if you don't mind doing it for going natural then go for it) because if they have to shave you in hospital they will dry shave! nothing worse than that itch you get!

o.k i'm turning your hospital bag list into a top tips for going into hospital thread, sorry I'll shut up now LOL

Yes and the maternity pads, how many packs would one need?

Girly, I love you for asking these questions!

Now, I want to know how many breastpads should I pack? I bought the 80 Nuk bulk pack. However I will not be breastfeeding.

A friend of mine also advised me to buy the big 'ouma' panties that comes up to your waist. That's if you having a c-section. Cause the bikini ones tend to go over your scar.

Ntoko, I think it would take up less space in your bag if you take them out of the packaging. Esp the breast pads. You can put them in zip lock bags if you are scared of them getting dirty.

Eish...Im gonna ask a stupid question but i need to know.

When packing things like breast pads, disp panties should i take them out of the packaging?