This is a quick one. Packing for the hospital – what do you take?

Google is again your friend. I paid particular attention to the ones about what people took to the hospital and then took home untouched! Note that the dads packed stuff for the baby so I haven’t included any of that in my list, however I can confirm that they brought a crap ton of nappies (think changes every couple of hours for several days), wipes, burping cloths, clothes for several days,  that sort of thing.

For me, here’s what I took and used:

• Socks
• Slippers (or those no skid slipper socks. I actually had 2 pairs of those and they were A++)
• Robe
• Sports bras – if you’re going to breastfeed, choose something you can feed out of. You’ll want to support your boobs
• Undies – many of them. Granny panties will likely be the most comfortable. Something you don’t care if you ruin. I bought 10 cheap pairs and wore them for the first few weeks.
• PJs – I actually bought some men’s singlets that were giant and long enough to cover my butt. They served as good nighties under my robe and in bed, easy to move out of the way for checks, and not too warm.
• Trackies in case I wanted to cover my bottom for a hospital wander.
• Toiletries (toothpaste and brush, hair stuff, shampoo, soap, deodorant) – that first shower is most excellent
• Lip balm
• Face moisturiser
• Lotion
• Granola bars – excellent snacks during the day you’re labouring and good for while you’re in hospital too.
• iPad or tablet of some description with movies / books / entertainment
• Bluetooth speaker for playing tunes – we played music from my iPad in the delivery room. It was good to have my own tunes.
• chargers for phone, tablet, speakers and every other bit of electronics you take
• Sanitary pads – use the hospital ones, they’re super absorbent (and take some home with you if you can) but take some of your own too. Get the ones for the heaviest absorption possible. You’ll need it. Trust me.
• Clothes to wear home - I actually wore my last clean singlet/nightie and my trackies but you might want something else. Remember that you'll likely not be suddenly skinny so bring something comfortable with stretch.

That covers what I used. I ended up in hospital for 3 nights in total. Plan for about that for clothes – if it is less, that’s ok, you’re carrying a bag anyway. If you are there longer, odds are you have a partner or friend who can bring you more if you need it.

I asked Megan what she packed, as one of my support people.

• Comfortable shoes for wandering around the hospital in search of coffee.
• Layers - different parts of the hospital are wildly different temperatures
• Toothbrush and deodorant.
• Chargers.
• Snacks - for Michelle, for me and the dads, for the nurses and midwives.
• A book and/or a tablet
• Spare bags for taking things home - flowers, laundry, presents etc.
• A change of clothing, just in case.
• A sense of humour, and a willingness to do whatever is asked of you.

Final note from me: That last thing that Megan brought was infinitely helpful and much appreciated. <3