OHbaby! Forums : Hospital bag essentials https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:48:06 +0000 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 23:08:40 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.05 360 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=36637 <![CDATA[OHbaby! Forums]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : not an essential but one thing...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200916&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200916 Author: TheKelly
Subject: 36637
Posted: 15 November 2010 at 11:08pm

not an essential but one thing I liked was having a scan pic of baby to focus on (and I also had a photo of my daughter ) just for a reminder of what it was all about when you reach that point in labour when you don't think you can go on ]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2010 23:08:40 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200916&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200916 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : Get your DH to pack your labour...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200910&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200910 Author: RedHeadDuck
Subject: 36637
Posted: 15 November 2010 at 10:38pm

Get your DH to pack your labour bag-put everything on the bed and get him to go through it, then put it in the bag. Seeing as you'll be busy and he'll be the one looking in the bag for something, at least then he can find it ]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:38:54 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200910&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200910 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : I had to get my dh to bring in...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200828&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200828 Author: AuntieSarah
Subject: 36637
Posted: 15 November 2010 at 9:01pm

I had to get my dh to bring in more pairs of undies Helped that I had to walk around the hospital after they broke my waters and the pads didn't contain it all so I'd already changed them a few times before I even gave birth!

Umm apart from that (and I haven't read anyone elses responses sorry) - what the hospital provides depends on which hospital it is. Ours (Hawkes Bay) provided pads for mum and just about everything for baby - nappies, wipes, clothes, wraps, blankets etc.

If you're a reader like me take something light to read while baby is asleep or if you have an epi and are lying there feeling nothing while in labour

And snacks, but sometimes fresh ones are nicer (my Dad cut up a melon and brought a container in for me, it was the best thing EVER).
]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:01:10 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200828&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200828 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : I didn&#039;t need half the things...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200822&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200822 Author: Lucky apple
Subject: 36637
Posted: 15 November 2010 at 8:54pm

I didn't need half the things I packed. One really useful thing though were my jandals (or slippers). I was in and out of bed a bit (feeding, and going upstiars to NICU) and was useful to have something that slipped on and off quickly and easily. ]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:54:50 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200822&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200822 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : PS - a few others have mentioned...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200419&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200419 Author: KatzWtgn
Subject: 36637
Posted: 15 November 2010 at 2:23pm

PS - a few others have mentioned snacks -- I got really super-hungry in the two days afterwards. My SIL brought in a whole lunchbox of afghans -- one of the best presents I could have had.]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:23:30 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200419&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200419 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : My DH was super organised -- he...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200416&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200416 Author: KatzWtgn
Subject: 36637
Posted: 15 November 2010 at 2:20pm

My DH was super organised -- he packed three bags -- one for stuff for the labour (but in the end everything happened so quick we didn't really use that one); one with stuff for the baby; and one with stuff for me after the birth. It was actually really handy having the three bags!

Two recommendations:

- change of clothes for DH -- he really didn't want to leave the following morning after the birth, but was feeling a bit grotty in the clothes he wore through the night (and he came into the shower with me during labour in those clothes, etc). It would have been nice if he could have had a quick shower, changed and stayed.

- some pampering products for you -- I LOVED being able to reach my feet in the shower for a change -- take foot balm, etc, to make yourself feel gorgeous.]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:20:24 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200416&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200416 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : I ended up taking a couple of...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200415&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200415 Author: RedHeadDuck
Subject: 36637
Posted: 15 November 2010 at 2:20pm

I ended up taking a couple of straws which were GREAT as BFing ended up being a 2 handed job, and DH could get me a drink (for some reason every time I fed, I got insaaanely thirsty!) so that was handy.

Also recommend having a bag with 2/3 changes of clothing for you, and 2/3 changes of clothes for bubs, and another 2 changes for each of you in a bag in the car.

I wore black yoga style pants from the warehouse (think they were like $18 a pair) for the first couple of days, super comfortable, but looked a bit nicer than pj pants while I had visitors! I also slept in them when I leaked through a pad (was SO not expecting to get 5hours solid sleep that first night) and went through my pjs.

I had a small lunch cooler bag with snack sized moro bars, and a few le snacks and few different snack sized food in it which was really handy!!

I didn't bother with pads, nappies or anything like that. We used the hospital cloth nappies (seriously a waste of time using your own nappies at that stage as they hardly wee anyways) and the hospital supplied pads for me. ]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:20:21 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200415&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200415 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : Check with your midwife what your...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200138&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200138 Author: maysie
Subject: 36637
Posted: 15 November 2010 at 8:51am

Check with your midwife what your hospital supplies - ours have everything, even clothes for the baby if you need them. But definitely snacks. I forgot to ask people to bring me food (like fruit, crackers, muesli bars etc) and existed only on the hospital meals (x3 per day). I was starving! ]]> Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:51:38 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1200138&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1200138 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : Lots of things depend on how long...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1199914&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1199914 Author: weeheebaby
Subject: 36637
Posted: 14 November 2010 at 8:26pm

Lots of things depend on how long you are staying. I agree with all of the above for short stay and have extras put aside for long stay.

Depending on what you drink - lots to drink. Down here it's water,tea or coffee only and if you don't do tea or coffee it can get BORING. I know water is good for you (etc etc) but just water drove me nuts (I was in for 6 days).

shower jandels

A planned person who can bring you extra things:
fruit
sandwiches
something you've been hanging out to eat (sushi, cream donut etc)
prunes (if you end up c-section you will def be wanting these)
gingernuts
someone who can take clothes away, wash dry and bring them back

CAR SEAT OR CAPSULE for baby to come home in ]]> Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:26:13 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1199914&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1199914 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : I second everyone that said snacks...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1199675&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1199675 Author: Jess299
Subject: 36637
Posted: 14 November 2010 at 1:27pm

I second everyone that said snacks . . . DD was born just after 7pm and by the time everything calmed down and I was starving, it was about 10pm, my MW and DH ended up running around the hospital finding me stuff to eat, man it the best soup and sandwiches I'd ever had LOL!


Edited by Jess299]]> Sun, 14 Nov 2010 13:27:05 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1199675&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1199675 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : MuppetsMama wrote:If you are...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197922&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197922 Author: MummyFreckle
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 5:08pm

Originally posted by MuppetsMama MuppetsMama wrote:

If you are birthing in a hospital, generally they supply nappies & mat pads, and you just use wet paper towels to wipe baby's bottom (the nurses all do this). your midwife should be able to confirm what will be supplied.

If you are in Auckland and going to Birthcare, they too provide wipes, disposable change mats (very handy to stash a few away and very handy for sitting on if scared of leakage!) and pads. You will go through a tonne of pads in the first few days!

I took dark coloured PJ pants and trackies, singlets and a couple of light hoodies / cardis, slippers / jandals, nice toiletries make a huge difference, a water bottle, snacks, a couple of mags (it does get boring after a while!). This time around I will be taking my ipod and charger too!

]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:08:30 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197922&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197922 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : Oh and you def need your own nappies...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197851&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197851 Author: High9
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 3:42pm

Oh and you def need your own nappies and wipes though if need be you can use a flannel and water for wipes and they can bring you old school cloth nappies should you run out and need to send someone for some.

Pads - I was given 7 hosp ones and after that had to use my own.]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:42:38 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197851&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197851 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : For both births, my favourite...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197850&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197850 Author: MuppetsMama
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 3:40pm

For both births, my favourite things were:
a couple of good books - it can get a little boring doing all that feeding lol and you don't want to sleep ALL the time.
and clothes for myself - after my first shower I get out of my hospital gown and leave it off - it helps me to feel so much more normal. I just take comfy trackpants and a couple of singlets, and a little cardi or similar.
Also, you will need big granny undies!! make sure they are cotton :-)
oh, and remember - don't panic about making sure you have everything, as someone can ALWAYS bring in more stuff for you, or even take surplus stuff away. as long as you have your toothbrush, you're sweet. lol.

ETA: oh and I second taking lots of NB clothes! Don't worry that your baby will be too big, my firstborn was 9lb 6oz and she still fit them for a week or so. also, the first time i took lots of long sleeved, long legged things coz it was winter, but DUH the maternity wards are always really warm! oops.

ETA again!! : If you are birthing in a hospital, generally they supply nappies & mat pads, and you just use wet paper towels to wipe baby's bottom (the nurses all do this). your midwife should be able to confirm what will be supplied.

Edited by MuppetsMama]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:40:28 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197850&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197850 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : I packed far too much the first...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197848&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197848 Author: High9
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 3:39pm

I packed far too much the first time but think it's better to over pack than under pack!

However one thing I didn't pack enough off was NB clothes... I took 2 different outfits and she soiled them both after the first day lol! DP ended up bringing her whole wardrobe in!

Essentials for me was my toiletries bag with shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, body was etc
Mat pads...

I bought far too much clothes for myself!

I over packed my nappy bag and I even had a baby bag lmao!

I suggest snacks! Because if you birth late and miss dinner you don't get fed til breakfast so it was great to have something to snack on though by that stage I hadn't eaten for almost 2 days!

Bring nipple cream if you plan to breast feed - jic.

But agree with Kebakat - whatever you take - remember you have to carry it home too!

]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:39:53 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197848&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197848 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : looks like you got lots of good...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197829&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197829 Author: nicandtyler
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 3:27pm

looks like you got lots of good advice already
I took
-nappies
-maternity pads
-comfy pyjamas (although hospital gowns are probably better for afterwards)
-camera/charger/phone etc
-onesie for baby (I had one where the bottom tied up
-vests for baby
-any comfort items you like
-singlets for you and nursing bras
-old granny undies lol (dont wanna ruin nice ones!)
and I second the nice shampoo and conditioner and body wash
]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:27:17 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197829&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197829 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : I also packed way to much the...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197751&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197751 Author: Flutterby
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 2:13pm

I also packed way to much the first time. I only really needed one pair of pjs, as I used the hospital gowns for the first 24 hrs, and I am glad I did cause I had a pad overfill within a couple of hours.

Good to have heaps of pads cause they do fill up quickly for the first little while.

And a few changes of clothes for bubs

I didn't take many snacks and was glad when people turned up with gift baskets. So take heaps of snacks cause you will be hungry afterwards.]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:13:10 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197751&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197751 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : I ended up in hospital alot longer...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197738&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197738 Author: _SMS_
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 2:00pm

I ended up in hospital alot longer than i thought i would so wish id had a back up bag in the car. Relying on DP to get decent clothes that were comfy & good for bfing was a bit hard.

I loved my dressing gown. Trackies. Nice shampoo and conditioner and body wash.

We also didnt pack any snacks but they wouldve been handy because dp really could have used them. So many chuck in some chips & a choc bar. Something that will give him energy.

For baby i took in a few changes of clothes. Singlet, woolen clothes,hat, blanket. etc. Hosp will supply cloth nappies. i will most likely take my own nappies in again, i did with dd.

Edited by _SMS_]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:00:23 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197738&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197738 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : The only extra thing I had that...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197735&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197735 Author: Nothing
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 1:58pm

The only extra thing I had that Im going to pack again, was some snacks. DD was born at 3pm and they wouldnt give me dinner so luckily I had something there to eat till my demands were finally met at 3am! ]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:58:09 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197735&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197735 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : I packed way too much stuff first...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197695&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197695 Author: stefany3
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 1:27pm

I packed way too much stuff first time round. I'm hoping to be a bit more realistic next time! It can be good to take a big bag, but with heaps of empty room so you don't have to make 10 trips to the car with all the presents!
First time, which was handy, I had a bit of paper on top of my bag, so once contractions started DH could get the paper and grab things that I couldn't have packed early (toothbrush, camera & charger, cell phones, ipod etc).
At the same time, if you do need something you forgot, DH or your mum/MIL can always go to your house and get it, or buy it from the shop on their way to visit you. ]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:27:14 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197695&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197695 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : Depends on the hospital a bit...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197666&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197666 Author: kebakat
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 12:59pm

Depends on the hospital a bit but my bag was small and was prepared to potentially stay the night and all I took was a spare change of clothes for me. A small blanket and clothes for bubs, camera, breast pads and standard toiletries and thats it.

I used hospital gowns, I knew palmy hospital provided nappies, wipes, pads for me so I didn't need to worry about that.

You don't want a big bag that your gonna have to carry out afterwards along with bubs and presents or flowers etc. I didn't bother with snacks and the like. I did with Daniel and they didn't get used. Plus with both my boys once they were here I was offered toast and milo by my mw]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:59:58 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197666&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197666 <![CDATA[Hospital bag essentials : Hi ladies, Any tips on hospital...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197659&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197659 Author: SupaMama
Subject: 36637
Posted: 11 November 2010 at 12:55pm

Hi ladies,
Any tips on hospital bag must haves?
I know the basics but I'm sure there are some good tips out there.
I am planning to stay at home for the first part of labour and then go in when I need to. I guess you have to be prepared to stay a few days depending on what happens.
Do you really need many changes of clothes/pjs etc? Also how much stuff for baby do you needs - do they provide nappies, wipes etc?
]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:55:47 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36637&PID=1197659&title=hospital-bag-essentials#1197659