What to pack in hospital bag, and what is provided to you there?

[ambercakes]

Hi all

I've got this insane urge to get everything ready for baby just in case and I was wondering if any 2nd time mom's would care to mention what is needed in this bag. I'm in Canada around Ottawa so if anyone would like to comment on what is provided to you after birth ie some diapers, formula, bottles etc so I know what I should pack as well it would be great

 

[Mrs_Wright]

When I had my son, I packed Loads! I had a small suitcase for him, and a big hold all for me lol.. But I like to have lots of options

For baby:
Vests
Sleep suits
Going home outfit
Hat
Bibs
Nappies
Muslins
Towel
Snuggly (personal preference)
Own blanket (again personal preference)
Wipes

For me;
Shampoo and conditioner
Magazine!
Dressing gown
Long nighty
2 pairs of pj's
I took about 5 pairs of old knickers!
Nursing bra
Maternity pads
Camera
Phone charger
Camera charger

That's all I can remember for now lol. If I remember anything else I'll add it haha...

Also snacks for you and your birthing partner! And lots of change for car park (unless it's free parking there lol)

 

[Hoping4peanut]

Do they provide diapers or do you have to?

 

[Boothh]

I'm not sure what they do over there but in England they don't provide anything really.
I'll be having a csection
My list is -

Pjs,
Big knickers (and plastic bag for dirty stuff to go in)
Leaving outfit
Phone charger
Snacks / drinks
Magazines (and a pen for puzzles!)
Socks / slippers
Showergel
Dry shampoo (not messing around with a hair dryer in hosp)
Maternity pads
Breast pads
Nipple cream
Hair bobbles/ties
Deodorant

Baby -
Vests
Sleepsuits
Hats
Socks
Blanket
Muslin squares
Leaving outfit
Nappies / wipes
Little keepsake comforter or teddy
Dummy's / pacifier

I think that's pretty much the basics covered! Sure I'll think of more when I come to pack though!

 

[chathamlady]

The only thing they provided was formula (enfamil) and some disposable bottles and nipples and a hat everything else i had to bring im also from ontario canada when you register at the hospital they will give you a list of what to bring

 

[emalou90]

Do they provide diapers or do you have to?

In the US they tend too. So I've heard.
I don't know of anyone who's had a baby in the UK who had them provided.

 

[Celesse]

In the UK they will NOT provide nappies.

Also the vast majority of UK hospitals will only provide formula if there is a medical need....ie breastfeeding isn't going well. If its just that you don't want to breastfeed then you have to provide your own formula and bottles.

 

[BabyBlondex]

Basically the only thing I didnt take with DD was my own bed....hahahaha

 

[pegi]

great thread x i cant wait to pack my bag

 

[Rainbow gems]

In the UK they will NOT provide nappies.

Also the vast majority of UK hospitals will only provide formula if there is a medical need....ie breastfeeding isn't going well. If its just that you don't want to breastfeed then you have to provide your own formula and bottles.

where in from in the uk they supply formula and disposable bottles for everyone

 

[MrsH1984]

In the UK they will NOT provide nappies.

Also the vast majority of UK hospitals will only provide formula if there is a medical need....ie breastfeeding isn't going well. If its just that you don't want to breastfeed then you have to provide your own formula and bottles.

where in from in the uk they supply formula and disposable bottles for everyone

Same where I'm from too!!! My SIL FF and the hospital supplied formula and I know of other people who did the same too!

They also supplied approx 4-6 pampers nappies in the cot when you first went on to the ward! I'd say take your own nappies though, but just saying not everywhere is the same!!

I wish I'd kept my list from packing for DD, I'll upload mine when I've written it, as I'm in the process of making my list too xx

 

[bluejen]

I don't think they would let your baby starve if you didn't want to bf! Bear in mind they usually only have 1 or 2 brands of formula so if you definitely know you want to ff, it's probably best to chose it yourself and buy some beforehand.
They usually give you a list, but a good tip I got was to take lightweight pjs/nighty and lightweight dressing gown as they keep the maternity ward quite warm for the babies. You may want thick socks for labouring though as for some reason your feet get cold!

 

[Ckelley]

TMI... But...

Postpartum bleeding is like a flood. Bring heavy duty pads. They gave me some really crapy adult diapers. I am going to get some good adult diapers just in case. Something comfortable that fits and works.

Other than the basics I would say whatever helps to relax you. I will probably have my wave machine.

 

[leash27]

In the UK they will NOT provide nappies.

Also the vast majority of UK hospitals will only provide formula if there is a medical need....ie breastfeeding isn't going well. If its just that you don't want to breastfeed then you have to provide your own formula and bottles.

where in from in the uk they supply formula and disposable bottles for everyone

Same where I'm from too!!! My SIL FF and the hospital supplied formula and I know of other people who did the same too!

They also supplied approx 4-6 pampers nappies in the cot when you first went on to the ward! I'd say take your own nappies though, but just saying not everywhere is the same!!

I wish I'd kept my list from packing for DD, I'll upload mine when I've written it, as I'm in the process of making my list too xx

Same here and I am in Leeds. Although it was 3 years ago that I had DS so may have changed but they usually have the prepared bottles of formula with a disposable teat here and they stored almost every brand. I didn't actually use them but they were kept in the kitchen area so I saw them and the mums just helped themselves. No nappies here though as far as I am aware but I had taken my own anyway.

I will probably pack everything but the kitchen sink I will be having a c section so not sure how long I will be in really.

X

 

[ambercakes]

Wow thanks for all your input ladies I sure have a lot to pack

Never would have thought you'd bleed that much though yikes

 

[Rainbow gems]

Wow thanks for all your input ladies I sure have a lot to pack

Never would have thought you'd bleed that much though yikes

oh yes!! With my DS i had him put a pad on had lots of visitors (as it was visiting time) and within 30 minutes of having him i had bled through and all over the bed:/

 

[ambercakes]

Wow thanks for all your input ladies I sure have a lot to pack

Never would have thought you'd bleed that much though yikes

oh yes!! With my DS i had him put a pad on had lots of visitors (as it was visiting time) and within 30 minutes of having him i had bled through and all over the bed:/

Well that doesn't sound fun at all
What about going to the bathroom, is that going to hurt afterwards? I imagine you'd have some kind of throbbing sore pain down there?

 

[Boothh]

In the UK they will NOT provide nappies.

Also the vast majority of UK hospitals will only provide formula if there is a medical need....ie breastfeeding isn't going well. If its just that you don't want to breastfeed then you have to provide your own formula and bottles.

where in from in the uk they supply formula and disposable bottles for everyone

Same where I'm from too!!! My SIL FF and the hospital supplied formula and I know of other people who did the same too!

They also supplied approx 4-6 pampers nappies in the cot when you first went on to the ward! I'd say take your own nappies though, but just saying not everywhere is the same!!

I wish I'd kept my list from packing for DD, I'll upload mine when I've written it, as I'm in the process of making my list too xx

Same here and I am in Leeds. Although it was 3 years ago that I had DS so may have changed but they usually have the prepared bottles of formula with a disposable teat here and they stored almost every brand. I didn't actually use them but they were kept in the kitchen area so I saw them and the mums just helped themselves. No nappies here though as far as I am aware but I had taken my own anyway.

I will probably pack everything but the kitchen sink I will be having a c section so not sure how long I will be in really.

X

I'm in Huddersfield (will be going to Calderdale for c section) and there a signs all over the maternity clinics / wards etc that all say we don't provide formula. They do provide one nappy though it's in the cot ready.
There is disposable bottles of formula in the neonatal ward just upstairs though so I doubt they'd leave a baby to starve if you didn't bring any x

 

[Celesse]

In the UK they will NOT provide nappies.

Also the vast majority of UK hospitals will only provide formula if there is a medical need....ie breastfeeding isn't going well. If its just that you don't want to breastfeed then you have to provide your own formula and bottles.

where in from in the uk they supply formula and disposable bottles for everyone

Same where I'm from too!!! My SIL FF and the hospital supplied formula and I know of other people who did the same too!

They also supplied approx 4-6 pampers nappies in the cot when you first went on to the ward! I'd say take your own nappies though, but just saying not everywhere is the same!!

I wish I'd kept my list from packing for DD, I'll upload mine when I've written it, as I'm in the process of making my list too xx

Same here and I am in Leeds. Although it was 3 years ago that I had DS so may have changed but they usually have the prepared bottles of formula with a disposable teat here and they stored almost every brand. I didn't actually use them but they were kept in the kitchen area so I saw them and the mums just helped themselves. No nappies here though as far as I am aware but I had taken my own anyway.

I will probably pack everything but the kitchen sink I will be having a c section so not sure how long I will be in really.

X

Its over the last 3 years that the changes have been made. When DD was born in 2010 formula was freely available. When DS was born end of 2011 and during my readmission Jan 2012, formula was not available unless you had an issue breastfeeding. So best to check with your midwife what the local policy is now and not take for granted they will have free formula to hand out.

I'm pretty sure all certified Baby Friendly hospitals will be "formula free", as will those working towards Baby Friendly.

You can find out on the Which? Birth Choice site if you hospital is Baby Friendly or not. https://www.which.co.uk/birth-choice

 

[Ckelley]

Wow thanks for all your input ladies I sure have a lot to pack

Never would have thought you'd bleed that much though yikes

I was terrified to try and pass a stool after. It was not fun but after a baby your body's like "I got this!" Lol.