Labour Bag
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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16164
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Topic: Labour Bag
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Subject: Labour Bag
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 10:30am
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Im going to start packing mine as Caden is already head down and 2-3 engaged into my pelvis so he may decide to come a lil early and I want to be prepared! lol
What did everyone pack in their bags? Like what are things that you would definitly have in your bag and what are things you think you dont really need. We kind of covered this in AN class last night, but I just wanted to hear what everyone else had in their bags, for you and baby etc. TIA  ------------- |
Replies:
Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 10:41am
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Ummm the things I used during labour:
Water bottle Worthers Originals lollies Notes on accupressure Bikiki top (cheap black one from Glassons) Togs for DH Digital camera and spare batteries Things I used after: Nice body wash Breastfeeding singlets PJ pants My comfy black pants I lived in during pregnancy and still do now (I have 3 pairs!) Toiletries Snack things Video camera Things for baby: Wraps (we found the stretchy ones the best, wish I had more of these at the time cos he spilled lots and they were better than the ones at the hospital that are just like big nappies) Onesies Disposable wipes (didn't have these at the hospital) Things I wish I'd put in: Change of clothes to DH (he got hot and sweaty helping me, mum ended up going home to get him a change of clothes!) I packed heaps more but didn't need everything... hmm I'm sure I will think of more things I needed and didn't, and come and add to this thread later... ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 10:43am
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Cool thanks Liz!
Im wondering if the bag I got yesterday is going to be too small.... ------------- |
Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 10:44am
Yeah I started off with separate labour and hospital bags and it got way too confusing. Ended up putting them all into one big bag and I'm glad I did - MUCH easier to just carry one bag into hospital/Birthcare  ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: grrrgrrrr
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:00am
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thank you for posting this Sheza, have just been thinking the same thing. What do I need to bring ? ------------- Mattias 2yo Henrik almost 1 |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:03am
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I started to pack everything into one bag, but now Ive put babys things into his nappy bag(which is anice size) and Im putting my things into the bag I got yesterday.
So far in my bag I have... Pj's barley sugars and jay bees (lol) maternity pads Should I pack some breast pads? Im going to buy some comfy track pants and singlet to pack in my bag aswell, and some new slippers... I think il write a list and buy everything i need tomorrow! ------------- |
Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:12am
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breast pads - yes! ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:18am
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ok cool, il get another pack of them.
Ohh togs for Adam, must pack those, I think we will just chuck a change of clothes for him in the car then he can nip out and grab them when he needs them. I need to get a bigger memory card for my camera, and make sure I charge the batteries! I think I'll charge them tonight and pack them when they are done. And we need to remember to grab the video camera, arghh so many things to remember. Yep I think il write a list and stick it to the bag so we can make sure we have everything before we leave. ------------- |
Posted By: MyBelly
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:21am
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NICKERS!!!
plenty of them! i found that i bled more than i thought i would, and next time i go through labour i will be packing heaps of nickers! Sheza, the hospital should supply maternity pads, and they can b really good because for the 1st atleast 24hours, you go through a lot, sometimes you may need to use two at once. Also take some warm socks and a cardigan, you can get very cold in the 'transition stage' I also needed a lot of one pieces for Eden as she went through them v quick (lots of explosive poos) yea i would pack some breast pads, i did anyway, but i found i got given a lot of gift baskets from people up in the hospital and they had breastpads in them. Eden was engaged fully from 32weeks (felt like i was sitting on her head everytime i sat down) and she didnt come until 41weeks 2days, so dont be suprised if Caden doesnt come till he is due! Good luck hun, hope this helps |
Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:26am
Oh and a wee piece of advice from my experience - don't presume you're gonna have time to add last minute bits and pieces when you're in labour! Mine progressed real quickly and it was a mad panic with DH rushing round at the last minute... he didn't know whether he was coming or going  ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:27am
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Yeah he might stay put till my due date But i thought Id betetr be prepared just in case hehe
oh yes! knickers must write that on my list!!! and socks!! Im going to buy a few packs of them cheap warehouse ones(of undies and socks) Ive packed an assotment of clothing for caden hehe, cos our AN class teacher said they can mess them up A LOT! ------------- |
Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:39am
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sounds funny but paper and a pen! More for afterwards when you have visitors, to write down presents etc! Wow Sheza getting close now! ------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4 
 
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Posted By: SouthernBub
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:51am
| I had some tips from my MW the other day - because it all mightn't happen too quickly a laptop that will play DVD's then you can sit and keep occupied watching movies. Also check with wherever you're going to be as to if they have a stereo if you wanted to listen to music. Knicker wise - told me to take my oldest ones that I don't mind getting ruined as it can be like having 9mths worth of period in one day! And just an old long baggy t-shirt that you also don't mind getting ruined. |
Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:57am
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Ooo yeah we used our cds during labour - was fab. And second the paper and pen for writing down pressies! ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:57am
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I have some old knickers I can pack aswell, but I thought If I just buy a pack of cheap ones it wont matter that they get wrecked.
Ive packed old pj's aswell, so if they get wrecked it wont matter. lol liz, I can see my poor DF getting into a flap as soon as Im in labour, he worrys about me hehe ------------- |
Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 11:59am
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I had a seperate labour bag and hospital bag. If you have family or friends likely to be waiting at the hospital (or coming to the birth too) you could put one of them in charge of the hospital bag.
Labour bag: (which my DH was in charge of bringing) ~hard boiled lollies ~rescue remedy ~water bottle ~wheat packs (x2 so one could be heated while other was in use) ~lucozade ~acupressure booklet ~rosary beads ~change of clothes for both me and DH ~camera ~extra batteries ~cell phones Hospital bag (which my mum brought with her) ~maternity pads ~breast pads ~soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, comb and hairties ~book/magazine ~suduko puzzles ~pen ~lots of knickers ~pjs ~trackpants, t-shirt, jersey ~newborn clothes (singlets, nightie, stretch and grow, cardigan, hat) ~nappies ~recieving blanket -------------  
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Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 12:10pm
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Sheza warehouse have cheap packs of black nana undies that are perfect!! ------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 12:17pm
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Thanks for the tip about WH undies - I was thinking I should get a pack of cheap and nasties that I can just throw!
Bras and Things have GREAT PJ pants in black (so if you bleed a bit it doesn't matter) and they're so comfy - they're the only thing I wear at home now and I expect I'll live in them at the hospital as well. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 12:21pm
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haha cool thanks Char! I will look out for those tomorrow while im there!
Im so scared Il forget something! ------------- |
Posted By: Redbedrock
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 12:50pm
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Knickers of any kind would have been good for me, I spent 48 hours wandering from post natal to neonates in a hospital gown and papaer knickers (Fay arrived a bit early and in a hurry so we didn't get round to getting out Sh*t together). Agree with good ole big cheap warehouse ones tho, just throw them away if they are too messy. Bigger the better too, same goes for hospital maternity pads too, you need a bit of padding down there regardless of how you give birth
Don't know if anyone else has said it but make sure you take you maternity notes if you are holding on to them. keep thenm in your hospital bag when you are not on visits so that you don't spend an hour running round trying to remember the "safe" place you keep them in ------------- http://www.babysfirstsite.com"> 
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Posted By: rorylex
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 12:53pm
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i bought breast shells with me with my last baby and they were the best thing ever also some milk freezer bags i collected enough milk in those things for a whole week b4 i even left the hospital.
take day clothes it helps to get u feeling normal again if u get out of pj's during the day. the birth unit here has their hot meal at lunch as they have their meals done with the aged care meals and dinner more like a supper so take something to have at night if soup alone isnt filling enough. ------------- Mummy to 4 boys Samuel - 18.6.05 Rory - 15.7.06 Mason - 13.06.08 Emmett - 24.01.10 Baby #5 - cooking |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 2:33pm
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Oh yep cool thanks for that! I'll pack a little stash of food just before Im due or something.
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Posted By: Snickerdoodle
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 2:57pm
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I think everything I took has been covered.
I didn't need it all, but I was only in the ward overnight so didn't have a lot of time to do sudokus and read books etc. One thing that was a complete godsend was FOOD! I was SO hungry the whole time. By the time I was clean and rested and in the ward it was 4pm and I hadn't eaten since dinner the night before, so the hospital meal wasn't NEARLY enough. I had museli bars and lucozades and some trail mix from the bulk bins at the supermarket. Just something to snack on during the night. I was still ravenous by the time breakfast came around. ------------- 
http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: CuriousG
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 3:24pm
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Yes, food food food, the hospital stuff was revolting and I had Char in the afternoon but by the time everything was sorted, the hospital kitchen had closed and they made me eat a cheese toasted sandwich - it was soooooooooo disgusting.
Undies and lots of them. Heaps of clothes and nappies for baby. Honestly, I can not believe how many clothes and nappies we went through - she puked up stuff on one lot, shat on others. All class. A book or something else to do. I was so bored. Earplugs if you want to sleep and are in a shared room like me (joy!) Cellphone all charged up - I got bored and texted loads of people. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: PippaLockysMummy
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 4:17pm
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dont forget to pack 3 PLY TOILET PAPER!!!!!!!! trust me :) Hospitials supply 1 ply and i can imagine it would feel like sand paper haha. Bring some vasiline to put on babys bum so when he/she does the first sticky meconioum poo it wont be so hard to clean up. I bought some incompetance pads by mistake when i was looking for maternity pads and they were awsome, because they are huge! They soak up heaps so you dont have to change your pad every 15mins.ummm and a braclet or hair tie or something to wear on your wrist so you remember which breast to start on for the next feed coz its easy to forget. Ohh and nipple cream!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/"> 
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Posted By: maysie
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 7:29pm
Did anyone mention makeup?? This is my first baby but I figure that I'll be so tired and looking it that a bit of mascara, eyeliner and powder won't go amiss. I'm not being vain but I figure with photos and visitors I'll want to at least look like Ive got it all together  !! Just reading over the list my mw gave me and it seem pretty accurate. It also mentions own pillow, dressing gown, watch or clock & coffee mug.------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 8:00pm
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I took makeup too and left DD in the basinette in the morning before the visitors came while I showered and put my face on (shhh, don't tell DH). People are gonna come with cameras and no matter how much you slap on you'll look exhausted but it may make you look better and feel better. -------------
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Posted By: cat007
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 9:13pm
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Also some old towels ie hand towels or bigger to wear if your waters break before you get to the hospital - you dont stop leaking after the initial gush. I went through several beach towels on the way to the hospital (2 days after my waters had initially broken) and also needed a plastic bag to store them in until they could be taken home and washed. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  [/url http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Neeks
Date Posted: 09 April 2008 at 10:06pm
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FOOD!!! Hospital food is rancid LOL and u don't often feel like a huge meal when your in labour or have been up and down to bubs all day...
I-Pod or radio of some sort Water Bottle Chap Stick (my mouth was so dry because I was quite dehydrated so my lips began to crack and it was really bad near the end so mum went out and bought one - bliss) Big Nana type undies LOL the less stylish the better
Something to do (magazines, books, knitting, crafts) when your in that 'no visitors' time...it gets soooo boring when your baby is sleeping LOL I also agree with the 3 ply toilet paper LOL, if you end up with a tear or even if you don't 1 ply that the hospital provides is bloody horrible and really quite painful -------------  
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Posted By: MelandBri
Date Posted: 10 April 2008 at 11:59am
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I didn't really use anything out of my labour bag either. I found the hospital provided all the nappies, maternity pads and everything else I needed.
But I know that won't happen this time, so I'm a little more organised. I've got 2 bags packed, a labour bag and baby's bag. |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 10 April 2008 at 1:29pm
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Yeah I have a labour bag and babys bag aswell. I think id rather have too much in my bag than not enough, so Il just pack everything I think I'll need/want and yeah.. ------------- |
Posted By: Snickerdoodle
Date Posted: 10 April 2008 at 1:38pm
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Oh, one thing I sent DH home for was nail clippers.
Because Hannah was a day early (I wasn't expecting her until at LEAST her due date) I'd planned to cut my nails and clean them up the night before her due date, but because she came that afternoon I didn't have time to do it and they were too long and I was worried about scratching her. Although, from memory, you wear acrylics? -------------
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 10 April 2008 at 2:09pm
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Nope I used to have them, Im a nail tech but havent had acrylics for a few years-ish.
I have lovely long nails now thanks to pregnancy hehe, but I will trim them down before his due date. ------------- |
Posted By: rorylex
Date Posted: 10 April 2008 at 2:58pm
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oh yes i have to remember the toilet paper the stuff here is horrible u might aswell use newspaper its so crap. iv been so busy thinking about what i need for a homebirth i havent even thought about if i dont stay at home, i have my stay bag with my clothes in it sorted but it only has my clothes in it no toiletries or baby stuff.
oh get a really firm but comfy feeding pillow, i found it an absolute godsend, didnt have it with my oldest and my back and wrists still pay for it ------------- Mummy to 4 boys Samuel - 18.6.05 Rory - 15.7.06 Mason - 13.06.08 Emmett - 24.01.10 Baby #5 - cooking |
Posted By: Katie_R
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 9:18am
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Ooooh I am getting excited reading this thread
I can't remember what I packed (because it was almost 9 years ago )
But I remember rescue remedy - and arnica for bruising is a good one. I have never heard 9 months worth of period in one day, but thats pretty much it haha. I am planning a homebirth too but of course an emergency bag will have to be made too!------------- 
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 9:32am
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Ive packed some rescue remedy in my bag, knowing me ill need it! lol
I packed baby oil so DF can do some massgae on my back I have a maternity swim suit top that Im going to wear in the birthing pool, and Il pack some togs for DF. I looked at packs of knickers in the warehouse so I'll grab some of them in a few weeks, then I can just bin them! And then I think Il have abag of stuff to chuck in the car like...spare clothes for DF, toilet paper! A pack of nappies...things liek that, that I dont want to bring in with me but can stay in the car until we need them. ------------- |
Posted By: Roksana
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 9:52am
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I also hardly used much from my bag, But I used my J&J Maternity pads...as I hated the Hospital ones. they were like pillows.....and not that comfy!
Dont forget to take going home cloths for you and Baby! Make sure what you take for you is comfy and baggy!! I had to go home in PJ's as I packed some thing to tight and uncomfy after my C Section. And yes Slippers, dont forget Slippers and Toilet stuff for a shower, brushing etc. Good luck!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: AliaDawn
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 9:56am
I finished an entire bottle of arnica pills in the week after having Seb... at least you know it's safe to constantly take them every few hours! I wish I'd had rescue remedy... -------------  
 
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Katier wrote:Posted By: yummymummy
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 10:39am
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Undies, magazines, phone & charger, b'feeding clothes, comfy pants.
ETA: I never really found I needed food or water - you can always get some at least at Akl hospital ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 11:50am
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Are arnica pills or cream better? ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 12:02pm
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just wanted to say i dont think i used anything in labour that i packed... everything i used was the hospitals. the only thing this time round i packed that i used for labour was my sarong. the rest of the time i was in hospital gowns cause they open where they need to and you dont have to do any washing after... i even wore one in the pool for tobys birth.
and i think afterwards too i mainly used the hospital clothes for eden and even the hosptial nappies - both the disposables and flats. but knickers are one think i made sure i had heaps of. and for afterwards the thing i found helpful was my husbands i pod... ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: missy_girl
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 1:43pm
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I didn't use anything in my labour bag. I was in transition at home and didn't realise. Luckly my midwife lives around the corner and decided to check on me before she headed in to do clinics. The best thing my husband did was grabbed me a bottle of poweraid. It was the only thing I'd had all day as eating made me sick.
After the birth I wish I'd taken magazines because it was so boring after all the visitors left. Luckily the bounty back had two old Womens Weeklys. A hairbrush, hairties and a light coating of make-up does wonders. ------------- Michelle http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: AliaDawn
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 1:49pm
I'm not too sure if arnica cream can be used on open wounds/cuts... so I would go with the pills. I think I am too used to just asking mum what to use for what. Will have to figure it out for myself some day.-------------
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Posted By: Snappy
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 2:03pm
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Dont know if its already been mentioned, but some plastic bags to pop your dirty clothing (and knickers!) in. ------------- Mummy to two beauties... Formerly Kaiz. |
Posted By: Phat_Cat
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 4:04pm
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Rescue remedy and arnica drops are what I used. Take plenty of powerade/lucoade. And yes lots of Nanna knickers. Jellybeans or barley sugars.The pads at NSH werent too bad and saved using mine and I had packed heaps of other stuff that I didnt really use. Did take my own nappies and nappy liners (to use as wipes much gentler on a newborn bum) and plenty of jumpsuits/onesies as they do poop alot. As for clothing I did use my sarong and a t-shirt but I loved the shower and the birthing pool that when I was in there i was in my birthday suit. I only got dressed cause my contractions stopped so had to have syntocin & epi....food was crap at NSH some was ok but the food at the birthcentre was sooooo devine i so cant wait to go back there again in dec LOL ------------- Tristen - 24/06/07 Rylan - 11/12/08 Angel Babies -14/08/05 & 21/01/2010 Curtis - 26/02/12 |
Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 11 April 2008 at 7:41pm
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I had Arnica spray and it was fantastic. Also second the pillow - hospital beds are hard and the pillows are terrible. I had rescue remedy but forgot all about it.
I got a pair of cheap slide type slippers from the $2 shop. They were great - easy to put on and I didn't care if I lost them. If you're packing warm socks then you should still have nice cosy toes. Lots of baby clothes if you don't want to use the hospital baby gowns. We had quite a few leaks (thanks Treasures) and went through all the clothes we packed. Oh and put an ice cream container or similar in the car in case you are pukey while in labour. -------------  
 
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Posted By: LeahandJoel
Date Posted: 19 April 2008 at 6:29pm
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I found that after baby was born I was really hot and as it was the middle of winter I hadn't packed much light stuff so had to send mum home to get me some shorts and singlet tops. Also after my c/s it was liquid diet only and so didn't eat ant of the goodies I had taken in. |