Hospital bag essentials

So I have read all the books about what they advise I should pack but i am looking to hear form those who have delivered at Queen Marys about what the actaul essential are to pack for both myself and my newborn.............practical advice much appreciated............from mittens to maternity pads!!!

The QM are very strict about which types of maternity pads / under bed sheets that you need for when it comes to giving birth - they seem to delight in sending off hubby in search of additional supplies (or should I say their preferred brand). There are (conveniently) a couple of shops on the ground floor of K block which sell these - so make sure you get the right ones and enough to sink a battleship or expect hubby to be sent off on spending spree!


You MUST provide nappies for your baby - I preferred pampers new born as the have a strip in the that turns blue when wet, they want to make sure the baby is passing urine (i.e Breast feeding is working if you intend this route).


In the ward they PREFER you to wear their pyjamas - they will also provide wraps for the baby, about the only clothing I saw that was not hopital issue was a "top" layer to keep yourself warm - A/C is on all the time in the ward and you might get chilly, other than that you knew when someone was going home as they got to wear their own clothes. Although the hospital issue for both you and bub are hideous you are likely to get through quite a few changes through one thing and another so at the end of the day it is easier to wear their clothes. All the bathrooms keep a stock of clean clothes / blankets for both mum and babe so you can change as many times as you need in one day without worrying.


Other than that Cara has summed up all that you need - the only additional item I might add would be the antiseptic hand gel, and a sense of humour and understanding for the differences between east and west thinking


Good luck you'll be fine - for most people theyare only in for a few days.

thanks for this ladies, much appreciated.....

i know its a bit naive but what do you actaully wear during labour?? or is it just a sheet??

mittens for baby. Bring few pairs. I cannot imagine how long the new borns fingernails are.... i had to ask my husband to bring some from home EARLY in the morning as my boy was scratching his face all over - red with some blood stains!

When it comes to labour I think (god how soon you forget) you wear a hospital gown - I seem to remember changing from the hospital PJ's into those ever so exposing tie fasten up your back things! Don't worry though as you get whisked off to delivery ward in wheelchasir with blanket over you so your dignity is preserved on the move!