Ideas for a labour/ birth hamper.

LJM

cds/book/smellies/munchies/magazines anything that makes her feel better and more comfortable/relaxed after giving birth. when my firend had her baby i did her a hamper which included nappies/wipes/cotton wool/maternity pads/breast pads/ little hat and bootiees/sudocreme plus a baby diary and a few smellies and nice bits for her she loved it and said she didnt even think about maternity and breast pads, which sounds strange but its something you dont often think about imo

SkintGypsy

I made one for a friend for after the birth, based on things I had rushed out to get as I needed them after mine. She was planning to breastfeed, so to support that I included bags for expressed milk, a closer to nature bottle so Dad could help, some nipple cream, nipple shields, nice quality breast pads, infacol for baby (makes it easier to wind them), a soft baby sponge for sore bits, some dummies and a few other bits. Sounds like the least exciting hamper in the world, but she used almost all of it and was really touched!

narabanekeater

A torch for her OH
No laughing now but after I had DD they took me down to the ward at 3am asking OH to leave. He had to walk the streets back to the car park in the dark. He managed to trip up and hurt his leg so when I had DS he used a torch and I didnt have to listen to the moans of of my leg hurts

Bubby

SkintGypsy wrote: »

I made one for a friend for after the birth, based on things I had rushed out to get as I needed them after mine. She was planning to breastfeed, so to support that I included bags for expressed milk, a closer to nature bottle so Dad could help, some nipple cream, nipple shields, nice quality breast pads, infacol for baby (makes it easier to wind them), a soft baby sponge for sore bits, some dummies and a few other bits. Sounds like the least exciting hamper in the world, but she used almost all of it and was really touched!

I second the idea of getting bits for after the birth, On my first labour it was agood job I didn't eat as I had an emergency c section and there was very little I needed except for my husband;) , but after the birth I needed some big pants (I hadn't planned on a c section and the normal size rested on my scar which was too sore) plus all of the above. I also like the idea of a scrap book or even a baby diary to write your thoughts down:) (plus jammies is good)

craftdaft

I would second idea of big pants!! I had emergency C-sect and had to send DH to Tescos to get 'granny' pants. He didn't have a clue so had to ask female member of staff for help! :rotfl: You could always keep them and give if required.

Sorry in advance if too much info but I was bleeding quite a bit afterwards and wished I had dark coloured pjs/nightie and dresing gown.:o Don't think that's too common but not talked to too many people about it!

Other thing I hadn't thought of was charging my mobile. I chose to transfer to midwife unit where could use mobile but weren't allowed to charge it. My BIL has a battery operated mobile phone charger that I found out afterwards I could have borrowed.

My SIL gave us a new baby hamper and best bits were things I hadn't got as not required at start (teething ring, teething powder/gel, calpol, etc) as if she hadn't I would only have thought for them when I needed them and wouldn't have got in advance!

money_saving_diva

I am due to give birth to my second child in the next few weeks. I have learned from last time and thought I had thought of everything for my hosptial bag but some of your suggestions are great! Thanx!

brians_daughter wrote: »

Pad and paper too, so she can write her thoughts and feelings down - I did this after last lo and when i read it back i cry like a baby i have popped it into his baby box for when he is older.

I wrote about the birth when I got home but actually I was sooo bored in hospital after dh had to leave that I am going to put paper and pen in my bag now so I can write my birth story down in hospital if I have to stay in over night again. great idea!

msb5262 wrote: »

Also I'd recommend hand cream and lip salve, both for labour and afterwards. It sounds hilariously unlikely, but hand massage can really help you cope with pain so hand cream is useful.
How about including a good handful of loose change to pay for parking/coffee from machines/phone calls if mobiles aren't allowed?
HTH
MsB

I have also put hand cream, lip balm and change in hospital bag this time - all things I forgot last time and wished I had. ..... but also another thing I have also put in is an under eye conceler/highlighter one piece of make up all new mums need for the photos

craftdaft wrote: »

Sorry in advance if too much info but I was bleeding quite a bit afterwards and wished I had dark coloured pjs/nightie and dresing gown.:o Don't think that's too common but not talked to too many people about it!

I also made this mistake first time round - wore pink PJ's and bleed on them the day after giving birth and was so embarrassed. Luckily had another pair with me. I have got a black pair of lounge wear type for this time so I don't look like I am in PJ's, they are dark and comfy. So I would second this advice if you get her PJs.

Also don't get her maternity disposable knickers - worst design/things ever!! and don't fit even if you get a size too big! I got packs of big knickers from M&S - much more comfy.

I would also say def get her lavender oil for bath after - I think I also used Tea tree oil before.