Hi Jo,
I didn't go to hospital, but in my experience, this is what I would say:-
1/ Ive bought some super thick sanitary towels, wondered how many I should take to hospital with me? They take up alot of room so dont want to take too many really & someone can always bring more if I run out.
I would take more than you think you need. I had a good birth (although I had a second degree tear as DD's jaw got a bit stuck) and still its scary how much you bleed. I was changing towels every 2 hours and wearing 2 at a time. I would take 2 packs at least to keep you going in case you are in for a couple of days - although maybe the hospital will supply some if you run out? Maternity pads are good and thick but I also agree with getting sanitary towels - maternity pads were really sore on my wound after a few days.
2/ Im struggling to find any front opening nighties that look ok and arent really 'old person' like I dont wanna spend loads cos prob wont wear em when im home so just need a couple really that are pretty cheap? Ive looked in Asda, Tescos, Matalan.... any other ideas?
I saw someone buying a lovely one in Mothercare today and I think it was in the sale! It was blue and spotty - looked lovely. Although I wouldn't worry too much about this - I would take any old t-shirt (as it'll probably get spoiled with blood/milk) and you really won't care about howking up your t-shirt as everyone and their Granny has already seen everything you've got!
3/ Whats sensible to pack for going home clothes, something really comfy I presume? Some comfy tracksuit bottoms or simular?
I wore maternity clothes mainly for at least 3 weeks after giving birth. Providing you're not planning a section, trakkie bottoms sound great (I think with a section you try to avoid anything that will cut into your wound).
4/ Should I bother taking a book/mags or leave it?
Unless you are induced or go into hospital in very early labour, I would leave this one out. In that case, there will probably be a shop your OH could buy a couple of mags from or a TV in the room (?). Once your baby is born, you will be too tired/too obsessed with your baby/have too many visitors to worry about this.
5/ Im taking a medium sized holdall with babys stuff & my things for after labour like towels and toiletries etc then im also taking a labour bag with stuff in for during labour, will this be ok?
I'm not sure about this one.
6/ When going home we have a big thick snowsuit for baby, what should she be wearing underneath? How many layers is advised?
I use snowsuits! I didn't know I was in the minority! I've just started putting DD in hers this week when we are going out in the sling as its so chilly here (Scotland) and she often wears just tights and dresses indoors. Layers wise, its always advised that your baby wears one more layer than you - so if you are in a t-shirt and jumper and jacket, the baby will need vest, t-shirt, jumper/cardie and jacket/snowsuit. You always test a baby's body temperature by sticking two fingers down the front of their vest - it should feel nice and toasty - don't go by their fingers/feet as all the blood is concentrated near the organs, babies often have cold hands and feet but are nice and warm.
I hope all that helps! Good luck!
Valentine Xxx
Sorry if some of em are obvious 
xxx
I dont wanna spend loads cos prob wont wear em when im home so just need a couple really that are pretty cheap? Ive looked in Asda, Tescos, Matalan.... any other ideas?
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A vest, sleepsuit and cardigan should be fine with a hat and mitts 