I took a spare 'birthing' nighty and was glad I did with dd1 as the gas and air made me throw up...lovely

Don't forget to put in a couple of tesco bags or something you can put all your dirty clothes in so your oh can take them away. 

Make sure he writes down all the birth details as our families were told we had a girl when dh phoned them but he was so excited he forgot to tell them the time, weight etc.  His mum said when he phoned first he just told her I had the baby, she had to ask what sex!

and this one is from the babycentre website!

it's a good idea to have your bags packed by the time you are about 36 weeks pregnant, so that you're not rushing around in early labour trying to get everything done then!

hospitals vary in their policies about what you are allowed to bring with you when you have your baby. you may want to take a few items from home, such as your own pillows or cushions, to make the environment more personal and less clinical. check what the hospital provides and what you can bring yourself, but be aware that hospitals can be short on space -- and you may need to store everything in a small cabinet by your bed.

what to pack for labour

• your birth plan

• dressing gown -- useful if you end up pacing hospital corridors in early labour

• slippers

• socks -- believe it or not, your feet can get cold during labour

• an old nightdress or a t shirt to wear in labour. it might get a bit messy, so don't buy anything specially to wear in hospital.

• massage oil or lotion if you would like to be massaged during your labour

• lip balm

• snacks and drinks for you while you are in labour, or some glucose tablets to keep you going

• watch with a second hand, to time contractions

• digital camera or camcorder. if you want to bring a camcorder, check with the hospital beforehand -- not all of them allow them in delivery rooms.

• relaxation materials: books, magazines, games etc.

• pictures of someone or something you love (the inspiration you may need to see you through to the end)

• tens pain relief machine if you are planning to use one

• toiletries

• water spray, or a hand-held fan to keep you cool

• music to listen to -- take a battery-operated machine as most hospitals won't let you plug things in. some hospitals provide their own cd players -- again, check first.

for your birth partner

for after the birth

• going-home outfit, and loose comfortable clothes to wear while you're in hospital. it will take a while for your tummy to go down so you'll be still wearing maternity clothes when you come home -- sorry!

• nursing bras -- two or three

• breast pads for when your milk comes in

• maternity pads -- a couple of packs

• nightshirt or t-shirt -- front opening shirts are useful for breastfeeding

• toiletries

• towels, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste

• old knickers/cheap knickers/disposable knickers -- don't bring your best ones as they will get messy. if you end up having a caesarean,

Copied this from the bbc website

When to pack?

Ideally, you should get your hospital bag ready with all your essentials about two weeks before your due date. If you're having a home birth, put all the things you think you'll need in one place.

It can be useful to have two bags: one for labour and one for your hospital stay afterwards.

Labour bag

Include:

• A clean T-shirt or front-opening nightie, dressing gown and slippers
• Drinks and snacks for you and whoever's going to be with you
• A straw, which will make sipping liquids easier
• A small facial sponge, for dabbing and sucking on
• Body oil, fine talcum powder or lotion for back rubs
• Music CDs and a battery-operated player
• Hairbrush, soap, towel and flannel, toothbrush and paste, and any other toiletries you want
• Maternity pads (night-time sanitary pads will do) and spare pants

Keep a water spray in the fridge until you leave for hospital. It's great for gentle cool-downs during labour.

You might also want to take a camera or camcorder. Check with the hospital first, as some units don't allow filming.

Hospital bag

Include:

• A front-opening nightie (easier for breastfeeding)
• Comfy clothes (such as a tracksuit and T-shirts)
• Sandals or easy-fitting footwear
• Knickers and maternity pads for heavy bleeding after birth
• Nursing bras (at least two, as you can get sweaty in hospital and if your milk comes early your bra may get wet)
• Towels (take one or two - your partner can bring in extras if you're required to stay longer)
• Toiletries and cosmetics
• Breast pads (to absorb leaks of colostrum and milk)
• Magazines and books
• Writing materials
• Personal music player/radio and headphones
• Biscuits and snacks
• Favourite tea bags
• Fruit juice/mineral water
• Baby clothes
• Nappies for your new baby

Remember, you'll need clothing for you and your baby to travel home in, although someone can bring that in once you've had your baby.

A few maternity units ask you to bring in your own sterilising and bottlefeeding gear, including formula milk, if you're not breastfeeding.

also i have bibs and towel for baby.

I have packed for baby;

10 nappies - I have more packed in my stay in hosp bag ig I need them

3 vests

3 babygrows

1 goinghome outfit

Cotton Wool

Booties, socks, scratch mits & hat

Coat

Muslin cloths

Nappy sacks

Blanket

I think thats it??

LOL bn4 yes especially as you think bubs is coming on the 17th you dont wanna be throwing things in a bag whilst in pain

ive put all that plus a hat, scratch mitts and a shawl x x

I havent actally even packed mine, do you think I should start??

I'm sure this has been done a million times, but what are you all putting in your hospital bags?

I've started packing one for bubs, and so far I've put in;

- 2 hand towels and a facecloth (but should these be in my bag?

- 7 vests,

- 3 babygro's (I know I need more of these, have to get Ryan's out of the attic)

- one pair of booties,

- one outfit

- one coming home velour padded bodysuit thingy

- one packet of nappies,

- one packet of wipes,

- one handy packet of tissues

- one small bottle of instant handwash stuff.

I don't intend to use a dummy as I didn't use one with Ryan and I hope to breastfeed again, so don't want to confuse the baby with different teats.

Can you think of anything I've missed there???

Also, what do I need for my bag - haven't really organised anything for it yet apart from a new toothbrush and a bottle of shower gel!!!!!