When i was first pregnant with my first child, i had all the books watched all the dvd's, and they all had there own versions of what to pack in your hospital bag. I to be honest didn't have a clue what i was doing,i had a rough idea of what to take, but didn't know how much of everything, and kept fretting whether i would need like or this??
My first worry was obviously what type of bag i would take, i didn't want it to big but then again i needed something that would hold all of my and my baby's things, and settled on a nice blue holdall that belonged to my mum, it has one big pocket and a smaller one for little bits.
Then came the dreaded 'what do i put in it'. I was around 32 weeks pregnant and had been advised by many a people to pack just incase my little one decided to come early( fat chance she was two weeks late).
Anyway i will list here what i took and why i took it, remember everyones different therefore go with your head when deciding and be practical.....
~For Mum~
An old nightie/ long t-shirt for labour, you don't want pj's and having the trouble of taking them off every time the midwife wants to examine you, and you'll feel a lot more comfy.
Dressing gown- useful if you are pacing the corridors, to keep you warm, and handy for afterwards- but don't get taking your fluffy new white one- the darker the better.
Socks- Yes your feet can get cold in labour, suprizing really when the rest of you gets sweaty!
Lip balm- Lips can get dry too.
Snacks and drinks for you and your partner- Hospitals can not always cater for you especially if you turn up in the middle of the night, energy snacks and drinks are the best.
Watch- To time your contractions
Magazines,portable cd player- As believe it or not sometimes Labour can get boring at times.
Camera/ Camcorder- For during and after the birth- but check with your hospital as some don't allow you to actually film the birth.
Wash bag/toiletries- To keep you feeling fresh.

~For baby~- Some parents choose beforehand to sex their baby beforehand so they get more prepared, but keep in mind that sometimes they can get this wrong- so be prepared and take some white clothing just in case!
An infant car seat- most hospitals won't allow you to go home without one, also spend time learning how to fit it beforehand
3x All in one sleep suits
2x vests
2x Hats
2x Pairs of scratch mitts
1x Cardigan
Blanket and sheet
Teddy
20 newborn nappies
Cotton wool- as it's recommended to use water and cotton wool for baby for the first few weeks.
2x Bibs for feeding
Feeding equipment-some hospitals wish for you to take your own, but check with them first
Nappy cream and nappy sacks.
~For mum after the birth~
A clean pair of pj's- the darker the better in case you have any accidents or open front nighties if you are breastfeeding
Maternity pads-sounds daunting,but these are a must as you will bleed quite heavy afterwards, i took two packs
Old/ disposable knickers- Again a must have due to bleeding heavy,and can be thrown away after use to save having to wash them.
Wash bag- flannel, soap, shampoo, shower gel,toothbrush/ paste,anything that you would normally take if you are going away for a few days
Make-up- ok so the last thing we feel like doing is putting make up on, but it can make you feel so much better.
Breast pads- For when your milk starts to come in.
A list of family and friends numbers- This can be a job for your birthing partner to ring around people after the birth, but also remember to take plenty of change as hospitals don't allow mobiles.
Snacks and drinks- After a 20 hour labour i was presented with tea and toast, when i could of eaten a three course meal.

Please remember this is what i would of taken and some of you may want to vary this more or less,
don't panic as if you forget something someone can easily bring it in, and don't worry about taking to much you never know you might end up needing it all after all.