This review is based on my experience of giving birth to my daughter, almost seven years ago . I've read a few reviews saying that worry about what you are wearing should be the last thing on your mind when giving birth, but I disagree somewhat .

My first tip, as with many others, is to have your hospital bag packed well in advance . Babies are not that predictable - you could end up giving birth either early or late, and it's always good to be ready . Where I differ from many opinions is to have the things you are going to need while in labour packed at the top of the bag, so that you're not going to be rummaging about in an agonised panic. Even better, have two bags - one for labour, and one for all the essentials you'll be needing afterwards. Having the things you know you're going to need close to hand will save you a load of stress .

Depending on the type of birth you are going to have, your needs may vary - for example, for a water birth, you may like to add flip flops and a bikini top to the list. Don't just wear a loose white t-shirt, unless you like the wet t-shirt look .

However, below are my essentials that I wish I'd had when I went into labour . (I had originally planned for a waterbirth, but circumstances made that impossible)

1) - 2 (at least) baggy T-shirt style nighties. Now, I did pack one of these. Only one . Not realising that by the end of my labour this would be coated with blood, vomit, and a little bit of poop. I didn't have anything else to change into afterwards, and ended up wearing a butt-baring hospital gown, which was not the most pleasant of experiences.

The reason I specify T-shirt style night dresses is that they provide easy access, whilst still covering your butt when you need to get up.

2) A dressing gown or bath robe . I didn't bring one, and I regret it now . My labour was quite long and slow progressing, and I was encouraged to get up and walk around in the hopes of walking off my own stress, and encouraging my daughter to get a move on in arriving. Hospital corridors are maintained by air conditioning at a pretty constant temperature, and can be pretty cold . You might even want to step out into the fresh air, and a dressing gown will help keep you warm .

3) Slippers, for the exact same reason as above.

4) A hair bobble, if your hair is long . Another item I forgot when I was heading to the hospital . My hair was quite long, and got all over the place. By the time my daughter finally made her entrance, it was plastered flat to my head with sweat and vomit ( I really can't handle my pethodine) and I wish I'd had the foresight to tie it back out of my face.

5) Socks -The only bit of my body that actually got cold during labour (apart from when I was walking around) was my feet, so some comfy socks are very handy .

6) Comfy Knickers - you probably won't want to wear these during the labour, but if you get up and walk around, it's always nice to have your bum covered!

I would stress not to wear anything you don't want ruined -all sorts of gunk gets everywhere during labour, and most light coloured clothes will be ruined.

This is the stuff I wish I had taken with me to the labour ward. As it was, I made do with the one nightie, and got very cold when wandering about . Hope this helps someone!