I remembered someone asked about the list of things to pack in hospital bag. Found 2 lists which I think is rather useful as a checklist. You may want to customise it to your needs, after knowing what the hospital will provide, and take into consideration the context of the list (UK and Australia based sites) as well.
I'll pack mine next mth!
Hospital Bag Packing Checklist
http://www.bubhub.com.au/infochecklisthospitalbag.php
Please note that what you'll need will depend on the length of your stay and what your local hospital supplies
for labour
hospital paperwork - registration card/health record or similar
medicare card and/or private health insurance company card
birth plan
cardboard/plastic folder to keep all your paperwork in (you'll get given more when the baby is born)
comfortable, old, t-shirt
nightgown
warm socks - feet can get cold during labour
flat slip-on shoes or slippers
lollies to suck on
snacks for you and your birthing partner
drinks for you and your birthing partner - sipper bottles are best
books/magazines - for your partner too
iPod or stereo
massage oil
face cloth / face spray
hair band to keep your hair out of your face
lip balm - lips can get dry during labour
camera and/or video camera - with spare film & batteries/charger!
extra clothes for partner - they may get wet helping you in shower or bath
phone card for public phones - mobile phones must often be switched off in hospital wards and there will often be a public phone by your bed
list of important phone numbers - family, friends, older children's carers/school
change for parking, snacks, phones anything you've forgotten to pack!
plastic bag for dirty clothes
for mum post-birth
(some of the items from your labour bag can be re-used)
day-time clothes - pjs, nighties or casual clothes with front opening tops for breastfeedings (don't expect to get into your 'pre-pregnancy' clothes straightaway, take loose fitting or maternity clothes)
flat slip-on shoes and/or slippers
night-time clothes - front opening tops for breastfeeding
dressing gown
maternity sanitary pads - plenty
undies - plenty of pairs (use disposables if you prefer)
breastfeeding bras
absorbent breastpads
toiletries
- hairbrush
- hairdryer (good for drying stitches too)
- body wash
- shampoo
- conditioner
- make-up (you might feel more comfortable having make-up on for those special keep-forever photos)
- face wash
- moisturiser
- tissues
- deodorant
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
change to pay for newspapers, tv connection, phone calls, snacks, etc
pen, paper/notebook
clock
leave valuables - including jewellery - AT HOME
gifts for siblings from new baby
if you have other children, you might like to have a small gift for each that is 'from the new baby' and which is given to the children when they arrive to visit you in hospital
going home outfit
plastic bag for dirty laundry
mobile phone and charger
for baby
nappies
singlets
jumpsuits
socks / booties
scratch mittens
hat
going home outfit x 2 (just in case the one gets dirtied)
wipes or cotton wool balls
baby bath solution / baby wash
face washers
baby towel
wraps / blankets
DON'T FORGET
Your baby MUST travel home from the hospital in a suitable infant car restraint, which for newborns is a rear-facing capsule. Make sure that you have purchased or hired a capsule and have it correctly installed into your car in plenty of time.
http://www.askbaby.com/hospital-what-to-buy.htm
Clothing for you
two nightdresses/shirts with front opening for breastfeeding
light dressing gown/slippers
socks
two loose cotton tops
two pairs of stretchy leggings
two nursing bras/support bras
Toiletries for you
cleanser
toner
moisturiser
eye gel
deodorant
body wash/soap
sponge
flannel
toothbrush
toothpaste
floss
shampoo
conditioner
styling products
make-up
hairbrush
hairdryer
hand-held mirror
body lotion
stretch mark cream
cotton wool pads
two packs of disposable briefs
24 maternity towels
pack of breast pads
box of tissues
facial spray
lip salve
Toiletries for your baby
baby bath
cotton wool balls
pack of newborn nappies
pack of nappy sacks
Clothing for your baby
four pairs of scratch mitts
three light cardigans
six cotton bodysuits
six sleepsuits
Miscellaneous
personal stereo
camera with film
phone card and list of people to phone
birth announcement cards
stationery, stamps and pen
selection of books and magazines
assortment of sweets
packet of biscuits
lots of unsweetened juice/water
loose change
Going home bag
outdoor/going home clothes and shoes
outdoor suit, booties, hat, mittens
infant carrier car seat