a private room withou a doubt

You might be able to get a 6-hour discharge, if that is a good option for you.

I took my own pillow and was thankful for that, but then I have a little comfort thing of rubbing the edge of the pillowcase so probably more a personal one.

Hairties as I needed to tie my hair up in labour and hadn't brought any and had to use a bit of rubber cut off a rubber glove which was not fun to get out of my matted hair afterwards.

I think if you feel lonely a journal might help or a mobile phone - to text, or even access the internet? Dependent on signal obviously.

Breastfeeding tops!

I excitedly packed some pre-pregnancy clothes in the excitement of having something 'new' to wear post-baby...they were very tight (didn't realise how long it takes for the bump to go ) and clearly struggled to breastfeed and had my belly on show

I second the rubbish bags too - great idea!

Consider a homebirth...dont have to worry about any of this stuff.

Flash wipes

Coke

Flash wipes

oh and FLASH WIPES as the bathroom was like an abbatoir.

Lip balm esp if you have had gas & air - mine took a week to recover!

I am coming back to tell you I cannot believe how much I needed that fan. I know it is OTT but we were roasting. It was a tiny little clip on desk one (7") so you can sneak it in via normal bag without feeling like you are bringing the kitchen sink in with you. All the beds have loads of spare sockets above them and the staff don't mind what you plug in (mobile charger is a nother good thing to take)

I just had DC2 a couple of days ago and despite promises to be discharged within 6 hours had to stay overnight.
I sent DH home to get my portable desk fan. He came back with it changed into shorts. You cannot imagine how hot it is in there. I would not have been able to sleep without it.
Lots of ladies were a bit bed bound and I think I heard a couple asking for bedside bins so take an empty carrier bag with you to put all your bedside rubbish in. Sound ridiculous but if you are a tidy freak there is nothing worse than sitting in your own detritus.
Actually take two empty carriers - you'll need a dirty laundry bag for the baby's and your stuff.
Even though this was my second child I underestimated how many changes of clothes they need. In 24 hours she got through 3 sets of vest and sleepsuits and her lovely swaddle. I had packed one and a spare set and no spare swaddle so again had to call DH to bring more supplies in.
Finally fruit fruit fruit - fresh chunks of pineapple and soft prunes. There was a lot of white bread in hospital so the fruit mitigates the effects of this which you will be SO grateful for.

Take a pillow for sure. And get someone to bring you in some fresh fruit. The towels are a good idea too.
I'm really hoping to stay at home this time.

I wish I had stayed at home - 2nd time round I did .

Erm, I wished I had got a private room. It was so hot and noisy and I was so worried about my baby waking others too. I hadn't a clue what to do with him and felt completely helpless. At least in a private room I could have been clueless and useless in privacy!