Labour Bag Suggestions Anybody?

[YummyMummy1208]

I am preparing far too early (am 25 wks) but what the hell, i know how fast the time flys lately and before i know it ill be in the labour ward and will have forgotten half the things i need!

i know all the basics, having packed a labour bag 3 years ago but would love to hear ur suggestions on luxury things that would be useful to have at the hospital...any ideas?

ipod (for when they break your waters and you want to pretend youre somewhere else )
a much bigger t-shirt than you think you'll need for labour
bigger clothes than you think you'll need for after
crap dressing gown/slippers/nighties that can be thrown away before you come home

You'll never use any of it buuutttt ...........

arnica tablets

are you in private birthing unit? First birth I had was in an active birthing unit, I took candles (ha haaaaaaaaaa! oh how I laugh now).

I took CDs of music I might like to listen to while in labour.

A book (again oh how I laugh now)

camera

slippers

a decent outfit to go home in (having arrived in a large maternity lounge suit type thing)

I also packed a bag of food I might quite like to munch on if there for a while, so had bananas, iced buns, nice soft drinks)

I had my own flannel for DP to mop my brow with (wait while I stop laughing again!)

Malteasers, mascara, a nice towel in a dark colour, ipod , water spray and cordial. and slippers - I actually cant wait to wear my new slippers.
Plus all the things you need, big pants, big pads, cheap button up nighties (if bf) and a dressing gown.

• definitely food that will prevent constipation
• strong piles ointment
• flip flops to wear in the shower, if youre funny about using communal showers etc (which I am)
• a nice clean nightie so you feel nicer afterwards
• I'm going to hide painkillers in my bag this time - I was refused some last time, cos I had to "see how I got on" without them?!?
• healthy/filling snacks. I never got my choice of meal in 2 days, for various reasons, and I didnt like one of the meals they gave me
• iPod to drown out the other babies crying when you need a rest

Straws! Someone recommended them to me when pregnant first time and it was great because DH could hold a drink for me and I could just sip in whatever position I was comfortable in. I was very sick so was sipping a lot of water throughout.

Camera definately for those first pics of baby.

my luxuries:
own pillow
lavender oil - for sniffing/massaging/bath/pillow scenting
nice shower gel and body lotion for afterwards
nice lip balm
thermos and supply of herbal teabags

as little as possible.

thanks for that LittleSilver! altho not much use as i know my bag is going to be overloaded with things - after all, i have my OH to carry it in for me! plus i like having all my little luxuries, makes it a tad nicer.

My own pillow was a must for me and someone also told me to take a water spray - you can get it in Boots - Evian spray or Hot Weather spray - it was honestly the best thing I took. So refreshing and a great addition to pain relief!