I have started to pack my bag...

[ALovelyBunchOfCoconuts]

Can someone tell me if I have forgotten anything?

I know there have been so many threads about this but just need someone to tell me to stop panicking!

So far I have:

Towel/flannel
Pants
Maternity pads (3 x 10pack)
Nighties x 2 for labour and one after
Jogging bottoms and vest tops to act as pjs for the ward
Toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, face wipes, hairbrush, bobbles and clips (toothbrush will go in at end)
Carrier bag for dirties
Slippers
Socks
Phone charger.

Have I missed anything essential? I haven't started babys bag yet as I haven't washed any of the clothes yet, doing that this weekend. So far that has pretty much filled a small pull along case, like an air hostess has. Is that ridiculous? I'm going to have to have an extra holdall for baby things. I feel a prat going with 2 bags.

I second anti-bac wipes.....

And cereal bars - lots of them - I was SO hungry afterwards I couldn't cram them in my mouth quick enough. Think I ate 5 in quick succession.....

I LOVE the fact that you've done this before but can't remember!! That's hormone amnesia for you

I had to stay in for 4 days too and the room was hotter than the sun, I've never been sweatier and more uncomfortable in my life. Was sure I'd just float out and be home by teatime. OH brought in random stuff, mostly breastfeeding layers which left me sweaty AND indecent. If I do it again, the second bag incase of a longer stay is definitely something I'll do. You could always leave it in the car.

definately more maternaty pads. Mind you how long are you planning on staying in hospital after birth?? I was in for 2 days with my first after the birth & husband was SO embarrassed at having to bring more of them in!!!! I seemed to go through loads of them, don`t know if this was normal or not??!!!!

you can never pack enough knickers and nighties imho. I thought I had everything covered with two nighties and a pyjama set and without wanting to be too graphic all were so soaked in blood after 48 hours I couldn't wear them again. Buy a job lot of cheap nighties and knickers and take them basically with the expectation that you won't wear them again.

Suggest you leave all the stuff (clothes, extra nightwear) you might want your DH to bring in a particular place.

I'd say something like: "Urgh I can't believe I've run out of tops. Can you bring in my blue and white stripey t-shirt? You know the one, I wore it last week when we went to XX's house. It's in my top drawer" and he'd come in with a pink pre-pregnancy size 8 vest with a minuscule stripe round the neckline that I hadn't worn - or even seen - for years and when I gave him the look say "Well that's all I could find!!" as if I was behaving like Mariah Carey.

Balloon has an excellent suggestion! I ended up staying 5 days longer than expected and so my MIL ended up going through my cupboards to find stuff that my husband couldn't. Mortifying. Leaving additional somewhere is a really good idea (like the maternity pads)

The most useful things I had?

Haribo (brilliant for energy)
Squash (London water is vile)

A FAN

As in... something to keep you cool.

Not someone who likes you a lot

I recommend some favourite CDs (if the mat unit has a player) or an IPOD/similar and portable battery-powered speaker. Helped me get through the first phase by zoning out to some favourite tunes.

Money, in case you need anything from the hospital shop.
A small mirror, so you can check your hair etc before relatives bundle in to take photos.
Cool and Soothe sheets - the sort you use for kids with fevers. Much easier than faffing around with wet flannels
Drinking straws

Earplugs! and a sleepmask (wards are noisy)
Magazines
Going home outfit
breast pads
water (from freezer) and snacks for you
Nice to have: bendy straws to help you drink
dextrose sweets for energy long labour (during my labour I had these as I didn't feel like eating - they were fantastic for energy)
your own pillow (covered in a bright pillow case so hospital staff do not mistake it for one of their own)
coins for parking/phone (if needed)
snacks for your husband

Extra pants and food, I used newborn nappies instead of maternity pads. everything else was just never touched (and I stayed overnight)

I wouldnt bring leggings, they'll be the last think you want to put on after the baby for sure!

Oh yeah, second lip balm. The gas and air really dries your lips out badly

Bendy straws....... Essential when in full labour and need water! Hard to drink out of a cup....trust me!!

You seem to have missed out bras!! Unless I've not seen that somewhere else?

Make up for the photos once the baby has arrived.

Dried fruit, moist loo roll and your own supply of paracetamol.

Bras! DEFINITELY bras! And have one on during labour so that your boobs don't look like big floppy balloons that have fallen out with each other and are facing opposite directions in a sulk when all the first photos are being taken.

I packed make up! Make-up! Blusher, lipgloss, mascara, the lot. But couldn't even remember to put a bra on. Consequently, those first photos I have will NEVER be shown in public!

And the make-up remained in the bag untouched for months afterwards

Pack your own going home outfit agree with Balloon if you leave it up to your dh you may be going home in a cocktail dress ! also remember it usually takes a few weeks for your tummy to deflate post birth so suggest something loose fitting or you may struggle to get into it

Socks. I forgot socks the first time and my feet were freezing by the time I'd given birth. Definitely moist loo roll.

make sure you have something with high waist as if have caesarean you need pants /trousers that are way higher than incision line

spare clothes / underwear/nightwear in a bag at home so DH can just pick up and bring in

Really big pants.

I know you've written pants, but I sent my sister out to Primark to get me four sizes up - was more than tender.....

Go through your drawers/wardrobe and hide everything that doesn't fit you now including underwear and night clothes.

Pack the stuff (that doesn't fit) up in bags and stick'em under the bed or something.

Then if you need to send your chap home for something he will (hopefully) at least bring something that fits.

Good luck