It may not seem like a very important issue, but that hospital stay after giving birth sometimes feels like it drags on FOREVER! You will want to make sure you have everything you need, and also those little "extras" that make life just a bit easier.....

Here are some

things I have packed in my bags before, and have packed for my next baby due in March.

First bag: small bag for labour and delivery

1. a comfy, old shirt or nightgown if you prefer not to wear those "super-trendy" hospital gowns

2. a drink and a few snacks for your husband or partner (he's going to get hungry and you don't want him leaving for the cafeteria 10 minutes before you have to push!)

3. socks for your feet (they may get cold during labour, especially if you ahve an epidural)

4. coins or calling card for pay phone in case you cannot use your mobile

5. pillow spray or aroma therapy oils for relaxation

6. your own pillow (this will help you relax so much more than the hard hospital pillows) just make sure you don't use a white pillowcase on yours, so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital linens.

7. MP3 player, if music helps you relax

Second bag: for your hospital stay

You may be in the hospital anywhere from 2 to 5 days or more, so make sure you pack accordingly.

1. Comfortable maternity cothes (don't expect to fit into pre-pregnancy jeans, that will take a few months!)

2. nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed

3. plenty of maternity pads and nursing pads

4. nappies for your baby (unless your hospital will provide these, you may want to check that out beforehand)

5. Several easy to change outfits and tee shirts for your newborn.

6. A camera! You won't want to forget this one!

7. Your address book with contact numbers, so you can call everyone and let them know the good news!

8. a book or magazines, to give you something to focus on when you can't sleep (hospitals aren't the easiest place in the world to sleep in)

9. snacks for you, in case you are hungry after the delivery and the food shops are closed.

10. Your own toiletries (hospitals may not provide shampoo, body wash, etc and you WILL want a shower after all that hard work. Plus, even if the hospital does have toiletries, they likely won't be of the same quality as your usual brand)

11. If you have an older child that will visit you in the hospital, pack a little gift for your child that can be from "the new baby". This will help with the jealousy issue, as the baby will probably get a lot of gifts and your older child won't feel so "left out".

12. a journal or notepad, so you can write down how you're feeling, any sudden ideas, or lists for your husband/partner to get done while you are stuck in the hospital!

You'll want to add your own ideas to these, but if you've never been in the hospital before, hopefully this will give you a good starting point!

Good Luck with your birth!