Hospital bags

With my google history you wouldn't think that I was doing this for the second time. Strange that it now seems like a hazy blur.

'What to pack in a hospital bag'

Scrolling through the endless lists on Google I remembered that I didn't use half of it.

Here is the contents of mine and babys hospital bag. Let me know if I've missed any obvious ones.

My bag

Birth

Hospital notes
Birth plan- but honestly 'to have baby' is plan enough, if you achieve that you have succeeded regardless of the journey
Button up nightie
Lip balm (gas and air dries your lips so bad)
Slipper socks
Slippers (you may be told to go a walk)
Night gown (incase you go that walk, last time I didn't have one and done the waddle walk in my nightie. I was passed caring but clearly for the poor people visiting at the hospital it was a sight they would rather not see)
Hair bobbles/ hair band
Ear phone
Some sweets- you can get a bad taste in your mouth so mints or sweets close by are great
If a water birth is on your plan a bikini top - unfortunately I have not packed this as due to low blood pressure I will not be allowed in the birthing pool
I am also packing magazines as I know I will be induced so the first stages can be long.

After Birth

Maternity pads (at least 20) Better safe than sorry with this one and don't bother packing the 'ultra slim' ones for the hospital.
Loose Pjs or a fresh nightie if you have a C-section and would rather nothing was touching the scar x2.
Dark Granny panties (disposable if you wish but cheap cotton ones would be a lot more comfortable) x4
Nursing bras x 2
Breast pads (needed if nursing or not, ensures the only risk of spilt milk is from the tea cart)
Mobile phone - For contact, music and camera
Camera
Going home outfit (dress for comfort, maxi/ midi dresses are great but don't forget you will still be about the same size you were at 7months pregnant.)

Toiletry bag
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Shower gel
Shampoo
Dry shampoo
Hair brush
Moisturiser (you feel so dry after)
Make up (if you wish to freshen up a little before visitors)
Tissues
Facial wipes
Deodorant
Perfume (if you could pick up a sample it's great for saving space)
Face cloth- if you have had epidural or section you can send your partner to rinse it out to freshen up from bed.
A plastic bag (great to put away any dirty or stained clothes)

Baby bag

1 small pack of nappies
Baby wash
Cotton wool balls
Water wipes (99% water for delicate skin)
Vaseline/ soda cream
Lansinoh nipple cream (if intending to breastfeed)
Anti bac hand gel
Vests x 4
Baby grows x 4
Cardigan
1 pair socks
2 hats
Swaddle
Bibs x 4
Blanket
Scratch mittens x 2
Pram suit (for colder months)
Little Teddy or comforter

A spare top and refreshments are great for your birthing partner to bring incase the event itself lasts longer than anticipated *anticipate nothing!*

If you have other kids it can be nice to bring them a small toy from the baby so they don't feel left out. I have a build a bear for Bella with a prerecorded sounding of the babies heart beat that's inside it. Nice to keep and Bella got to make it.