What to pack for the hospital

You might not choose to have a hospital birth, but it is still an idea to pack a holdall with items that you might need in a hurry. If, for example, there are complications with your birth (however minor), you'll want to have some basics at hand for you and for your baby. Here are some ideas of what you might want to take.

Don't forget that your child may not arrive bang-on nine months after conception. Have your bags packed at least one to two months before its due date — if you don't need it, fine, but it's better to have it ready than not!

For you

• Several nightgowns (that you don't mind getting murky!) and slippers. Heavy-duty sanitary pads for the post-birth bleeding known as lochia.
• Several changes of underwear. Unsexy as it is, try and get some with a high waist. In the event that you do have a caesarian section, you don't want your knicker line rubbing against the incision.
• A nursing bra and nursing pads.
• Your usual toiletries, including toothbrush and toothpaste. Gas in particular can dry your mouth out, making it feel stale.
• Hair bands.
• Socks.
• Clothes to go home in. Don't forget that most people don't have the figure of Victoria Beckham immediately after having a child. Make sure your going-home clothes will fit you!
• Champagne!
• A little money for necessities such snacks, magazines or even a taxi journey home.
• CD player and music of your choice, if you wish. Gwyneth Paltrow reportedly gave birth to the sound of niche Icelandic band Sigur Rós.

For your baby

• Newborn-size nappies.
• Several outfits for your new baby — don't forget that they may be bigger or smaller than expected, so if you have a range of hand-me-down sizes, it's worth bringing a few. Romper suits, t-shirts, bootees and hats are all useful.
• A car seat to put your new child in on the way home, if you are driving.
• A warm blanket to keep your new baby cosy.

For your partner

• A notebook and pen. Giving your man (assuming he is one) the task of noting down how far apart your contractions are spaced may give him something purposeful to do.
• A watch with a timer on it, for the same reasons.
• A camera and/or video camera — be sure to tell your partner if you don't want the whole shebang caught on celluloid history forever.
• Some snack bars and such-like — your labour may go on for some time!
• A list of telephone numbers to call with the good news!
• Champagne! (Save the cigar for outside the hospital.)