If you're an old pro or a first time mommy here's a list that might make packing your hospital bag a lot easier.
For mom
Health insurance card - Or your complimentary health insurance papers if you have a private health plan.
Your birth plan - Several copies of it too! Be sure everyone who is with you knows what you want and need.
A bathrobe - One that opens up in the front if you're going to be breastfeeding.
Slippers - With non-skid bottoms if you're going to be walking the halls during labor.
A nursing bra - Makes breastfeeding much easier.
Nursing pads - To keep your shirts clean and avoid getting wet and uncomfortable.
Underwear - A few pairs in case your water breaks or you start bleeding.
Sanitary pads - The hospital will supply some but bring some of your own in case you do not like the ones they provide to you.
Comfortable clothes - You will be more comfortable in your own clothes rather than the hospital gowns.
Warm socks - Hospitals like to keep the rooms cool and dry so the floors will be cold.
Pyjamas - For comfort at night.
Massage oil or lotions - For when you're having back labor, your partner can give you a nice hard back rub to ease some of the pain.
Your pillow - Hospital pillows are not always all that comfortable.
A calling card - If you have family that is far away and you would like to let them know the wonderful news.
Your toiletry kit - For when you take a shower.
A list of people and phone numbers - So you can call everybody and let them know the wonderful news.
Lip balm - For when your lips are dry and cracked.
Hair elastics - For when your in labor your hair will be in the way and it gets very annoying.
Cd player and music - This is great for soothing and relaxing during labor if you're in a lot of pain.
For dad
Comfortable clothes - If you're staying at the hospital overnight.
Toiletry kit - For staying fresh and clean.
A camera with batteries, film or memory cards - This is very important so you can capture all the memories of your babys first moments.
Food and drinks - Especially if your wife or girlfriend is having long labor.
Comfortable shoes - You're going to be on your feet a lot.
Your pillow - Hospital pillows are not all that comfortable.
Pyjamas - If you're staying the night in the hospital.
A tennis ball - For when your wife or girlfriend is having back labor you can roll the ball around her back to help reduce the pain.
Cell phone and charger - It's a lot easier to have a cell phone on hand instead of hooking up a room phone and ending up with a bill in the mail later on.
Money - For the cafe downstairs and some change for the vending machines.
Extra bags - If people bring you gifts you're going to need a place to put them, and you're going to need a place to put the free stuff you get out of the bottom of the baby basket.
Bottles of water - A lot of them because water at the hospital can and most likely will be expensive.
For baby
Diapers - The hospital will provide these but you can bring some if you'd like.
A hat - The hospital will provide one but if your more comfortable with one you bring that's fine as well.
Clothing for when you leave - Make sure it's in season.
Car seat - Most hospitals won't let you leave with your baby unless she's safely strapped into an approved rear-facing infant car seat.
A blanket - To put over the car seat if it's a windy day when you are discharged from the hospital.
Pyjamas - The hospital does provide clothing for your baby while in the hospital but if you want to use clothing that you brought that's fine.
Undershirts - In case the hospital room is a bit chilly.
Scratch gloves - Because you can't cut your babys nails right after birth, use scratch gloves to avoid scratching.
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