Most suggest packing your hospital bag well in advance, up to 6 weeks before you due date. This may seem a little over zealous to some, especially as hours of early contractions will probably be spent in your own home. But take heed, things may take you by surprise and just imagine what will be packed if left to male devices.

Here is our list of suggested contents.

For Labour

• Old comfortable clothes
• Hair bands
• 2 pillows  or 1+ nursing pillow
• Money for parking/pay phone
• Bananas, sandwiches, energy bars, biscuits
• Cartons of juice/bottles of water (lots)
• Ice cubes in flask  (great for sucking on during labour)
• Medical records
• TENS machince
• Shoes
• Magazines/books
• Tapes of dolphin music/heavy rock etc
• Camera

After Birth (ha ha!)

• Old towels for shower/bath
• Toiletries inc shampoo, shower gel etc
• Nursing bras
• Breast pads
• Clock
• Maternity sanitary towels - the bigger the better
• Nipple cream
• Disposable knickers
• Plastic jug for dowsing sore undercarriage
• Tea/lavender tree oil (see above)
• Arnica
• Radio
• Torch

For Baby

• Nappies
• Nappy bags
• Several changes of clothes – vests + grobags
• Cotton wool for washing face/bottom
• Baby wipes