What to pack in a hospital bag?

According to my ipod app, I should have my birth plan written and my bags packed just about now... just in case of early onset labour. I haven't but now is as good a time as any to start thinking about what I need.

My memories of my time in hospital (including a day and a half after the birth) is all a bit of a blur so its hard for me to remember what I found useful and what I didn't bother using. I can't even remember whether there was anything I really felt I was lacking and then wished I had taken with me. Mr. B's memory is just as blurry.

I have read all of the standard lists from all of the mummy websites that include the following:-

For labour

• Snacks and drinks


• labour aids such as a TENS machine, music, massage oil or a birth ball


• fully-charged camera


• hair-ties


• birthing shirts or loose-fitting t-shirts

For baby

• nappies


• cotton wool


• two or three vests and body suits


• a blanket


• scratch mitts and hat (although I dispensed with both on my midwives' advice)

For the ward

• breastfeeding nighties and bras


• breast pads


• disposable briefs


• hairbrush


• dressing gown and slippers


• shampoo and facewash


• toothpaste and toothbrush


• A change of outfit for going home


• Cash (or credit card these days) for phoning home if mobile's aren't permitted

Now, here's the thing. I need your input for things that really don't matter AND for those little pieces of genius that you just couldn't have survived without. Here's a few ideas of things people told me last time (and I now totally agree with, even if I ignored them the first time around)...

• Energy drinks for you and your birth partner during labour


• A sponge scourer for cleaning the bath - shared hospital baths can have some hidden surprises (cobwbebs in my case)!


• A small cup for pouring water over an episiotomy wound when going to the toilet to reduce the sting of the urine


• Vaseline to put on baby's bottom to prevent maconium sticking to their skin