What to Pack in Your Birth Hospital Bag: Essential Checklist

It's always a quandary what to pack ready for that hospital trip of a life time. There is a finite amount of space in the bay, so you can't pack too much,

A good few weeks, at least 3 weeks before your due date, as only 5% of babies arrive on their due date with the vast majority arriving between 37 and 41 weeks of pregnancy (known as gestation), you will need to make sure you have at least the basics.

You will need a car seat to bring baby home (don't leave in the shop like I did)
Do you know how to put said car seat into your car? Make sure you have a practice, give it a wiggle make sure it's not going anywhere.

Then there are the obvious items:

somewhere for baby to sleep when they get home
nappies
baby grows and vests
some cellular blankets
if your breastfeeding - breast pads, nipple balm and some cheep and cheerful stretchy bras and a list of preferred breastfeeding support (IBCLC, breastfeeding group, National Breastfeeding Helpline)
if your formula feeding you'll need bottles, sterilising equipment and formula, choose one that suits your pocket, no need to buy the most expensive (remember stage one is all you need till they are one!)

To take to the hospital, you may want two different bags, one for the birth and one for your stay over night / after birth

For the birth- making your environment dim, quiet and calm will help get those labor hormones running through your body

your birth plan - pictures are always better, who's got time to read a novel!
your hospital maternity notes
any music or guided relaxation you may want to listen to, maybe ear pods so you can block external chatter
eye mask - keeping your environment dark, also good for avoiding eye contact so you can stay in your zone
lip and hand moisturisers - can also be used if to reduce friction during a back massage
a lidded cup with a straw - no need to think just drink as and when
a wooden comb to place in your hand during surges
A calming smell, lavender, chamomile, peppermint, citrus are all good. there are a few to avoid during pregnancy, so always check with your midwife before using in pregnancy
dressing gown
night wear, with easy access to your breasts if your thinking of breastfeeding
change of clothes - baggier and more comfortable the better!
wash bag - nothing better than a shower after birth! - toothbrush, flannel, deodorant, shampoo and shower gel (although it's good to keep your self as naturally close to your own smell so your baby can imprint on you and your partner)
a small hand fan to keep you cool - it's always boiling in hospitals lol!
towels - who wants scratchy hospital towels
underwear - disposable, cheep ones you can throw
sanitary pads
a zoodie or cardie; to have over your arms but allow to have skin to skin with your baby
a small hand fan to keep you cool - it's always boiling in hospitals lol!
your phone and charger / extra battery pack
a bagful of snacks to keep you and your partner going
a couple of bin bags to take any washing home

Lastly any harvested colostrum you may have - keep it in a cool bag with blue plastic ice cubes, it's good in there for 24 hours. You could also ask the hospital staff if they can keep in the fridge. Make sure these have you name and D number on them, and if you do hand them over make sure you know to whom and where exactly they are kept