i can’t remember what I would have packed. I would have had a list provided by the hospital. I do remember running out of nightgowns/pyjamas because I changed more frequently than I had anticipated.

maternity pads
4-5 outfits for baby
underwear for you
clothes and pj’s/nighties for you
That’s about it. If you need something else, friedns/family are able to get it for you

Snacks!!! I was a hungry monster in the hospital, producing milk for bub and everything.

I agree with all the things listed here. Other than the practical items for you and for bub, i would add
Phone charger (it runs low really quick and i use my phone for photos, notes as well as of course phone calls and messages)
Pillow for yourself (hospital ones are horrible)
Extra pads (again hospital ones are awful and dont hold kuch, and i underestimated how many i needed, only took a small pack with me)
These were the things i got caught out on when i had my twins. I thought i had everything covered and didnt realise until i was caught short.
But dont stress too much. I used to be an over packer too. Realise that your partner or someone will be able to visit and bring anything you need. Its better than brining baby home with the added stress of too many bags and stuff you bought in!!
All the best with your bub.

Jumpsuits, singlets and wraps for baby (pack a couple extra in case you need to change bubs during the day). Enough clothes or pjs for you for your stay as well as maternity bras and pads. Things that make you comfortable, e.g.: hair dryer, skin care, books, magazines.

My mother helped me pack my bag and gave me a notebook to take with me… at first i thought ‘what am i going to do with a notebook’ but it become my most treasured items. I wrote everything down, I wrote nurses names that were good to me, i wrote visitors and what they gave me as gifts.. i was then able to put the information in to a lovely momento book for my daughter with sections about who first visited her when she was born and her first presents .etc etc..

– toiletries
– many large black undies (it’s a mess down there!) ideal to pack high rise undies or a belly belt to help provide support to what will feel like a very empty soft wobbly tummy.
– your milk won’t come in for a few of days so don’t stress about breast pads. But definitely pack a very supportive nursing bra to fit boobs that will go up at least 2 cup sizes. You won’t know yourself! ????
– pads
– eye mask if you are not in a private room. The lights will keep you up and you will need your sleep.
– toiletries
– clothes for bub that are very easy to get on and off. Onsies are best with a singlet for underneath.
It really does depend on how long your stay will be. May want to pack a breadth pump if it’s a longer stay just in case there are any attachment issues and you want to express.
– one or two wraps/swaddles… Bub will be wrapped in the hospital ones anyway. If you’re particular and want have bub dressed in designer threads then bring your own.
– comfortable clothes for you too. I hated my tummy after labour, so if you are like me, take loose fitting tops, ones that accommodate breast feeding if that’s what you choose to do.
– any meds that you may be on.
– phone charger
– slippers/uggs
– clothes for when you leave

Changing the topic slightly: To put on your car seat to travel home from hospital– You might like a special cushion to sit on designed to reduce the effects of the vibration from the road which travels up through your seat. It has other uses too, like comfort when sitting on a chair so may be well worth it. I have seen a couplke of Mums using them in chairs in hospital too.

My absolute essential is my own pillow, and yes plenty of pads.

Phone charger, camera and charger, books, and a notepad and pen.

Agree with what everyone else has said. I also brought a small make-up stash so I felt human again for visitors. Best advice I ever got too – bring either cold pressed olive oil or avocado oil & if you can, put on bub’s bottom before very first nappy & after each change, it makes cleaning those meconium poos so incredibly easy!!

I wish I had have taken more maternity pads as I was in hospital for 6 nights, reading material and snacks. You can never have enough snacks

Don’t forget breast pads and maternity pads. Also I will be taking my kindle this time and lots of undies!

All of what has already been mentioned and a few good magazines, Phone charger just do not leave it behind like i did when you leave.. Depending how long you are in for ,skin cream as if you are in there a few day hospitals tend to dry the skin out, and some breast pads for when the milk comes in and some nipple cream (for dry nippless it good to have on hand just incase you need it) can not think of its name….

enough pads and clean underwear, extra snack as feeding is hungry work, slippers and own pillow

I used this one almost 14 years ago. Maybe you could adapt it to your situation and print it out.

A list for mom:
• Bathrobe
• Slippers
• Socks
• Extra underwear
• Nightgown with nursing openings
• 2 Dressing gowns
• 2 Nursing bras
• Basic toiletries (toothbrushes and toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, deodorants..)
• Address book
• Trousers to go home
• Sanitary napkins
• Lip balm
• Hard candies
• Lotion for massages
• Snacks for your birthing partner
• Change for phone calls and coffee machine (prepaid phone card?)
• Books
• Tapes
• A tape/CD player
• Eyeglasses
• A stopwatch for timing contractions
• Paper and pencil
• Camera with film and flash
• Breast pads

A list for baby:
• 2 bodies and 2 complete underwear outfits
• 2 overalls
• “Coming home” outfit and sweater
• Spare diapers
• Receiving blanket
• Hat
• 3 socks
• Infant or convertible car seat

Extra:
• checkbook
• identification card
• blood card
• insurance documents
• playing cards
• car seat

It has been well over a decade since I had my baby, but I do remember needing a couple of nighties and a nightgown, and slippers. I cannot remember if towels, shampoo, soap, hairdryer etc was provided, but bring some with you just in case, or check with the maternity ward. If you do forget something, your partner/family can always bring it to you when they visit. All the best.