Most important things: a copy of your birthplan (give this to the midwife as soon as you arrive), and an old large T-shirt, shirt or nightdress to give birth in. A front-buttoning one will enable you to breastfeed and have skin-to-skin contact more

, toothbrush, toothpaste and some waterproof mascara to avoid panda eyes in the post-birth pictures!Books and games- to keep you and your birth partner entertainedA watch- to time contractionsMore essential packing checklists just for you: Your essential

Tissues - for the tearsA book or magazine - to keep him occupied if you have a long labourMore essential packing checklists just for you:Your essential labour checklist Your essential hospital stay checklist Your essential checklist for your baby

small and one large.Sanitary towels - two packs of large, absorbent towels. NOT tampons.Loose, comfortable clothes to wear during the birth - a loose T-shirt or roomy night shirt would be ideal. Other nightclothes for before and after the birth - if you