with Prof. Dieter WolkeMost expectant mothers find comfort in being prepared, meticulously packing their bags for the hospital and making a birth plan well in advance. But plenty of childbirth veterans just throw together a few things before they dash out of the door at the end of pregnancy. We've compiled a list of items for you to pick and choose from towards the end of your pregnancy before giving birth.
For Baby 
For Mum For Dad/Birthing partner What not to bring
An infant car seat
A going-home outfit (one-piece stretchy outfits are easiest)
A blanket (a heavy one if the weather's cold)
A few newborn nappies (if you're using terry towelling, include your own nappy pins)
A pair of socks or booties
A hat
Baby nail clippers - "The hospital where my son was born didn't supply clippers for fear of liability, and as a consequence my son gouged his face before he was 12 hours old" one mother told us.
Small, thin, non-scratching mittens are often useful.
A going-home outfit. Bring something loose and easy to get into - preferably a selection from your dreaded maternity wardrobe - along with a pair of flat shoes. The last thing you'll be worrying about when you go home after the baby delivery is whether your outfit is fashionable.
A nursing bra, breast pads, sanitary towels and capacious maternity underwear. Chances are, whatever underwear you do wear the first few days after giving birth will become stained, even with the sanitary pads.
A dressing gown, nightdress, slippers and a couple of pairs of socks (but don't bring anything too fancy; your nightdress is also likely to become stained if you wear it through labour or postpartum). Think ahead of a birth plan that can help you go through it in a more organised way. During the early stages of labour you may want to walk along the corridors, and you'll want your own dressing gown and slippers.
Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, soap, hairbrush, lip balm, deodorant and makeup, if it's important to you.
A stepstool (if you're short and the beds are high) can help make your time in the hospital around the baby delivery less painful if you've had back trouble and/or stitches.
Something to read, if you're so inclined. One husband we know spent the early stages of labour reading "The Lion in Winter" while his wife read "The English Patient". "In retrospect, I would have brought the News of the World or Vogue - something trashy with pictures", she says.
Your address book, plus lots of change and/or a prepaid phone card. After the baby is born you'll want to call family and friends to let them know the good news.
A few basic toiletries (see the list under "For Mum")
A change of clothes
Some snacks
A camera/video camera. Someone has to document the big event of baby delivery!
Swimming trunks. If your partner's waters haven't broken yet and she'd like to take a bath or shower during labour, you may want to jump in with her.
Jewellery
Cash, credit cards or any other valuables
Work. Yes, we actually know fast-track types who have sent faxes from the hospital room, made phone calls and reviewed spreadsheets – besides giving birth!
