Packing your hospital bag

Pack earlier than feels necessary, because the one thing certain about the timing is that it is uncertain. Three groups: things for labour, things for afterwards, and things for the baby. For labour, comfort and distraction, plus anything you want in the room. For afterwards, dark loose clothes, far more pads than seem reasonable, and whatever makes a strange bed tolerable. For the baby, an outfit, a hat, and a going-home car seat fitted in advance. Documents and chargers go on top, where a tired person can find them.