What goes in a hospital labour bag?

While I await the birth of our second child the thought of packing my hospital bag constantly stream through my mind. I can't really remember what I packed last time but I remember having everything I needed EXCEPT the mobile phone chargers! Both phones ran out of battery just after we sent the announcement and to add to the stress of not having charged phones, we had actually organised to pick up our new bed and washing machine that same morning. It was a little hectic trying to quickly pass on details to my in-laws. So second time around I'll hopefully have the phones charged and chargers packed! Let's hope it actually happens while we rush out of the house at some ridiculous hour.

Anyway here is a list of things I've included in my hospital/labour bag that I think will come useful.

Hospital papers (yellow card, birth plan if you have one written)

Medicare card

Lip Balm 

Water bottle

Phone & phone charger 

Camera & camera charger

Sports drinks (I think I drank 2 bottles after the first labour, it was the only thing that was palatable)

Snacks (for both you and your birth partner)

Thongs or slippers

Heat pack (for back pain especially during labour)

Stress balls (to use during labour)

Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner/body wash, tooth brush and paste)

Hairbrush, hair ties or clips

Flushable wipes (this is something I didn't have last time and I think it'll be really useful, as I remember in those early days I had to keep dampening the toilet paper so it wasn't so rough)
Make-up for photos (sounds like a good plan but I probably won't actually use it)

Deodorant

Comfy clothes for breastfeeding (keep the maternity pants out, there will still be a bump after the baby is out)

Going home clothes
Maternity bras & breast pads

Maternity pads (you'll need a lot of them)

Comfy undies 

Pyjamas (button up ones are good, easy access for breast feeding)

Reading material eg. parenting magazine, breastfeeding books or baby name books (for those moments when bub is asleep & day time TV just doesn't do it for you)

Just a few tips you can prepare before going into labour that will make things a little easier when the moment arrives:

1. create a group on your phone who you wish to notify of the birth of your baby, this way you don't need to spend lots of time selecting every aunt, uncle and cousin when you just want to give your new baby lots of cuddles & kisses
2. since I have a toddler now making the dash to the hospital requires a little more planning and preparation as to who will mind the young child. I have arranged with mothers in my local mothers group to take care of Charlie until Nanna can come (she lives 45mins from us). So hopefully it all goes smoothly on the day
3. discuss through your birth plan with your birth partner so you both have a clear understanding of how you would like things to be & pack for your birth partner eg. swimmers- if your having a water birth and it requires them getting wet. Another good advice I received, if you want your birth partner to deliver the baby make sure they're not in their favourite shoes, it tends to get messy when the baby comes out, we'll be packing a pair of crocs!
4. on the topic of mess, keep a waterproof mat & towel in the car, you never know when your waters  will break.