Another article from my old site – MummyandTummy 
It is generally recommended to pack your bags about a month before your Due Date – and at least by Week 37. Try and pack two bags so that you can separate the labour stuff from the belongings you will need for your hospital stay.
If you are planning a homebirth, you may still want to place all your birthing and immediate post-natal items in a box for easy finding. Talk to your midwife about what you may need, and what she will supply.
Highlight items you will need to grab closer to the day (things you are using now, for example) and write on any additional items so you wont forget. Place this list on top of your labour bag so you can grab it when the time comes!
(It will also make it easier for your support person to help if you are unable to pack your bags on the day).
Labour Bag
The following may be handy, or inspire you to think of your own items. Better to have too much than not enough!!! You many need to talk to your midwife about any additional items you may need, or what the hospital/birthing centre offers.
This is your labour so make it how you want!
• Snacks for you and birthing partner, and a water bottle each
• Your birth plan and any other notes
• Energy drinks and lollies
• A watch (with a second hand!)
• Wheatbag or heat pack
• Hair ties or headband
• Socks or slippers
• T-shirt/singlet and/or sarong
• Massage oil (something that isn’t strong smelling)
• Underwear
• Lipbalm
• CDs/Tapes and player
• Camera and batteries
Hospital Bag
Make your stay as comfortable as possible
• Dressing gown or clean sarong
• Change of clothes (maternity wear) and underwear
• Maternity bra and receipts (two or three)
• Breastpads
• MP3player, headphones and batteries, or earplugs
• Toiletries
• Your own sanitary pads if you wish
• Snacks
• Magazines
• Pillow (maybe your own duvet?)
• Arnica Spray, Floradix and any medications
• Journal
• Address book
• Plastic bags for dirty washing
• The baby car seat
• Baby clothes (light clothing for hospital stay)
• Baby Clothes (homecoming outfit including hat)
• Baby blanket
• Cloth nappies if you choose not to use the hospital disposables
More on packing bags:
You wont be completely free of your baby bump once baby arrives! Your tummy will become an unrecognisable squishy thing, and you will still need maternity wear for a few more days. You may be very tired and uncomfortable so very loose-fitting clothing (like pajamas) may be the most suitable.
Maternity Wards can be very warm, so you may not need much, However a sarong or dressing gown will allow you to cover up when moving around. Your baby may not need much more than a singlet to wear in the ward but will need to be dressed to come home. And if they are sick or pooey you will need more than one change!!!
MUMMYTIPS
I packed a few wet face cloth in a ziplock bag, which was handy for wiping my face (and spew 
unfortunately) and cooling me down during labour.
I took my own duvet for the hospital stay! The hospital blankets are too light and I felt much cosier with my own! -AA
Facial wipes were handy for freshening up in the morning and before visitors, because I found it hard to get out of bed for the first few days. Dove ones smell good and moisturised my face too!!
Don’t forget the MP3 player – especially in case you have to share a room!!
One of the best things is packing citravescent ural sachets to help you pee painlessly after giving birth, they just help make things that much better!!!
Also lip balm!!! Even vaseline, you will be doing lots of talking & kissing that baby of yours!
-TJ
