I've done my fair share of hospital stays - not baby-related I confess - but, for some, going into hospital either for birth is their first experience of a hospital admission. Perhaps you've never even set foot inside a hospital before, let alone been on a ward, hooked up to a drip and being asked to confirm your name every half an hour by someone new.

I'm writing this particular post after a recent, unplanned, stint in hospital and It was not my first rodeo. I therefore was able to make myself a comprehensive list, prior to leaving my flat, of everything I thought would be useful in the event this day-trip turned into a sleepover. In this list, I will focus on the things you as the adult/patient in this scenario might want to consider and then I might add to the end, the bits and bobs you might need for baby if this trip is to give birth, or is along for the ride too.

• Medical Notes - If you have any previous medical notes, your birth plan, perhaps a file where you keep any doctors letters or hospital records, this is really useful to have on you. The NHS are great in so many ways, but, even when you've been to the same hospital several times for the same issue, they will likely ask you for your full history each time. Having some handy paperwork in a file or a plastic wallet is always useful.

• Existing medications - If you're on any existing medications, take a supply with you. They will always ask this when you're admitted and make a note and the hospital pharmacy will then make sure you have enough of what you need, both during your stay and on discharge.

• Comfy (breast-feeding accessible if necessary) clothes - Pyjamas, tracksuits, nighties, socks comfortable underwear that could fit a large post-partum maternity pad if that's where you're at...and layers. I find hospitals can be unpredictable temperature wise so always keep a warm layer to hand - cardigan or zipper style so you don't have to get it over young head, arms in the air...a dressing gown is great! They often provide special socks - tight stockings to prevent blood clots and sometimes anti-slip slipper socks but perhaps bring your own slippers or comfy indoor footwear from home.

• Blanket/Pillow/any other items for a hospital bed that might make you feel that bit more at home and comfortable

• Hairbrush, hairbands and hair products - dry shampoo is always a good option but, if you know you'll be mobile and able to shower, then travel-sized hair shampoo and conditioner, bodywash, whatever makes you feel fresh for when the opportunity arises. Someone from the ward team should be able to help you if you're not able to wash yourself or don't have a friendly family member or friend to help

• Washbag - toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, flannel and soap (although the ward will often have basic washing items if you need them!)

• Entertainment - if you're feeling well in yourself, but there's a wait, I like to think of hospital as a pause button. It's a time when expectations on you are minimal, and if you are able, and want, to spend (relatively) uninterrupted time reading or listening to music or watching a film on an tablet, then crack on! My personal choices of entertainment tend to be a book (although depending on wellness, I very rarely get far with that), puzzle books (because in moments of feeling awake and energised, I can focus a short period of time on a WordSearch or a codeword) and my phone or a tablet (because, to be honest, sometimes, I really only feel I have energy to watch something that makes me smile or listen to an audio book - oh yes...remember headphones in case you're in shared space with other patients

• Chargers for the entertainment....Long leads to plug into the wall as well as a portable battery pack if you have one - You don't want to find yourself in a position where you have the sources of entertainment but on 5% battery or you have a fully-charged something but it's on the other side of the room attached to the wall

Additional Items as Recommended on the NHS website:

For you:

• Disposable underwear (5 or 6 pairs)

• Breast Pads

• 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads

• An eyemask 

• Snacks, drinks and a water bottle (with a straw may be handy)

• Fan or water spray to keep you cool

• TENS machine (with spare batteries) if you're planning to use one for pain relief

• Spare glasses/contact lenses if needed

For baby:

• Clothes e.g. Vests and sleepsuits, a 'going home outfit' if that's your thing

• Depending on the weather: Hat, Socks or Booties...(it also talks about scratch mittens...but I have my views on those)

• Snowsuit (if weather is cold but remember to take this off if putting baby in a car seat)

• Nappies

• Cotton wool or wipes

• Muslin squares

• Car seat

• Blanket

Have I left anything out that you would bring?