Have your bags (one for you, one for baby) packed by 35 weeks.

A tip for the thrifty: Ask your hospital what they provide for babies and mothers, and take those items off your list.

[ ] Insurance info, hospital forms, ID cards, Medical records etc

[ ] 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor)

[ ] A warm robe, sweater or shawl you don't mind sacrificing to the cause (optional)

[ ] 2 maternity bras -- no underwire -- and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you'll appreciate the support and leak-protection)

[ ] Lip balm (hospitals are very dry) (optional)

[ ] Toiletries and personal items -- hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bath towel, spectacles, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends) and any stuff that you are choosy about

[ ] Toiletries and cosmetics (like powder, bindi, kajal etc) for the baby

[ ] Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips -- they'll probably poke you)

[ ] Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)

[ ] Pen and paper

[ ] Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth

[ ] Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger, Camcorder, tapes etc

[ ] Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes
(or, just wear the clothes you came in! sorry, but they'll probably still fit)

[ ] Nipple cream (there is a very good chance of cracked nipples as soon as you start feeding)

[ ] Any sentimental / traditional stuff like the dress/jewel for the baby, picture of your favorite god etc

[ ] A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner or your mom. Include one bedsheet and pillow for your caretaker (mom or partner).

[ ] Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)

[ ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital may supply these things, but bring your own if you're picky)

[ ] A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)

[ ] A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)

[ ] Breast pump, if you plan to use one

[ ] Slippers that can get dirty

[ ] Very light reading (think mags and newspapers, not War and Peace)

[ ] Your MP3 (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)

[ ] Massage oil and tools like rolling pins or tennis balls, and lucky or inspirational objects (honestly, we doubt you'll use'em! but feel free to prove us wrong!)

[ ] Any food, drink or medicines that you would like have after baby birth if you are picky on them

[ ] Any clothes you really like (they will get ruined)

[ ] Stopwatch (your nurse or a monitor will take care of timing contractions)

[ ] Adorable outfits for baby (the hospital provides the essentials, and infants are too tightly swaddled in blankets for a fashion show anyway)

[ ] Warm blankets (for the ride home)

[ ] 3-4 Diapers

[ ] Extra pair of dress, socks, cap (if your little one pees while you are changing!)