Great news! Hospital births are so much more accommodating than they were 20 years ago. Gone are the days of cold, sterile rooms with little to help parents feel at home. These days, labor rooms are equipped with comfy beds that move into all sorts of positions and can accommodate stirrups and a squat bar. Most rooms also include T.V.s, music players, birth balls, dimmable lighting, a space for partners to spend the night, and a few even have birth tubs. Mom can expect to receive postpartum pads, padsicles (frozen pads to help with swelling), disposable mesh underwear, and a breast pump to borrow. Baby will have diapers, wipes, bottles, a pacifier (if allowed), and hospital clothing. No need to fret and overpack a hospital bag! You should have your bag packed by 36 weeks, FYI.

So what exactly do you NEED to bring? Here's a minimalist list. 

• A few tools for comfort during labor that you know you'll use (lacrosse ball, massage lotion, mini fan, etc.). Keep the "maybe" tools in the car. Find out what your hospital offers!
• Personal toiletries (including hairbands and Chapstick), RX medications for you and your partner, and glasses/contacts
• Favorite pillow (put it in a trash bag then place it in a pillowcase to protect it)
• ONE set of comfy going-home clothes for yourself and one set for baby. Don't forget the hat and blanket, if the weather is cold.
• A few nutritious snacks and a few "fun" snacks
• A change of clothes for the partner 
• Hospital pads are free but not necessarily the fanciest, so consider bringing your own pads or adult diapers
• Nursing bra
• Your personal labor gown, if you'd rather avoid the unfabulous hospital gown
• Phone, laptop, tablet, and earbuds chargers
• Birth plan

During your hospital tour, ask about the room amenities and what items are provided during labor and your stay. Remember that even if you completely forget to bring your bag, the hospital sells many of these items or you can send someone to grab these items at any nearby store. 
I also recommend you choose the right bag/suitcase for your items. Find one that has plenty of compartments and store things according to when you'll need them or by purpose (labor, toiletries, postpartum, nursing) so you don't have to rifle through the bag and make a mess. Large zip bags make organizing much easier!

 A birth plan or birth preference list is a helpful way to honor your choices. No matter what kind of birth you want, a good list will have you thinking about all the possibilities during labor, the immediate postpartum hours, and newborn procedures. It's important to understand that no one can guarantee your experience and that it's always a good idea to be open to different paths.
There is lots of research to be done but all that knowledge will help you feel prepared. Also, you DO have choices and can turn down most procedures if you're not comfortable with them! Having a supportive and non-biased person like a doula can help you see clearly at a time when emotions are intense.