it's funny but money is essential while in hospital. Lots of hospitals have those systems now which go over your bed- it has a phone and tv and you have to buy a card for it (machines to buy them are usually in corridor outside ward). buy one- they are a life saver! especially if you want to ring home to get the next visitor to bring something in you might have forgotten, more baby gro's, toiletries etc. I loved ringing home to speak to my little girls and reassure them I would see them soon.Food is also handy- hospital food is a bit bleak- last time my mum and gary were sneaking me in Greggs sandwiches and the little cupboard next to me was full of snacks! also a pen and paper, it's nice to record events, visitors, feelings etc- you'll forget in the haze of it all later- so when baby sleeps try and jot a few things down- it helps if you do a baby diary or record book to write what you were feeling/ thinking at the time, my girls love reading theirs it's nice to go along with all those photos that we take!!