Tailored to your birth plan and your packing style. Tick things off as you pack; it saves on this device and prints. A good time to start packing is around 32-34 weeks.
Average length of stay (a rough guide)
Vaginal birth (if straightforward): often home the same day. This can vary from about 6-24 hours after delivery.
Induction: the process itself often takes 1-3 days before labour gets going, so allow extra time on top.
Planned (elective) caesarean: usually 1-2 nights.
Emergency caesarean: usually at least 2 nights, sometimes longer.
Premature or other extended stays: 3+ days, and much longer if your baby needs the neonatal unit (SCBU/NICU) or you have complications.
These are general NHS averages - your actual stay depends on you, your baby and your unit. Sources: NHS (caesarean recovery), plus NHS trust maternity guidance on discharge after a vaginal birth and on induction.