Labour And Birth

This chapter describes a hospital birth because that is where most people have their babies, but the information will also be useful if you are having a home birth.

Getting Ready For The Birth

Packing For Hospital

Pack a bag to take to hospital well in advance. Many hospitals have a printed list of what to pack. If you’re having your baby at home, your midwife will give you a list of things you should have ready. You may want to include the following:

• front-opening nighties if you’re going to breastfeed and an extra one if you’re going to wear your nightie rather than a hospital gown, during labour;

• dressing gown and slippers;

• two or three nursing bras, or ordinary bras if you’re not breastfeeding (remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual);

• about 24 sanitary towels (super absorbent), not tampons;

• five or six pairs of old pants, or disposables – you’ll probably want to change often to stay fresh;

• your washbag with toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, etc.;

• towels in a dark colour if possible;

• change or a phone card for the hospital payphone;

• a book , magazines, personal stereo or some knitting, for example, to help you pass the time and relax;

• a loose comfortable outfit to wear during the day;

• a small bag for labour with one or two large T-shirts, a sponge or water spray to cool you down, a personal stereo with your favourite music and anything else which you feel will make labour more pleasant for you;

• clothes and nappies for the baby.

For coming home
Pack loose, easy-to-wear clothes for yourself, baby clothes (including a bonnet), some nappies and a shawl or blanket to wrap the baby in.

Important Numbers

Keep a list of important numbers in your handbag or near the phone. There’s space for you to write them down at the beginning of this book.You need to include your hospital or midwife, your partner or birth companion, and your own hospital reference number (it will be on your card or notes) to give when you phone in. If you don’t have a phone, ask neighbours for the use of theirs when the time comes.

Stocking Up

When you come home you may not want to do much more than rest and care for your baby, so do as much planning as you can in advance. Stock up on basics, such as toilet paper, sanitary pads (for you) and nappies (for the baby), and, if you have a freezer, cook some meals in advance.

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Material Source: The Pregnancy Book 2007