Preparing for the birth?

Question

hi everyone, i am 8 months pregnant today and as u can most of my thoughts are now with the birth!
i have a hospital bag packed, but i have no idea what to expect.. anyone got any good tips on what to take? something you may have found useful for ur labour?
i know everyones labour is different.. but any tips or advice would be most appriciated

thanks :D

Answer 1

As a labor doula, I bring my own bag of "tricks" to the hospital. Although a lot of things never come out of the bag, here are a few I've found useful:

lollipops - all different flavors - mom's mouths get dried out quickly when they start breathing heavily. Lollipops are a great way to keep mouths moist, and give mom some sugar to bring up energy levels. Since during labor some smells/flavors may bother you, pack a few different flavors so you can be sure to have one you like. Diabetic moms can pack sugar free candies.

A rice sock - get a tube sock and fill it full of uncooked rice. Knot the top and you have a rice sock! You can microwave these in the hospital's food room starting at 2 minutes, then shake, and put back in for 30 second intervals until it's nice and warm. These are great for that lower aching back or around the belly during contractions. *NOT FOR USE FOR MOMS WITH AN EPIDURAL - please remember that if you have an epidural, you can't feel the heat and can get burned by a sock that's too hot because you can't feel it.

Peppermint essential oil, a few cotton balls - add 2-4 drops of peppermint oil to a cotton ball and wave it under mom's nose if she's feeling nauseous. You can purchase essential oils at a health food store.

Snacks, juice boxes - These are more for your partner during labor so he/she doesn't have to leave the room, but also for mom after the birth. Many moms are tired and thirsty, and a couple of boxes of apple juice does the trick nicely.
Old Slippers - It's great to walk around during labor to help move things along. Shoes or slippers to slip on and off quickly are great. Bring ones that you won't mind having to throw out in case they get fluid or blood on them.

That's just a few, but I hope it helps!

Answer 2

I found that having something I cherished, like a photo of someone, helped me to concentrate and breathe through those intense contractions. It can be anything that you think will help you to focus. Have some hard candies to suck on because they won't let you have anything to eat or drink. Maybe some lip moisturizer too. Hair scrunchies and a brush for longer hair. You can even bring one or two of your own pillows from home, because from my experience, the hospital ones aren't as comfy. LOL Oh yeah, another thing I found useful was a handheld massager, one of the vibrating kind. My husband used it when my back labor started getting really bad, it helped so much. Don't forget to bring your own sanitary pads and undies for after the birth and going home. If you forget those, you have to use the hospitals and they are the most uncomfortable things. I wish you the very best of luck & I hope things go well for you and the baby!!!! Congrats and Good luck!!!!

Answer 3

All the usual bits which I'm sure you've already got packed...

I wish I had taken a book or crossword puzzle or something - babies sleep all the time, and when you have no visitors there is only so much staring at your bundle of joy you can do! I did do plenty of staring, but a light easy to read book would have been good, the other women were not conversationalists!

I wish you good luck with your delivery, and a lifetime of happiness with your imminent arrival. Try and make the most of the next few weeks, enjoy being waited on, and take your time to make those last few mental adjustments...

Answer 4

Expect lots of proding and pocking. Monotoring around your stomach for you and baby. NO FLUIDS OR FOOD, yet your birthing partner(s) can. Try and relax under the circumstances, and if your waters break in the house, bed or car don't worry as it is only WATER.

If anyone else says to you BREATH then tell them (if I didn't then I would be dead) you may get funny looks but you will giggle inside.

You may find that no one has looked in on you for a while but, do not worry this is normal as there are other mums giving birth, talk to the midwife if you want to know anything after all they are there for you.

After the birth..........



ENJOY......
Get some rest and let everyone around you make a fuss.

From a dad with a 3 year old girl.

Answer 5

i didn't think of it before the birth but we picked up a 4 pack of large bottles of water with sports caps on because it helps you if you have gas and air as it makes your throat dry. also because i didn't feel like eating much we got cereal bars like nutri grain at the hospital, basically anything light and nutritious to keep you going, especially through the early stages of labour as before they even class you as being in full labour you won't get any drugs and it's not painful exactly more uncomfortable...so get some paracetamol and have plenty of clean towels as they often suggest to help with the pain to take a bath while you are still at home, just make sure you have someone with you!

good luck with everything...ooh and keep by some change for phones...snack machines ect...!!

Answer 6

Take snacks and drinks, you might not feel hungry (I didn't) but your OH will be starving. Take a water spray, a hair scrunchie (if you have long hair) and sanitary towels. You may want to take your favourite bath / shower gel for after the birth too. Also take a sleepsuit, vest and blanket for the baby, and don't forget the car seat.

I made a list and ticked things off one by one as I'd packed them, otherwise I'd have forgotten things.

Good luck and best wishes

Answer 7

sounds silly, but i took some makeup and i nice outfit (well not a dress, with knee highs or anything lol), after i had her i went and had a shower and got changed and did my face, i know looks isnt important it just made me feel so much more better though, relaxed, and confident, the other mums were still in their dressing gown (i did that with my first), i just felt different the second time round! good luck, hope you have a good and easy labour, and relaxing as possible for you! xx

Answer 8

After I had my daughter I sent my partner home to get me some cooler clothes. I was so hot he had to go get me a vest. They have the temp up pretty high as babies have to stay warm but I was sweating! Take food with you, hospital food isn't all that tasty. A list of phone numbers as you are banned from using a mobile, spare change, a camera! I wear contact lenses but forgot to take my glasses. Best of luck, you'll be fine x

Answer 9

As far as labour, I was in so much pain I didn't care what I had, but some people find birthing balls helpful. A couple of pillows (hospital one suck).
Hair ties and hair band to keep your hair back if you have long hair. You don't want it in your face.
That's all I can think of.

Answer 10

Take comfortable clothes to come home in and a comfy nightgown to wear while there. Dont forget a nice outfit for baby--for the hospital pictures.