Journey of labour

Final preparations for labour

For mother:

  • have your bag packed for hospital from 36 weeks
  • go through your birth preferences with your birthing partner(s) and doctor or midwife
  • practice your pelvic floor exercises and do some gentle exercise.

For birth partner:

  • keep a list of necessary telephone numbers
  • check the route to the hospital and have money ready for car parking
  • have a labour bag packed for yourself
  • make sure your mobile phone is always fully charged.

What to bring to hospital

For mother:

  • Pregnancy health record
  • maternity bras
  • two packs of maternity pads
  • current medication
  • own pillow (if desired) – labelled
  • clothes for labour – old t-shirt, comfortable clothing, warm socks, old underwear, track pants for after birth
  • massage oil or lotion
  • spray bottle (non-aerosol) for cooling
  • tissues and toiletries – soap, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brush
  • food such as barley sugar, jelly beans, fruit bars, glucose drinks
  • thongs or slippers
  • lip cream for dry lips.

For baby:

  • two-dozen newborn size nappies
  • six newborn singlets
  • six newborn jumpsuits
  • six to eight bunny rugs or cotton wraps
  • baby wipes / cotton wool
  • three face washers for baby bath.

Other:

  • camera (charged)
  • mobile phone or phone card
  • music for use during labour
  • baby car seat for discharge
  • pen.

In this guide:

  1. COVID-19 and labour
  2. Preparing for labour and birth
  3. Who will support you in labour
  4. How your body prepares for labour
  5. Getting baby in the right position for birth
  6. When to seek advice during pregnancy
  7. Final preparations for labour

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