It’s worth thinking about what you need to get ready for the birth well in advance. Although you have an estimated delivery date it is important that you are ready. From week 37 (considered “term”) to week 42, is the five week period which would be entirely normal for the baby to be born.
This is a unique event, and now is the time to prepare yourself for the big day. Taking care of all the arrangements will just calm you down when you go into labour. Here is a couple of points you need to consider when making your plans.
- Have your birth partner’s contact number on speed dial on your phone, so when you need to contact him it doesn’t have to waste time.
- You can also have your doctor/midwife’s on speed dial, if anything goes wrong that you can get hold of them and not having to stumble through a telephone directory. Also give this number to your birth partner!
- Pack your labour bag in advance, and make sure you have everything you need.
- You will also need to know the route to hospital, no time for getting lost or stopping for directions. 😉
- If you do have children, you will need to make arrangements for them as well, someone to look after them while you are not there, and explain to them what is happening so that they understand.
Ok lets pause for a while and lets see what we need for our labour bag, you will need to pack they basic kit for the birth and afterwards.
- Two or three maternity bras
- Breast pads and maternity underwear
- Plastic bag for dirty washing
- Clothes to come home in
- Nightdresses – an old nightdress or baggy t-shirt, preferably front opening for labour, and a gown for the few days in hospital
- Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, brush, comb, face cloth, face cream, shower gel, shampoo, make-up, small mirror and perfume
For your baby
- Stretch suits and suitable nightwear
- Vests
- Cardigan or coat and a hat to come home in, depending on the weather.
- Bum cream
- Nappies
- Wet wipes
- Baby brush and comb
- Baby oil, shampoo, powder, surgical spirits, ear buds and cotton
- Blanket
- And lastly, when you depart from hospital, you must fit a suitable baby seat in the car to take your baby home