• You really can’t plan your birth but there are things that you can do and think about to be more prepared.
• You may have particular ideas about the kind of birth your want – who you want there, how you want to manage your pain, what you would want if things don’t go as plan – I will take the time to fully talk through these, understand your desires and help facilitate them.
• The most important thing to remember is that no two labours or births are the same. These are not events that we can have total control over. Even if we do everything in our power to prepare, your body and baby may have other plans.
• Your birth plan is best if it is flexible. If you aim to stick rigidly to a plan you may have strong sense of disappointment if things happen differently
• Relax, listen to your body, trust that I have a good understanding and respect of your wishes and will guide you toward our common aim…healthy mum, healthy baby.

• The people you have around you during your birth can acutally improve your experience of it. It is important to have people who make you feel safe and free to express what you need in the moment, even if it means telling them to leave. There are times when you will neach peace and quite so it may be best not to have too many people.
• Make sure your people understand their role and they are happy to provide this support for you.

During labour

• Camera
• Own pillow if desired
• Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting messy
• Thongs or slippers
• Oil, talc or lotion for massage
• Spray bottle for cooling
• Lip cream for dry lips
• Your favourite play list

For your support person

• Bathers and towel for bath and shower
• Food – snacks, juice, celebratory drinks if desired

After birth for you and your baby

• Comfortable clothing
• Night wear, dressing gown and slippers
• Nursing bras and breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Extra underwear
• Maternity pads – at least three packets
• Newborn nappies
• Baby wraps
• Capsule fitted in your car for the day of discharge

Don’t bring

• Jewellery, credit cards, other valuables or large amounts of cash

In most pregnancies, labour starts naturally between 37 and 42 weeks.

When labour starts a number of changes take place in your body:

• The cervix (neck of womb) softens and shortens.
• The fluid filled membrane sac surrounding your baby tears (your waters break).
• The cervix dilates (opens).
• The womb contracts to push your baby out.

Signs you may be going into labour may include:

• An increase in vaginal discharge that is thick, mucus like and slightly bloody.
• A gush or ongoing trickle suggesting your waters have broken.
• Lower back pain or period-like cramps.
• Your uterus tightens and your belly feels hard and then completely relaxes. This occurs more and more regularly and is not improved with simple pain relief like paracetamol.

If you are not sure, contact the hospital where you are booked.

Make sure you contact hospital immediately if:

• You are experiencing signs of going in to labour and you are pre-term: <37 weeks.
• There is greenish fluid coming from your vagina.
• You are having vaginal bleeding.
• Baby movements have reduced.