Pregnancy Week 39- Getting ready for labour- Birth plan, care plan and hospital bag

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Medically all is ready, decisions are made, plans in place- I have updated my birth plan (cut out the waffle and bullet pointed it). The consultant midwife has given me a copy of their care plan.

The core of my birth plan:

• to have as natural birth with minimal intervention,
• spend most of my labour in a birthing pool
•  deliver the baby in the birthing pool
• get out of the pool after delivery to deliver placenta
• clamp cord once it has stopped pulsating
• watch for a haemorrhage, but no intervention if there aren’t any signs

I keep on seeing myself going through labour at home, but am actually prepared to go with the flow. It’s wise to set intentions, but I feel even wiser to allow the situation to guide us.

The hospital’s personalised care plan states:

She has agreed in light of the risk of post partum haemorrhage and having another big baby her intention will be to birth in hospital if a pool is available. (In bold: ) This should be facilitated as far as possible. (I am grateful for the special support I am receiving and only hope that there is no bluffing involved.)

Image credit- Parentdish.co.uk

I feel I am prepared for the labour. I am quite calm about the prospect of giving birth.

It’s some of the outstanding tasks that worry me. I’ve already touched on the things that we need to prepare for baby.

I also need to prepare a hospital bag or two. Dadonthebrink has been asking for me to do this for a week or two now.

Thanks to twitter I have a list (one which is based on experiences of people):

“Clothes, breast pads, maternity pads, nappies, lansinoh, lip balm, badidas, sports water bottle” @snafflesmummy

“Alcohol?? ” @peekaywrites (…that made me remember that there was the wonderful Gas and Air available and oramorph for after… alcohol not needed.)

“Snacks, juice boxes, maternity knickers & panty liners (thick!). mags, ipod, camera, clothes for little ‘un, nightie, slippers x
p.s if u have iPhone there is a great contraction timer app u can get, plus don’t forget tens machine if want & massage oil” @brumkat

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“ Twice as many pads as you think, spare undies, pj’s & dressing gown, socks or slippers, water, cereal bars, toiletries & camera, breast pads.
Oh and pack a towel, dark colour best! And I couldn’t have been without my flannel for during labour.
..and for baby: 6 nappies, 2 or 3 vests & sleepsuits, a hat, cardi, 6 muslins, cotton wool & blanket” @Simmmo19

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“Breast pads, plenty of mat pads. Cereal bars and drinks. Baby clothes. Don’t take white pj bottoms like me! Also watch for tight waistbands and low waist bands.
I put in far too much. I had a labour outfit x2, pjs, dressing gown, 5 pants, socks, slippers, toiletries (as if going to a spa).” @ MrsHoppyfrog

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“Arnica tablets? Hairbands, snacks/drinks for daddy. Funny, was just talking about packing my bag when I saw yr tweet. useful!” @gloriabailey

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“Lots of sanitary products, underwear, toiletries, clothes, etc etc” @ lisadaw2

“Lip balm, Hair bobbles, phone charger, bag of sweets and. Bounty bar!” @ Bekiboo80

“Wild Rose oil- I put it on my wrists, pillow and sometimes a little on a muslin when out with baby. It lasts for ever and is very calming. Such a soft pure smell and extremely uplifting too.
Oh yes, and primark for knickers cheaper than disposable. Despite an irony of child labour!
For baby – baby blanket 1st baby clothes, a muslin u can keep near u till then so it carries mama’s scent, camera, breast pads” @sistersguild

“My most certain item is my v pillow..hosp pillows are crap & its good for breastfeeding n cheap flip flops to wear 4 showers.
Today I was perusing giant black pants in Primark..cheaper than paper knickers and less scratchy” @emmakraucou

“wish I’d taken bf pillow. They didn’t have anything like that. I took a newborn BabyGrow which was massive on my 6.6 baby
I had 2 bags. 1 bare essentials & 2 stayed in car just in case of unplanned stay. Followed typical list & used almost none of it.” @ClaireLaRue

“Lots of knickers! Snacks for OH, J was starving whole time I was in hosp.” @carlyemms

“Food for during and after is a must!
During I ate yoghurt coated raisins – sugary and high in energy. Could chew small quantities between contractions” @nur_careermama

“Energy bars and flapjack (for afterwards as its ages till breakfast)” @ Dawnie_Brown

“haha! brilliant! Also flapjack,filling & full of slow energy releasing stuff or whatever it is. LOL
Take a straw, in case you are lying down and can’t drink out of the bottle…speaking from experience” @RubyAndFreddies

“Lucozade. They’ll provide the water!” @lesley_dell & @mummygadgetgeek

“Lime Lucozade sport, not too sweet but gives you energy ” @jennicdouglas

“Fab suggestion was not to put everything into one bag, but have back ups
easiest thing – pack essentials, then pack stuff you might need into storage box and leave where OH can find it.
Was a tip a friend told me and it worked. I put it all in the spare room, so he could find it.” @kateab

“I packed two bags – one for overnight, one for other half to bring if I need it later.” @mummygadgetgeek

What else is there to prepare? Do have any other useful tips?

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Image credit: Parentdish.co.uk