Water births are becoming increasingly popular for labouring women. Historically, water births have been used across the world. Women have given birth in the sea, rivers and steam baths throughout history. In recent years, water births are being used more frequently on labour wards, and in hospital births, too.

Advantages of a water birth

• Water aids buoyancy, and allows labouring women to change position more easily.
• Warm water on the lower back can help to relieve labour pains.
• Some women report enjoying the privacy provided by the pool. The pool effectively puts distance between the labouring woman and the midwife, which some women say helped them to relax.
• Research identified a surge in oxytocin immediately after entering the pool, this hormone stimulates contractions.

Some women choose to use a birthing pool for pain relief during the first stage, but then opt to exit the pool for the second and third stages. Other women give birth to their babies in the pool.

Water temperature

While you are in labour, the temperature of the water must be between 35°C and 37°C (95°F to 98.6°F). For the second stage of labour, the water will be kept at 37°C (98.6°F). The pool is kept at body temperature, to prevent the baby from breathing in water. Once born, it is thought to be the cold air that causes a baby’s breathing instinct kick in. By keeping the water at 37°C (98.6°F), the baby will not try to inhale until they are taken out of the water.

When should I get in the pool?

Some healthcare providers advise women to wait until they are 5cm dilated before entering the pool. Others are happy for the labouring women in their care to get in the pool as soon as active labour begins. Water births offer a form of pain relief, and many women find relief when they enter the pool. This may encourage you to get in earlier than intended on the day. Speak to your healthcare provider to find out if there are any regulations in place at your birthing centre.

Can I have a water birth?

This will depend upon your local healthcare provider and birthing facility. If you are giving birth at a hospital without a birthing pool, you will need to check in advance whether they will allow you to provide your own. If you are planning a homebirth, you will need to provide your own pool. These can easily be rented or purchased online. Some hospitals and birthing centres have pools now, so you may be able to use one of these. Speak to your healthcare provider for more details.

You may be advised not to have a water birth if you are a high risk pregnancy. You may be encouraged to give birth on dry land if you:

• Have herpes, because it transfers easily in water
• Are being induced
• Have had a previous ceasarean birth
• Are in preterm labour
• Have experienced excessive bleeding

When things don’t go to plan

Unfortunately, some women are asked to leave the pool during labour. There are a number of reasons why this could happen to you, including:

• Your baby showing signs of distress for a prolonged period of time
• The presence of meconium in your amniotic fluid
• Vaginal bleeding during labour
• If you develop a high temperature or high blood pressure

If, on the day, you find that you are asked to leave the pool, don’t panic. Or indeed, if you find that you don’t enjoy labouring in the pool and would like to get out. Stay calm, and remember your birth plan was just that, a plan. Your healthcare provider is there to ensure both you and your baby are safe and well.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Your birth plan is your way of communicating the type of birth you would like, to your birth partner and healthcare provider. During labour, you may not be at your most communicative, so the birth plan will act as a reminder of your wishes. You may find it useful to write your birth plan with the assistance of your healthcare provider, as this will give you the chance to ask questions.

The best time to write a birth plan is once you are armed with information. This might be straight after an antenatal class, or a meeting with your healthcare provider, or simply an evening spent on the internet. Make sure you have fully researched all of your options before settling on any decisions.

What should be in my birth plan?

Your birth plan should cover a number of important topics, including:

• Birth partner – who is your birth partner(s)? Will they be present for the entire process?
• Location – will you give birth at home, in a midwife lead centre or in a hospital delivery suite?
• Type of birth – do you want an active birth with the use of a birthing ball or rope to pull on, or would you prefer a water birth?
• Pain relief – research this topic carefully before making any decisions. Would you prefer to have a natural birth or an epidural? There are lots of different pain relief options available.
• Interventions – would you rather avoid the use of interventions such as induction or episiotomy, or are you happy following your healthcare provider’s wishes on the day?
• Special needs – is there anything your healthcare provider should be aware of? For example, have you experienced pelvic girdle pain during the pregnancy, or have you previously struggled with postnatal depression?
• Baby – do you want to have immediate skin to skin with your baby? Would you like to hold the baby for a set amount of time before anyone else gets a cuddle?
• Third stage – would you like a natural or managed third stage? Do you want Daddy to cut the umbilical cord, or would you prefer to leave it attached until the blood has finished pumping through it?
• Feeding – do you plan to breastfeed? Would you like assistance and support to help you with this process?

Once you have researched and answered the above questions, you can start writing your birth plan. This will help your healthcare provider to best meet your needs on the day of the birth. Talk through your choices with your birth partner – it may come down to him or her on the day because you’ll be otherwise engaged!

Most importantly, remember that this is just a plan of how you would ideally like to give birth, it is not a guarantee. Your healthcare provider will try their best to offer you the birth you want, but it is not always possible. If, on the day, things do not go the way you planned, try not to worry. Focus on the task in hand, and remember, it will all be worth it when you are holding your baby for the first time.

Need help writing a birth plan? Consider using our Pregnancy App to plan.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Pregnancy by nature is transient. Even though you’re maybe trudging through your final weeks with all the inherent aches and pains of a growing belly, you may want to immortalize this miraculous time of your life. Here are 4 ways to honor your baby bump.

Belly Painting: Taking the time to paint – or have someone else paint – a design on your growing belly allows you to really focus on your bump. Choose non-toxic craft paints and let your imagination go wild. You can pay close attention to your baby’s positioning and how your baby moves inside, and cater the design to his form. Be sure to take photos before you shower away your masterpiece!

Belly casting: You can purchase kits specifically created for pregnancy casting, or you can pick up supplies at your local craft store. Creating a body cast of your pregnant form can make a fun afternoon with your girlfriends. You might even want to incorporate decorating the dried cast into your baby shower – pick a design and allow guests to paint or glue pieces or have everyone sign the cast with well-wishes for birth and parenting.

Henna (Mehndi): Have a henna party to have your pregnant belly decorated or see a henna artist to create a beautiful, temporary design on your bump. While henna seems to be a new fad, it’s actually an ancient tradition. Typically used to mark a major rite of passage, women had their hands, arms, feet and legs decorated with henna (or Mehndi). This practice continues in many traditional cultures today, and can be translated to modern Western pregnancy culture as a way to honor this life transition. (An added bonus if you have a summer due date – henna is cooling and as long as your skin is stained, you’ll be less affected by heat.)

Photography: Whether you snap a couple of selfies with your smartphone, or hire a photographer to immortalize your pregnant form, you’ll be amazed by the changes in your body. While some women feel camera-shy and don’t want to record the weight gain, skin changes and fatigue on film, other women choose to take at least a monthly profile photo of their changing belly bump. Consider hiring a professional and having a boudoir photo shoot – a sexy pregnancy nightgown and some seductive poses may make you feel better about your growing form.

Whether or not you choose any of these options, take time each day to bond with your baby and feel good about your baby bump. Massage your baby, imagining what his or her hair color will be and whose personality traits he might have. Enjoy the final weeks of your pregnancy – before you know it you’ll be holding baby in your arms instead of your bump.

Written by Michelle: writer, editor, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Varicose veins are swollen veins. They are usually a dark blue or purple in colour, and may appear lumpy. They are most commonly found in the legs, although can appear elsewhere on the body.

What causes varicose veins?
Veins have small valves inside, that prevent blood from flowing backwards, and ensure that the blood flows towards the heart. If these valves stop working properly, blood can flow backwards and pools in the vein causing enlargement of the vein.

Varicose veins during pregnancy
Pregnancy increases your risk of suffering from varicose veins, as the pregnancy puts extra pressure on your body. During pregnancy, hormones cause the walls of your blood vessels to relax. Your body is working harder than ever to pump an increased volume of blood around your body. And your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins in your pelvis.

If you have varicose veins on or around your vulva, you should inform your healthcare provider. You should still be able to have a vaginal birth, but they may wish to keep a close eye on the veins in question during labour.

Symptoms of varicose veins
As well as the general appearance of varicose veins, you may also experience:

• muscle cramps in your legs
• swollen legs and feet
• a throbbing or burning sensation in your legs
• dry, itchy skin over the affected area

Treatment and prevention of varicose veins
To prevent and treat varicose veins, try the following tips:

• always sleep on your left – during pregnancy, you should avoid sleeping on your back because your enlarged uterus can prevent proper blood flow in this position. It is recommended that pregnant women sleep and lie on their left-hand side, because this allows for optimum blood flow.
• change position often – do not sit or stand for long periods, try to move around regularly. If seated, you should try to take a short walk every half hour to prevent blood from pooling in your legs.
• elevate your feet when seated.
• avoid crossing your legs when sitting.
• take regular exercise – regular exercise can help circulation and prevent blood from pooling. Swimming, yoga and walking are all great exercises during pregnancy.
• avoid eating for two – being overweight can increase your risk of suffering from varicose veins, so try to eat healthily during pregnancy. Eat a balanced diet filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, and try to avoid consuming empty calories such as soda and junk food.
• avoid constipation – hemorrhoids are a common form of varicose veins experienced during pregnancy. Drink plenty of water, eat a healthy balanced diet and make sure you are eating enough fibre to reduce your chance of suffering from constipation. Constipation can easily lead to hemorrhoids.
• wear support tights or compression stockings – maternity support tights are widely available and can help to prevent blood pooling in your veins. Your doctor may recommend compression stockings if the maternity support tights are not providing any relief.

Most women find that the varicose veins disappear by themselves after the birth. As the uterus shrinks back down, and blood volume returns to normal, the veins are under less pressure and are better able to function. If you still have varicose veins six months after the birth, you may wish to speak to your doctor about treatment options.

Are you suffering with varicose veins?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

In years past, women gave birth with other women at their side. These other women were fundamental in providing the laboring mother with support and love and understanding in the hopes of making her birth experience one of spiritual importance and bonding. They also helped to guide her to find comfort to let her body do the work of birth.

As the years have flown by and we have come to rely on hospitals for birth, the landscape of our birthing experiences have changed tremendously. So much so, that some women want to trek backwards a bit and look into hiring doulas and midwives, and planning home births to mark the grand arrival of their baby.

Considering hiring a doula to support you in labor and birth is definitely a personal decision. While some women cannot say enough for the experiences they have had with a doula (or midwife), other women are completely happy with their hospital birth. Remember, each of us is different and what works for one may not be right for another. But if you haven’t considered a doula, check out these 5 facts about doulas that you may not have known.

1. Doulas are NOT medical professionals. Unlike midwives who are trained to help women give birth medically, doulas are there to provide emotional and physical support to birthing mothers during the end of their labor and birth. They are trained and certified like other health professionals, but are interested in your spiritual journey to motherhood. They are there to be WITH you for the duration of your labor and delivery. In fact their job is to keep you as comfortable as possible and they will do everything from provide you warm compresses or massage your feet to getting your partner a cup of coffee.

2. Doulas will come to your home, which means you can get through the initial parts of labor in the peace and quiet of your own home, if you wish. If you are planning a home birth, a doula will be there with you before the midwife, and will do everything possible to assist you. They are trained to know about the birthing process, and are essentially there to support you and your family members. Their total focus is on YOU. Whereas doctors and midwives may have other patients, may be on call, and may be in and out – a doula will stay with you, by your side, the entire time.

3. Doulas are an awesome source of comfort in the weeks leading up to your birth. As you try to find a doula, you will interview her in the hopes of making a personal connection. From there, she can be an amazing liaison to call when you are feeling anxious or not sure what is going on with your body. Women choose doulas who they feel connected to, and the doula becomes available to you even prior to birth. And, while you may not get your personal doctor in the delivery room as you had hoped, doulas guarantee that they will be there by your side. This can go miles to make you feel more comfortable, even during a hospital birth – having someone you know and trust by your side.

4. Doulas are certified. They learn about the normal course of labor, comfort measures, how to help a mom if something goes wrong, and more. They also red to have practical experience supporting women through births before becoming certified, meaning they have some experience once they get their credential. To find a certified doula near you, check out DONA.

5. Perhaps one of the greatest ways a doula can help is by providing post-labor doula hours. Many doulas offer postpartum hours where they will come to your home and help care for you, and help you care for your baby after delivery. For first time moms, and people who don’t have a lot of family members close by – a post labor doula can be a lifesaver.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Tired much?

In the third trimester of pregnancy, one of the most common complaints of women is that they are tired. Oh, so tired. They spend their nights waking up and falling asleep, unable to get comfortable in one position, having to get up and use the bathroom every few hours, and generally unable to sleep. Pregnancy insomnia is not uncommon, and is caused by many factors. Not only is the inability to get comfortable a contributor, but anxiety about your upcoming delivery and motherhood are factors as well. Some folks laughingly say that third trimester pregnancy insomnia is just preparation for when baby comes and keeps you up all night. Even so, it can be maddening to spend your days fatigued.

The following tips may help you to sleep better!

• Body pillows. Doctors recommend that you sleep on your left side. And prop your belly up with a body pillow. In fact, positioning pillows around your body, between your knees, and making sure that your head is propped up to avoid heartburn – can help you get more comfortable. Body pillows and pregnancy pillows are definitely a God-send when you are pregnant.
• Try not to drink anything right before bed. The weight of your uterus pressing on your bladder is what makes your need to urinate so irritating. You can alleviate this some by avoiding fluids right before bedtime (or up to an hour before you go to sleep.) Still, chances are you will have to get up and pee during the night.
• Exercise. Take a nice walk mid-day. Do some yoga. You shouldn’t exercise at night before bedtime because it will give you a boost of energy that may make it hard to fall asleep. But don’t forget to exercise. Not only will it give you energy during the day, but it is a good way to blow off some steam and work out your anxieties.
• Give yourself 20 minutes of worry time every day and no more. Dedicate 20 minutes to write down your worries, your fears, or the thoughts that keep you up at night and then move on. You cannot fix or change these things at 2am. This can take some discipline, but is a helpful way to head off stress.
• Lavender or chamomile oils on your pillow or in your bedroom can help you slip off to slumber. Just remember that your sense of smell is stronger and a little can go a long way.
• Listen to calming music or meditate before bedtime.
• Take a nap during the day. A 20-30 minute power nap during the day can help reenergize you, and can help you feel less sleep deprived. Just don’t nap too long or you will interrupt your nighttime sleep routine.
• White noise! Get a fan or white noise maker for your bedroom. Studies show that white noise not only helps people fall asleep, but can help you stay asleep during the night.

Also, remember that this too shall pass. Even so, chances are once the baby is born, you will never get the kind of sleep that you used to.

Do you have any tips for women suffering with pregnancy insomnia?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Staying active during childbirth will encourage your labour to progress. At the beginning of labour, you may find you can move around quite easily. Walking, rocking and swaying are all actions that may be useful to you during labour. You should aim to stay active throughout the birth if possible, as this will help your contractions to be stronger and more effective.

In an active birth, you should be able to move and change position freely. While women on TV are usually shown giving birth flat on their back, this is not an ideal position for labour. Research has found that women who give birth lying down experience more painful and less effective contractions, longer labours and reduced blood flow to their babies.

Birthing positions

You may find that changing position every so often helps you to deal with any discomfort caused by the contractions. Follow your instincts and do whatever you feel you need to. Here are a few suggested positions that have been found to be effective during the pushing stage of labour:

1. Kneeling – kneeling upright with your legs apart is a particularly useful position for women experiencing backache during contractions. You can adopt this position using your birth partner, a birthing ball, chair or bed to lean on for support. During contractions, flex your lower back and buttocks as you bear down.
2. Squatting – this position opens your pelvis up to 30 percent more than lying down, so is well worth a try. Squatting allows gravity to help you labour, which can lead to a shorter pushing stage. This is a tiring position though, so you may want to rehearse squatting during pregnancy to see how long you can hold the position for. During labour, it is advisable to be supported in your squatting position. Your birthing partner can can stand behind you, and support you from under your arms as you squat. Some birthing rooms have ropes for use during active labour, these hang from the ceiling and you use them to support yourself in a squat position. Some midwives have birthing stools to help you get into a supported squat.
3. Sitting – this position is great for helping you rest between contractions. You could sit on a birthing ball, chair or toilet – it’s up to you. Sitting opens up your pelvis and allows the baby to travel down the birth canal.
4. Leaning – leaning forward during contractions can help to manage discomfort. If you are having a water birth, you may find that leaning over the side of the pool can provide more relief. You could lean over a chair, the bed, or lean on your partner for support. Leaning also frees up your back so that your partner can provide a lower back massage during contractions, this may be useful if you are feeling the contractions in your back.

It’s impossible to predict how you will experience labour on the day, so just get into whichever position feels right for you at the time. You should find that you naturally adopt different positions throughout the birth, and these will help your labour to progress.

What positions are you hoping to try during labour?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Lots of parents swear by babywearing as a way of coping with life as a new parent. Newborns aren’t keen on being put down. They will scream every time you try to make a cup of tea, and will want to feed as soon as you need to leave the house. Babywearing allows you to keep your baby close (even breastfeeding), while still having your hands free to get on with other things.

If you have other children, you may find that babywearing allows you extra time to spend with your older children. You can feed your baby in the carrier, and play with other children at the same time. That way no-one needs to feel left out, and you avoid the situation of a crying baby and tantruming toddler both vying for your attention.

So, you’ve decided to invest in a baby carrier, but a quick glimpse at the products available sends you into a panic. There are just so many choices available, and you have no idea which one will be right for you. Here’s a quick guide to choosing a baby carrier to help you out:

Stretchy wraps

These are often described as the best way to carry newborn babies. The carrier consists of a long strip of stretchy fabric which you tie round yourself. It might sound scary, but there are loads of instructional videos online showing you how to do it correctly. The wrap is tied first, and then you just pop your baby in. Once in the wrap, the baby will be carried almost weightlessly on your front, and you’ll have your hands free to do other things. You will be able to breastfeed discreetly in a stretchy wrap, and your newborn will likely find it a comfortable place to nap.

Ring slings

Ring slings are adjustable and worn over one shoulder. The ring allows you to adjust and tighten the carrier to suit your child. These carriers can be used from birth to toddler. There are a number of different styles available, and you can choose from padded and unpadded carriers. You can breastfeed in a ring sling. There are plenty of instructional videos online that show how to tighten and adjust ring slings.

Woven wraps

These are long-lasting and versatile carriers that can be used from birth to toddler. There are lots of different ties and carries to try, and although this may make it seem complicated, it does give you greater control. There are plenty of instructional videos online showing the different ties and carries. Woven wraps come in different lengths, and the required length will depend upon your size, and the carries you intend to use it for. Breastfeeding and napping are both popular activities for babies in woven wraps.

Pouch slings

Many people consider pouch slings to be the easiest type of carrier to use. There’s no tying involved, you simply pop the carrier over one shoulder and then place the baby inside. For newborns, the baby will be held across your body by the carrier, but as the baby grows and becomes stronger, he will be able to sit in an upright position. You can breastfeed in a pouch sling, and your little one will easily fall asleep snuggled into your front. Pouch slings do come in different sizes, though, and you want to be sure you get the right one for your baby. Pouch slings can be dangerous for newborns if they’re used or sized incorrectly.

Soft structured carriers

These are sometimes also referred to as “Asian style carriers” because they are based on traditional Asian carriers. These are available with buckles and as tie on carriers. The buckled carriers are arguably easier to use, although some would argue they are more difficult to adjust than a tie on carrier. These carriers can be used from birth to toddler, although many require a newborn insert to provide head support to young babies. Your baby will be able to breastfeed in the carrier, and will be fully supported if he chooses to have a nap.

With any carrier, be sure your newborn is held “close enough to kiss” – meaning high and tight against your body. Be sure baby’s chin isn’t pressed down onto his chest, so that he can breathe freely. Never allow the baby’s face to be covered by the sling fabric.

Babywearing is very popular, and there are new sling libraries popping up across the USA and UK all the time, so do contact your local sling library for more information. They will be able to show you the different types of slings available, as well as teaching you how to get the most out of your sling. Most libraries will allow you to borrow a sling for a short time to decide if it is the one for you. Baby carriers are an investment, so it’s worth doing your researching and making sure you buy the right carrier for your needs.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

If you’re starting to plan the nursery, you may be interested to find out what styles and colours have made it into the top nursery trends. As fashions change and colours fall out of favour, it can be hard to keep up with what is hot for nurseries. Here are some of the top recent trends:

1. Chevrons – these have been stealing the show in baby stores for a couple of years now, and show no sign of going anywhere. A simple yet striking pattern, chevrons can give your nursery the wow factor. From high contrast monochrome, attention-grabbing brights, and subtle yet beautiful pastels, the world is your oyster with this trend. You can throw yourself into this trend by covering the walls in chevrons, or just add a hint here and there with pillows and throws.

2. Pastel shades – pastel colours can be found in fashion stores, wedding bouquets and baby’s nurseries. You could choose a single shade, or mix an assortment of pastel colours together. From pastel coloured bedding, to painted shabby chic furniture, pastels can create an atmosphere of serenity and calm in your baby’s nursery.

3. Brights and whites – this modern yet classic look is perfect for a nursery. White walls and furniture, livened up by the unforgiving brightness of baby toys, clothes and blankets. Baby products often come in bright, vivid colours, make the most of this by having them on show. From assorted colours of cloth nappies, to brightly coloured soft toys, and beautiful crocheted blankets, allow your baby’s clutter to bring colour to the room.

4. Wall stickers – these allow you to transform a room in a single movement. There are so many designs, colours and styles of wall stickers available, you won’t struggle to find one that looks at home in your nursery. From cute sayings, to bold prints, wall stickers can give you the freedom to change the nursery  whenever you want.

5. Eco – environmentally friendly home decor can be beautiful, affordable and will help your nursery to stand out from the crowd. From organic bedding, recycled cribs, and upcycled wall art, there are so many unique and stylish options for your nursery. Whether you choose a few key pieces that meet eco criteria, or set yourself the challenge of decorating the entire room without damaging the planet, there’s room for a little bit of eco in every nursery.

6. Gender neutral – if you have chosen not to find out the sex of your baby, you may be forced to choose a gender neutral colour scheme for your nursery. If you have found out the sex, however, it doesn’t mean you have to go down the traditional soft pink or baby blue route. Navy, greens, and reds are all gaining popularity as gender neutral colours for nurseries.

Have you started looking for nursery inspiration? What colour will you be decorating your baby’s nursery?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

As you near the end of your pregnancy, you should have your hospital bag packed and ready to go. You may find it useful to keep it by the front door, or in the boot of your car so it’s with you at all times. Even if you’re aiming to have a homebirth, you should pack a hospital bag just in case. In fact, you should have two hospital bags – one for you, and one for the baby. Your birth partner should have a hospital bag too, but we’ve covered that here.

As your nesting instinct kicks in, you may find yourself unpacking and repacking this bag time and time again – just to be sure it’s perfect. It’s important to talk your birth partner through the contents of your hospital bag, and how it’s packed. After all, it’ll be them desperately scrabbling around to find your iPod while you’re in the throes of labour.

Ideally, you should travel light to the hospital. The following list includes useful items that you may want to include in your hospital bag:

• Your birth outfit – don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be stylish, fashionable or flattering. It really just needs to be comfortable and practical. Many women choose an old nightie or t-shirt to wear. If you’re planning to labour in a pool, you might like to pack a bikini top. Your hospital may want you to wear a standard issue gown, so you may want to ask your provider about this beforehand.
• Clothes to go home in – you’ll need a comfortable outfit to travel home in. Remember, you won’t shrink straight back down to your pre-pregnancy self, in fact you’ll still have a bump for the first few days.
• Pyjamas or nightie for after the birth. Or comfortable loungewear for your hospital stay.
• Sanitary towels or maternity pads – you’ll need around 24 of these.
• A few pairs of old, cheap or paper knickers (underwear).
• Toiletries – shower gel, shampoo, a hair brush, toothbrush, and anything else you think you’ll need.
• Your hospital notes and birth plan.
• Phone charger
• Snacks – you may find yourself peckish for snacks during labour, so make sure you have some just in case. Small easily digestible foods like rice cakes, jelly sweets and energy drinks may come in useful. Cereal bars, chocolate and crisps may come in useful after the birth, too.
• Labour props – birthing balls, massage oils and your MP3 player. Anything you want to have at hand during labour.
• More labour props – a water spray or flannel to keep you cool.
• Lip balm – dry lips is a common complaint during labour, so keep some lip balm to hand.
• Socks – cold feet is another labour complaint so make sure you’ve packed plenty of warm socks.
• Towels – some hospitals provide towels so find out in advance whether you need to pack your own.
• Nursing bra and breast pads
• Slippers
• Pillow – hospitals only have so many pillows so you might benefit from taking your own pillow to get comfy in hospital. You might like to take a breastfeeding pillow to help with the early breastfeeds.
• Nipple cream – if you’re planning to breastfeed, you should buy some nipple cream for the first few days.
• Camera – you will want to take hundreds of photos of your perfect new baby, so make sure you have a camera and the charger.
• Going home outfit for baby – pack a weather appropriate outfit to take baby home in.
• Bodysuits and babygrows – five of each.
• Nappies (diapers), wipes and nappy bags.
• Baby blanket.

This list covers everything you should need for your hospital stay, but there might be extra bits you want to take. Is there anything you think we’ve missed off the list, or you can’t see in the App? Please share your tips in the comments.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.