birth. You don’t have to create a birth plan, but if you would like one your midwife will be able to help. Discussing a birth plan with your midwife will give you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labour. It also gives your midwife the chance to get to know you better and understand your feelings and priorities. You can fill in or print out a birth plan at www.nhs/birthplan. If you do not have a computer your midwife can print you a copy.
You’ll probably want to think about or discuss some things more fully with the baby’s father, and your friends and relatives. Remember that you can change your mind about your wishes for labour and birth at any time.
Your birth plan is personal to you. It will depend not only on what you want, but also on your medical history, your circumstances, and what is available at your maternity service. What may be safe and practical for one pregnant woman may
s pregnancy and birth is different for everyone it will help if you can be prepared as much as
Making your birth plan... A
birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour and after the
not be a good idea for another.
It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your birth plan
with you. The maternity team who care for you during labour will discuss it with you so they know what you want.
But it is important to remember that you need to be flexible and prepared to do things differently from your birth plan if complications arise with you or your baby, or if facilities such as a birth pool are not available. The maternity team will tell you what they advise in your particular circumstances.
Things to consider • pain relief options • where and how you can give birth • forceps or ventouse (intervention or instrumental delivery) • your baby after the birth
You can also work out whether there is anything you feel strongly about and might wish to include.
possible. Packing your hospital bag a few weeks before your due date is a great idea and will stop any last minute panics! The last thing you want when you go into labour is worrying about packing and have you got what you need. So the NHS have given some guidelines on what to pack:
• something loose and comfortable to wear during labour that doesn’t restrict you from moving around or make you too hot - you may need about three changes of clothes
• two or three comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you’re planning to breastfeed - remember, your breasts will be larger than usual
• about 24 super-absorbent sanitary pads
• your wash bag with toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap and other toiletries
• towels for shower etc • books, magazines or music to help pass the time • a sponge or water spray to cool you down
Small Steps 6
What to pack in your hospital bag! A
• front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops
• dressing gown and slippers • five or six pairs of pants
• a loose, comfortable outfit to wear after you have given birth, and to come home in
• clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby • a shawl or blanket to wrap the baby in
www.nhs.uk
In addition Small Steps readers have also suggested to pack the following:
• Camera • Phone and charger • Flip flops for shower • Breast pads
Another good tip is to buy cheap clothes, underwear and night clothes etc that you are happy to throw away after as they may get spoiled and will more than likely not fit you after!
PS. Don’t forget the car seat to take your new little one home!
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