30 T e Modern Family New Families & Health


book available on becoming a new mum, but what about the birthing part? Key to making labour as comfortable as possible are the things you pack in your birthing bag. Below, fi ve midwives reveal the essential items you’ll want to keep close when the big day comes.


Labour day T


he weeks before you give birth are an incredibly exciting yet stressful time. You’ve probably read every


For energy Emily Butterworth, lead midwife at free live midwife chat service Lansinoh, says giving birth is like running back-to-back marathons. “You’ll want to keep your energy levels high,” she explains, “as breastfeeding can require a lot of eff ort after you’ve just given birth. Snacks and isotonic drinks are essential, so it’s a good idea to keep them close by during your stay in hospital. A multipack of Lucozade is a must, and so too is a pack of fl apjacks or breakfast bars.”


For pain relief Sure, hospitals provide a lot of drugs that can provide vital pain relief, but there are some useful things you can do yourself to help ease aching muscles. “Pack yourself a tennis ball


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From little luxuries to new-born essentials, here’s what every mum needs in their hospital birthing bag. Words: Layla Turner


and an old sock,” says Emily Street, midwife at T e Portland Hospital in London. “Tennis balls are the best massage tool going. Stick one in the end of a sock and secure it to the dad’s or birth partner’s hand. T ey then have a good grip on the ball to be able to give a great massage to the lower back and hips without it hurting their hands.”


For relaxation Pip, a mother of one with more than 10 years of experience working as a midwife in some of the UK’s leading maternity wards, recommends Neal’s Yard’s Remedies To Roll (below). T ese aromatherapy oils come in a small roll-on tube, making them convenient for use in the hospital while giving you all the wonderful benefi ts of aromatherapy during your labour and birth. Simply roll on to the inner wrist or the side of your neck to let the fragrances work its magic. Studies have shown that aromatherapy, a complimentary therapy that uses smell to boost


“You want a big one that’ll keep water cool for a long time, with a straw like top. Staying hydrated in labour is crucial but also important for breastfeeding mums, to help with colostrum production,” she says. “A lot of new mums can fi nd going to the bathroom for the fi rst time a bit scary — should you need any stitches down below, your water bottle will come in handy once again. Splash yourself with cool water while using the toilet to take the sting out of passing urine.”


For post-birth Meg Murray Jones from the Postpartum Plan says the number one thing that mums will want to pack for the post-birth period is a pair of postpartum pants. “You can get great high-waisted ones that support both abdominal and vaginal births and are super absorbent for the fi rst few weeks of postpartum bleeding.” Made from Tencel modal material, this pair from BABYGO (below) is designed to feel like a second skin, stretching and moulding to your fi gure to provide gentle compression and relief from postpartum pains. babygo.uk


Flapjacks and breakfast bars are the perfect energy boost PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY


our health, can improve mood, sleep, infl ammation and nausea, all of which are common symptoms during labour. T is option from Women’s Balance is a blend of geranium and rose that aims to relax, calm and restore the body and mind, while Relaxation is a comforting formula of lavender, bergamot and frankincense that helps you to unwind. For post- birth, the new Mother and Baby Kit


from Neal’s Yard combines a host of treats for both mum and baby, including a stretchmark reducing balm and a soothing baby shampoo. nealsyardremedies.com


For hydration Laura Boyd, midwife and co-founder of sleep consultancy, T e Dream Team, recommends a high-quality water bottle for your birthing bag.


BABYGO’s postpartum undies


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