USEFUL THINGS FOR THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABY

This consists of a collection of suggestions put forward by Mary Cronk, and a selection of midwives and mothers.

Equipment for Parents to provide

• Something water proof to protect the carpet or sofa or bed or wherever we end up. This is useful even when you plan a water birth as it gives you lots of choices - it's always hard to know how you will feel about anything once labour starts. It also gives you protection if you just want to get out of the pool for a bit. Heavy plastic can be obtained from DIY stores or try decorating sheets. Not all shower curtains are waterproof - so check them out first if that is what you intend to use.
   
• Clean old sheets - for putting over the plastic to create a non - slip surface. Also useful to have old sheets on the bed for the first night after the birth.
   
• A hot water bottle to ease some of the backache and contractions during labour, this is also useful for helping with after pains. If you have a microwave the 'hot sausages' are also good - they are material tubes filled with wheat grains. Be warned they smell disgusting if you leave them in the microwave for too long!
   
• Make up some ice cubes of frozen fruit juice which are good to suck on in labour
   
• Nourishing, easily digested snacks of choice, yoghurts, cereal bars, dextrose tablets, bananas, honey, etc
   
• Nourishing fluids of choice: Aqua Libra, Ginger ale, Fruit Juices, etc
   
• A big sieve for water births (to get rid of any floaters) and a bucket to put them in
   
• A water plant spray is good for cooling off labouring women
   
• Bendy Straws. In strong labour a thirsty woman, who doesn't want to move from hands and knees, can drink easily from bendy straw
   
• Box of large tissues
   
• Bin liners and a large box to hold all rubbish without spilling over
   
• Something comfortable to wear in labour. Baggy soft old t shirts are ideal
   
• 2 or 3 clean, preferably new, face cloths for hot pads on perineum if desired
   
• A soft big old towel to cover mum and baby together after the birth.
   
• Lots of towels if you are having a water birth
   
• Big comfy knickers for after the birth are a must
   
• Sanitary Pads (maternity ones that are large, soft and absorbent)
   
• A good supply of small soft towels to wrap and dry baby
   
• A freezer full of easy prepare meals or ready meals or pal on hand to feed you all
   
• Hair bobbles to keep the mane out of the way when you get hot and sweaty

Optional Extras

• Camera to record events
   
• Champagne or celebratory drink of choice in the fridge
   
• Expensive chocolates of choice
   
• New luxury toiletries of choice
   
• Presents for parents from each other to mark the event
   
• Presents for siblings
   
• Notice for front door reading, Horace and Hilda have had a lovely baby. No visitors please at present, as we are tired. Or All Visitors Welcome Please Ring or Knock or come in.

Emergency Bag

It may seem negative to suggest having a bag with useful things put to one side just in case you do need to transfer, but just because you have something ready doesn't mean you are going to use it for that purpose. Having a bag prepared is actually very useful, should you need to transfer in; then you will want your partner with you while the midwife makes the transfer arrangements. What you don't want your partner doing is rushing around trying to find where you keep your knickers etc (and I can bet s/he won't have a clue where anything is!). The great thing is that when you go on and have your baby at home everything is easily accessible in the bag for immediate use - so packing it isn't a waste of time after all!

• Old or disposable pants/knickers
   
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
   
• Flannel, soap, shampoo
   
• Clean clothes
   
• Slippers and shoes to go home in
   
• Plastic bag to put your dirty clothes in, if you transfer to hospital
   
• Maternity sanitary pads
   
• T-shirt or nightdress
   
• Phone card or small supply of coins
   
• Phone numbers of people to call after the birth
   
• Cash (small amount - hospitals are public places and with the best will in the world it is very hard to keep everything secure)
   
• Baby clothes and soft blanket or shawl. Something cosy to go home in if you are having a winter baby
   
• Newborn nappies
   
• Cartons of juice/drink
   
• Glucose tablets or other food
   
• Camera
   
• Flannel or sponge for mopping mother's brow
   
• Baby car seat to go home