MSE Pregnancy Club 28

Kynthia

I remember packing two massive bags, one for the labour and one for after which had the stuff I'd need when staying overnight and all the baby things (which we left in the boot of the car until after labour). The labour bag didn't even get opened and I gave birth in in the vest top and bra I was wearing when I staggered in 2 hours before.

One thing I do recommend packing is paracetamol. My after pains and pain from the stitches were bad and I was up all night due to being in a room with four babies crying at different times. I was glad of paracetamol at midnight and 4am when there wasn't anyone from the hospital dispensing pain relief. I hope I don't have to stay overnight again and did wonder about whether a home birth is a possibility as then you don't even need to go into hospital if everything goes well. However I can't imagine giving birth on my own bed and I'd love a pool this time.

jtr2803

Kynthia - I'm having a homebirth and am not giving birth on my bed! I have a rather large pool that I'll be frolicking in once it's up in the lounge!

I have two bags packed, one with all my labour bits, her first outfit some nappies etc and a pair of slouchy clothes for me and a bag if I had to stay longer in a transfer situation. That way, the second can stay in the car even if we have to transfer but if we don't, hubby can just bring the other one downstairs and we'll have everything we need.

I thought I'd share a nice sciency link with you all this morning about a theory on what triggers labour

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150622162023.htm

My baby centre birth board is full of post date inductions which are taking up to five days because they are so busy they can't actively manage the process. Sod being dragged in to labour when I'm emotionally, physically and mentally tired!

40+6 and just embracing the chill

justme1985

Congratulations Crazy!

We start our NCT classes in a couple of weeks and have the NHS antenatal class late September. Hoping they will help me make up my mind with regards to pain relief etc. Seems a lot of people have opinions of what I should do!

Am thinking of getting a birthing ball even if I just use it to sit on at home, use it for gentle exercise and during the early parts of labour.

I have been reading a hypnobirthing book that a friend lent me. Not sure if it will be helpful during the actual labour but have been getting DH to do some of the relaxation readings. He feels a bit silly doing it but I find it does help me relax before bed.

flutterbyuk25

Beckyy - I found the tens machine useful in early labour. It was what got me through til I had the drugs! I bought mine from boots, same price as hiring it.

Thinkpink - I had 2 bags packed, one for me and one for baby, just made sense to separate it. I also packed a bag for oh in case he did stay with me if u went to birthing centre. But this was still useful for hospital as he had a change of clothes etc for after labour as he had worn the same clothes for over 24hrs. I also had some spare clothes for me in a bag. I only took my bag in with me, but I was induced so knew it would be awhile. Rest stayed in car til needed.

flutterbyuk25

If anyone wants a hypnobirthing book and cd just say and you can have mine.

ThinkPink

So far I have a case packed which has all my stuff in, my hospital says you have to take a towel, two if you want a pool birth so they will take up a huge space in my case!! I was also going to pack a top and toothbrush for oh. I'll have to find a small bag for babys bits, I must have a suitable sized rucksack somewhere!!

I'll go and put a box of paracetamol in my bag in a minute.

Where I want to give birth is really quiet which is one of the reasons I'm leaning towards going there as hopefully it would mean I won't be surrounded by lots of other mum's and babies. My only concern is that if it doesn't go smoothly and I have to be transferred is that oh will have to follow and it will take him a bit longer to get there than it would take me blue lighted in the ambulance and I'm not sure how I will feel about not having him there as he keeps me calm.

psychopathbabble

ThinkPink could he not go in the ambulance with you? I'm sure you could work out getting the car at a later date!


Flutter - which book is it you have please?

ThinkPink

The midwife goes with you in the ambulance so there probably wouldn't be enough room for him as well plus my bags.

If it was in the middle of night it wouldn't be a problem for him, probably 10 mins, 15 mins max, it's more of its at a busy time of the day, as the main hospital is just outside of the city and there are only three routes out it would take him more like 30 mins, plus factoring in parking and getting to the right ward would be more like 45 mins.

jtr2803

Same here think, if I have to transfer hubby can't come with me. That is the only real worry I have about transferring, it's about half hour on a blue light and I'm not sure how I'll cope without him. That's obviously worst case scenario though so not focusing on it!

ThinkPink

jtr2803 wrote: »

Same here think, if I have to transfer hubby can't come with me. That is the only real worry I have about transferring, it's about half hour on a blue light and I'm not sure how I'll cope without him. That's obviously worst case scenario though so not focusing on it!

that's very true, I need to think positively. I may even end up at the mlu at the main hospital anyway if that's the only way I can get a pool birth.