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What you may need during labour

  • Your birth plan – if you’ve written one take a copy with you, even if there’s already one with your notes Music tapes – music can make you happy, soothe you, spur you on – take a selection. The hospital may have a cassette player in every labour room or you may need to take your own
  • TENS machine if you want to use one and are providing your own, plus spare batteries. Oil for massaging back, shoulders and legs. You may want it unscented, or a neutral base in which to dissolve aromatherapy oils. Some women find two tennis balls in a sock rotated either side of their lower spine gives a wonderfully firm massage in just the right spot
  • Aromatherapy oils to dissolve in a bath or add to a bowl of warm water to scent the
    room. Consult a qualified aromatherapist on suitable oils to use in labour
  • Natural sponge which can be soaked in cool water to suck on between contractions, or used for wiping your face
  • A fine water spray or soft flannel is also good for cooling your face
  • Lip salve – sometimes your lips can feel dry and chapped
  • A thermos of ice-cubes to suck on, though the hospital may be able to provide plenty of ice
  • Your own nightshirt or long t-shirt – hospital ones can be very revealing. If you want to use your own, take something soft, loose and old as it may well become stained. You will also need a clean nightshirt to change into after the birth
  • Lightweight dressing gown. You won’t need a warm one as the wards are generally
    very well heated
  • Slippers, in case you are pacing the corridors trying to encourage progress in a slow
    labour
  • Disposable or old pants, and maternity sanitary pads in case your waters have broken and you want to walk around
  • Thick socks – it’s not unusual to suddenly feel cold towards the end of first
    stage. You might want something warm to put around your shoulders at this stage too
  • Hot water bottle to use as a heat pad for your back (though do check first as some
    hospitals don’t allow them). Flannels, or terry nappies can be soaked in hot water
    and wrung out to make a good hot compress instead. Or you could use a picnic thermal pack
  • Hairbrush if you find having your hair brushed is soothing and bands or clips for tying back your hair if having it loose is likely to annoy you
  • Light snacks for you – easily digested food and drink to keep up your energy levels.
    Some hospitals have a policy of no nourishment during labour, but many women still choose to eat or drink in small amounts. Try eating teaspoons of honey or drinking sweetened fruit teas
  • Food for your partner – depending on the time of day, he may not be able to buy food at the hospital
  • Spare shirt or t-shirt for your partner – it can be extremely hot in hospital. He may
    even want to change into shorts
  • Bathing trunks for your labour partner if he is planning to physically support you in a birthing pool
  • Special object to help you focus during labour. Some women find it helps to look at
    something while they relax through a contraction. Looking at a picture or a flower is much nicer than staring at a crack in the wall!
  • Notebook in which to write a record of the labour. Remember to take a pen, too
  • Camera, for those earliest photographs of your baby, plus extra film. Choose high speed film that will work in low lighting to avoid using flash, which may disturb your new baby
  • Change or phonecard, for letting relatives and friends know the good news, plus a list of telephone numbers. Most hospitals ban mobile phones in case they interfere with vital equipment
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