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Birth Plan Writing a birth plan is, for some women, an important part of their practical and emotional preparation for labor, birth and early motherhood. It can make communication with your birth partner, midwife and doctor easier. This can help empower you to participate in the decision making about your labour and birth, so as to provide a positive experience for you, your partner and your baby. The time spent reading and gathering information for your birth plan will help to clarify what is really important to you for your labor and your baby's birth. Encourage your partner (support person) to work with you in the development of your birth plan, and make sure they are aware of how they will be participating in all of this, and what you are expecting of them. Keep your birth plan simple and maintain an open mind about your choices so that you can respond appropriately to the circumstances at the time. It is recommended that you indicate in your plan that this is a guide to your preferences and that you may feel differently once you are in labor, and would like to have the freedom and flexibility to review you choices at any time. Select your support team Surround yourself with a positive, empowering and nurturing team. It is hard work supporting someone inlabor, so ensure that your support team takes regular breaks to rejuvenate and refocus, so they are able to be at their best for you. Setting the scene We have all heard of nesting, and most women, if feeling comfortable, safe and secure will actually move about their birthing space, making personal adjustments to set the mood. A relaxed, calm mother-to-be facilitates the release of endorphins (our body's natural pain relief). Sight Spend the last few weeks of pregnancy preparing for the birth of your baby as you would for a big night out. Take the time to make yourself feel beautiful, and enjoy the pampering, which has the wonderful ability to relax and rejuvenate. Pretty toes, a hair cut or a wax all do wonders for our sense of wellbeing. Perhaps have a camera at the ready, so you can have some special shots of your beautiful baby and you as a radiant new mother. Hint: black and white photos, capture the moment, but reduce the impact of little things such as flushed, sweaty faces. Sound Listening to music facilitates the release of endorphins; those feel good hormones that act as natural pain relief in labor. Select your favorite music to take with you, perhaps music that you have been listening to in pregnancy that creates a sense of relaxation for you and your baby. Familiar voices create feelings of safety and security, and encouraging words help to create focus and distraction at the peak of a contraction. Alternatively, a quiet atmosphere helps to reduce distractions from the work at hand. Quiet time after baby's birth. All too often the period after the birth of your baby can seem little more than a blur of activity and people talking. Take the time to spend a few quiet moments together as a new little family. Smell Familiar smells such as, essential oils or your partner's after-shave, again create feelings of safety and security. Choose oils that are relaxing, and not overpowering. Taste Favorite drink you have been craving during pregnancy. Light nibbles…crackers or sweets to keep energy levels up. Ice chips Touch Sacral (lower back) massage is wonderful for the relief of back ache in both pregnancy and labor. Your partner can practice this well in advance! Birth blanket of your own choosing for your baby to be wrapped in after birth. Baby nursery checklist There's nothing a new/expectant mum likes more than a list! Here's our list of baby accessories which you should consider. Don't go too mad with your shopping - get what you consider to be the essentials, and if you're not sure about an item, maybe try it out first by hiring or borrowing from a friend. And don't forget, if you're having a baby shower, you'll receive lots of useful gifts - in particular, clothing and toys. So here's our list of essential baby equipment: Sleeping bassinet bassinet mattress enough bedding for the bassinet -consider 3 sets of everything cot cot mattress enough bedding for cot - consider 2 sets of everything baby monitor Changing and bathing change mat change table toiletries - just go for the essentials (nappy wipes, barrier cream, sorbolene cream, cotton wool, cotton buds, soap/bubble bath, shampoo) nail clippers or scissors hair brush nappies - cloth or disposable bath towel x 2 face cloths x 2 baby bath - try to find one with a plug which will save you lugging a heavy bath of water bath ramp - this allows your baby to lie in the bath without any risk of him going under the water bath seat - this will stop him slipping in the bath once he's able to sit General items feeding chair nightlight drawers for storage mobile toys baby gym bouncinette/ bouncer chair paracetamol - and an updated First-Aid kit thermometer Essential baby equipment Leaving the house Pram or stroller raincover for the pram baby car seat or capsule sun shades for the car windows sling or pouch nappy-bag with a change mat travel cot Feeding equipment If you're breastfeeding, you won't need much extra equipment. breast pads special 'feeding' pillow or 'V' shaped cushion If you're bottle feeding, you'll need: Steriliser - steam or sterilising tablets Bottles Teats Formula - check you have chosen an age-appropriate formula Clothing Baby clothing is a very popular gift choice so just try to cover the basics yourself and avoid buying too many oh-so cute ensembles. You won't know the size of your baby until he's born so you may find that that some of your purchases will never be worn. bodysuits singlets growsuits sunhat beanie jackets, jumpers, cardigans socks bibs |
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