Preparing for labour

As you come to the end of your pregnancy and prepare to meet your new baby, there are several ways to help you prepare for the big day. Preparation includes preparing by your partner too, making sure that both of you have a plan in place once you’ve gone into labour.

By now you would have probably packed your maternity bag with all the essentials required for labour and your partner would have packed his own bag as well. Knowing the signs of labour is another important step in your preparation, so you’ll know when to call your doctor or midwife, or when to go the hospital (if your plan is to give birth there).

You’ll need to have a plan in place for any other children you have in your home - either a babysitter or a family member who can reach your home quickly and take care of your children in your absence, or a place for your children to stay while you’re in the hospital.

Your nursery should be equipped with the necessary items once you bring your baby home and you should already have a car seat safely installed in your car. Your baby will also need a bag for the hospital that should carry an outfit to wear while going home, nappies / diapers, wipes, and a few feeding bottles in case you intend to bottle feed.

In addition to your maternity bag, you’ll need a bag for going home containing: sanitary pads, breast pads, clothes (remember you won’t be back to your pre-pregnancy weight right away, so bring clothes that will fit no matter what).

The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be once labour starts.