Labour and birth, well begun is half done
If you give birth for the first or third time: for most women (and partners) it is still exciting to give birth. When will it start, how will it go, can I manage it? Experience shows that being well-prepared for labour makes you feel less anxious and insecure. As a result, you feel more relaxed during the contractions. And this has a positive effect on the length of the childbirth.
What should you do?
Read reliable information about labour- Ask all your questions and share your insecurities with us
- Visit our informative meeting about labour
- Arrange a guided tour at the hospital or birth centre
- Take part in CenteringPregnancy
- Take antenatal classes
- Do breathing exercises
- Discuss your birth wishes, such as where and how you want to give birth
- Think of someone who can support you during labour
- Take enough rest
Maternity package
A maternity package is a box with medical products you will need during labour and the postnatal period. You will need this maternity package for a home birth as well as a birth at the hospital. The maternity package is sent to you by your health insurer or you can buy one yourself. This depends on the type of health insurance you have. A maternity package can be purchased from a pharmacy, Prénatal shop or a website (i.e. Bol.com).
Suitcase for labour and birth
If you are giving birth at a hospital or birth centre, but also if you prefer a home birth it is recommended to have your suitcase for labour and birth ready. This way, you can forget about it for the rest of your pregnancy. Make sure you have your suitcase ready by 37 weeks of pregnancy. What’s in it?
For yourself
- Clothes to wear during labour (such as a loose, big T-shirt and thick, warm socks)
- Lip balm (for dry lips when puffing)
- Underwear
- Mules/slippers
- Possibly a bathrobe
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, make-up, remover)
- A spare pair of glasses, things for your lenses
- Clothes for when you go home. Make sure you bring comfortable, soft and loose clothes
- Any medicines you’re taking
For your baby
- A car seat
- Baby clothes (rompers, suits, socks, vests, hat)
- A shawl or blanket
- Possibly a cord ring. Have you already heard of it? With a cord ring, only a small ring remains around the umbilical stump instead of the large umbilical clamp. Ask your midwife for more information. Not all hospitals in our region use a cord ring yet.
More:
- Identity card
- Your pregnancy card
- Health insurance card
- Phone and charger
- Camera and/or video camera (chargers and batteries)
- Snacks (dextrose tablets, cereal bars, bananas)
Everything ready at home?
The nesting instinct will make sure you have everything ready for your baby.
Also think of the following:
- Is your bed at the right height? Use bed raisers or crates to get your mattress at 70 cm from the floor.
- 2 digital thermometers
- 2 metal jars
- A big pile of hydrophilic cloths
- A well-functioning bell, visible house number and nameplate at your front door