Labour and birth tips, from a midwife to you mama.

What should I bring to my birth space in a hospital?

Honestly, most birthing units now are equip with all you need, HOWEVER I always encourage women bring a few items to support their birth experience to feel supportive and empowering. These birth tips from me to you are:

A supportive partner.

I cannot stress this enough, but I see it all the time. You don't want those 'support people' in your birth space if they are going to be on their phones, chatting, disrupting and complaining. If they are not going to serve your space, be there to honour and hold you. To be invested in your most sacred and transitional time in your life, leave them at home. This includes partners, mums, grandparents, friends, doulas, doctors and even midwives! If they don't align with you, they aren't coming!

Snacks

Yes mama! Snack frequently and consciously. Easy to nibble on and light. Things like bliss balls, chopped fruit, natural lollies, dates, nuts ect. Keep it light, keep that energy up!

Fairy lights / candles

Dark, warm and soft. That is how we help keep peacefulness in the birth space. Set up that glow and and let that oxytocin flow!

Own pillow / small blanket.

This brings safety, warmth and familiarity of home.

Birth affirmations.

Whether homemade by yourself, your children, village or bought, birth affirmation cards are wonderful tools for labour.

Water Bottle

At least 1000mls, with a straw, and insulated, the ultimate water bottle. You want to sip water frequently, easily and keep hydrated. For you mama and bub, keep sipping, labour is hard work!

Acupressure tools 

Holding a birth comb or acupressure ball can help to navigate labour and our surges. To ease pain during labour and help us breathe through contractions, holding onto acupressure tools like birth combs and be a life saver in labour land.

Swimmers / change of clothes

You are likely to want to have a shower or jump in the bath, or even have a water birth during your labour, so a change of clothes is a must! Or you can use a glamorous hospital gown ;)

Positive midset

It's mind over matter mama, I believe in you - you can do this!