Journey of labour
Final preparations for labour
For mother:
- have your bag packed for hospital from 36 weeks
- go through your birth preferences with your birthing partner(s) and doctor or midwife
- practice your pelvic floor exercises and do some gentle exercise.
For birth partner:
- keep a list of necessary telephone numbers
- check the route to the hospital and have money ready for car parking
- have a labour bag packed for yourself
- make sure your mobile phone is always fully charged.
What to bring to hospital
For mother:
- Pregnancy health record
- maternity bras
- two packs of maternity pads
- current medication
- own pillow (if desired) – labelled
- clothes for labour – old t-shirt, comfortable clothing, warm socks, old underwear, track pants for after birth
- massage oil or lotion
- spray bottle (non-aerosol) for cooling
- tissues and toiletries – soap, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brush
- food such as barley sugar, jelly beans, fruit bars, glucose drinks
- thongs or slippers
- lip cream for dry lips.
For baby:
- two-dozen newborn size nappies
- six newborn singlets
- six newborn jumpsuits
- six to eight bunny rugs or cotton wraps
- baby wipes / cotton wool
- three face washers for baby bath.
Other:
- camera (charged)
- mobile phone or phone card
- music for use during labour
- baby car seat for discharge
- pen.
Next section: Stages of labour
In this guide:
- COVID-19 and labour
- Preparing for labour and birth
- Who will support you in labour
- How your body prepares for labour
- Getting baby in the right position for birth
- When to seek advice during pregnancy
- Final preparations for labour
- Previous ( https://www.qld.gov.au/health/children/pregnancy/antenatal-information/journey-of-labour/when-to-seek-advice-during-pregnancy )