It may seem like your pregnancy will go on forever, but you’ll get to meet little bub before you know it. While it can be an exciting time, it can also come with some nerves. Although nothing can truly prepare you for parenthood, there are a few steps you can take to help you get ready for life’s greatest journey.

Hopefully, you selected your healthcare provider (be that an obstetrician, midwife or other appropriate healthcare professional) and hospital (if you are planning on a hospital birth) earlier on in the pregnancy, to give you support throughout your pregnancy journey. They can regularly check up on your baby’s development and answer any questions you may have. Never underestimate the calming effect that labour preparation can have! Wondering how to prepare for birth? Let’s take a closer look.

How to prepare for labour

During the last few weeks of pregnancy, you may wish to start making practical arrangements for the delivery. This can include things from what you’re taking with you to the hospital as well as after-delivery help. Feeling overwhelmed? Here are some things to do before baby is born:

 1. Pack your labour bag

Your labour bag is a must-have, so make sure to gather up everything you need and have your bag ready to go. If you’re planning a homebirth, you should also have all your supplies together and within easy reach for birth.

You will normally be given a list of items that are recommended for you to take for the birth (and if appropriate, for your stay in the hospital) during your antenatal classes. But as a quick guide, here’s what to take to hospital when having a baby:

• All your paperwork like a medicare card, birth plan
• Chargers
• Socks and loose, comfortable clothing like a dressing gown, sleep wear and clothes to go home in
• Shower essentials like soap, shampoo, conditioner and skincare
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Disposable underwear, maternity pads and other person hygiene items
• Baby essentials like nappies, wipes, clothes, hats and socks
• Slippers and thongs (for the shower)
• Snacks and drinks
• Other comfort items such as lip balm, hair bands, face cloth, hot water bottle

Are you going to have a companion or someone to support you through the labour? If so, you should consider packing clothing, snacks and drinks for them as well. Just in case, you need to prepare for a lengthy labour.

Keep in mind that this hospital packing list is just a start. Speak to your healthcare team about what items you’ll need heading into your labour.

When to pack a hospital bag for labour

It’s a good idea to have your hospital bag packed at least a few weeks, if not a month before your due date. Generally, most mums will pack their labour essentials between 32-35 weeks of pregnancy - just in case the baby comes a bit earlier than expected.

2. Have all your baby necessities ready

Before you go into labour, you’ll want to make sure that your baby has all the essentials they need. These include bigger furniture items like the cot or bassinet and mattress. You’ll also need to invest in a baby car seat, stroller/pram and baby carriers. Then, it’s time to turn your attention to blankets, sheets, towels, nappies (disposable or cloth), wipes, baby powder, nappy rash cream and other personal care products for babies (shampoos and soaps). You’ll also want to make sure they have plenty of clothing, suitable for different temperatures.

You may also need to bring some of these baby necessities, such as clothes and care products, with you for a hospital birth. Pack these in your labour bag.

3. Get your breastfeeding supplies together

Preparing for birth also means preparing for postpartum. If you plan to breastfeed, you may wish to get these supplies ready as well.

Some things that you’ll need include good-quality nursing bras (without underwiring, as this can impact breast milk production) and breast pads. Pack these also in your labour bag. You may also want to invest in breastfeeding supplements for added support.

You should also find out the name and contact details of lactation experts in your area in case you need help or advice. Note that the hospital may have a lot of information to assist you once you are on your own, such as the contact details of appropriate healthcare professionals.

4. Declutter your space

This may not be too high on your labour prep list, but this may be the last chance to clean your home for a while. If you’re feeling up to it, make sure everything is clean and neat to help cut down on stress when you get back home.

It’s also worth clearing out any unwanted belongings because your baby can take up a lot of space. You can do this in the months leading up to birth, and can even be a fun way to create room for the baby. Whether that’s a new nursery, or a corner in your bedroom dedicated to them, make sure all their new things have a home.

5. Meal and grocery plans

When you get home from the hospital, you’ll likely be wrapped up in your newborn bubble. From getting to know your new bundle of joy to working out their sleep schedule and feeding, the last thing you’ll want to have to worry about is organising food.

A great idea is to stock up your pantry with non-perishable items. Make sure you have some easy-to-prepare meals ready to go. Alternatively, you may want to prepare some dishes in advance and freeze them.

6. Line up post-delivery help

The constant and unpredictable needs of a newborn can be overwhelming, especially if you are a new mother. You may find that you want a little extra help. Whether it’s helping with the baby, or someone handling household chores and cooking, you may want to ask some loved ones for extra support. Enlist your mother, mother-in-law, relatives, friends, or hired help. If you plan to hire someone, it is worth “shopping around” to find someone who understands your needs. Find out the rates, duties performed, and training/qualification required. Referrals from someone you know is usually a good start.

When should you start preparing for labour?

When thinking about preparing for labour, it’s always best to be ready early. Many expectant parents start preparing in the third trimester, however that’s not to say you can’t start earlier if you feel like you need to. Whether you start shopping early, or work on enlisting help, it’s all down to you and your personal preference.

Want to learn more about pregnancy and postpartum? Check out the Biostime Parent Lounge.