So first off, if you have decided to go for a hospital or birth centre labour- do NOT go in too early. If you are a first time mum- believe me, the majority of women will have a 12-48 hour early latent phase before you get to 4 cms. I know that this can get exhausting, discouraging and painful. But, truly truly, do not go into hospital if you are contracting 1-2 times in 10 minutes, even if its been 24 hours... your body is still heating up (with very few exceptions- you will still be 0-2 cms!) You really need to have been contracting 3-4 times in 10 mins, lasting a good 60-90 seconds in length for a good 4 hours before you will be on that target of 4-5 cms (then being classed as active labour). If you go in too early, you will either sent back home, or sent to “await events” on the antenatal ward, which really is not the most pleasant place to endure the early stage, or get admitted, and then possibly end up on Syntocinon (the hormone drip) if you dont progress according to protocol.. if you are at home, there is no Doctor shaking his/her head when you dont progress the 2cms in the designated time! So to help you at home, use a hot bath, or go for a walk in your favourite place, or stay mobile in your living room while watching your favourite comedian or film (my sister ever associates “The Wedding Planner” with labours!)
Essential, or my opinion essentials for labour- take music you enjoy with you to listen too.. unless silence is golden ;)
Take an extra pillow, for some reason pillows seem to dissapear like those elusive socks in the washing machine!
Essential oils- if you like their smells! Especially Clarysage, as this is a natural stimulator of contractions J Also, baby oil- if you are a fan of massage- either the midwife can provide you with deep lower back massage which works so well for labouring women.
Plenty of drinks! Istonic drinks expecially are perfect for ensuring you dont become dehydrated and ketotic in labour! Dehydrations and being ketotic could diminish your performance and turn you tachycardic- which would mean the Doctors may need to intervene (and as much as I appreciate them as people... we want them to stay away as much as possible J )
Light snacks- especially the sugary sweets like haribo or mento’s etc... helping to keep your glucose levels stable.
And then of course your overnight stuff and baby essentials J
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