Birth Advice
Guidance and information to help expectant parents prepare for labour, delivery, and immediate postpartum care.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Planning window | Second and third trimesters (weeks 14-40) |
| Key decision points | Birth location, pain relief, birth partner, feeding method |
| Information sources | antenatal classes, midwives, obstetricians, doulas |
Essential Preparations
Birth plan considerations:
- Birth location (hospital, birth centre, home)
- Pain relief preferences (epidural, gas and air, water birth, none)
- Birth partner(s) and their role
- Positions for labour and delivery
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact preferences
- Cord clamping timing (delayed vs immediate)
- Initial feeding method
What to pack:
- Maternity notes and birth plan copies
- Comfortable clothing for labour
- Nappies, baby clothes, blankets
- Toiletries and sanitary pads
- Snacks and drinks
- Phone charger
- Car seat (for leaving hospital)
Signs of Labour
Contact your midwife or hospital when:
- contractions are regular (every 5 minutes, lasting 60 seconds)
- Waters break (note colour and time)
- Reduced foetal movement
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
Early labour at home:
- Stay mobile and upright
- Eat light meals, stay hydrated
- Rest between contractions
- Use breathing techniques
- Time contractions
Pain Management Options
| Method | Availability | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Gas and air | All settings | Mobile, no lasting effects |
| TENS machine | All settings | Best started early |
| Water birth | Most hospitals/birth centres | Natural pain relief |
| Epidural | Hospital only | Effective but restricts mobility |
| Pethidine | Hospital/birth centre | Can affect baby's breathing |
Immediate Postpartum
First hour priorities:
- Skin-to-skin contact with baby
- Initial breastfeeding attempt (if chosen)
- Delivery of placenta
- perineal assessment and repair if needed
- Monitoring of bleeding and vital signs
Before discharge:
- newborn examination
- Feeding established or support arranged
- Vitamin K decision for baby
- heel prick test scheduled (day 5)
- Midwife home visits arranged
See Also
Antenatal Care | Labour Stages | Breastfeeding | Postnatal Recovery | Newborn Care
Note: General guidance only. Consult a healthcare provider for specific concerns.