B-day worries and getting ready

[Daffodil90]

Hi all

I'm 38 weeks today (with 1st baby) and getting ready (or feeling impatient!) for b-day.

I'm worrying about tearing. I've been doing pelvic floor exercises regularly but I found a leaflet on perineal massage the other day that I must have dropped from my pack at some point and haven't been doing that. Is it worth starting to do it now this late in the game? Did you do it?

And as a separate question, I have been packing my hospital bag for the last two weeks, moving things in and out of it on one hand thinking of every eventuality and on the other thinking this is far too much stuff to be going anywhere with! I was hoping to hear some of your experiences of what was the most useful thing you took with you or something that turned out to be invaluable during your time in hospital that you hadn't expected would be?

Thanks :)

[Chalk25911]

hi chalk25911

I gave birth to my first baby a week ago today and my best piece of advice would be to just go with whatever happens on the day, I was worried about tearing and didn't even end up having a natural birth, long story short but basically I laboured to 9cm at home ( which I never thought I could do) and then was told baby was breech! You just can't plan for anything and I was terrified of birth!

My sister packed me a hospital bag as part of my baby shower present and it has everything I needed in it, comfy pjs , slippers , big knickers, pads, face wipes and all toiletries essentials you'll need! Some sweets! Baby grows and vests and a hat and warm suit for them to come home with, wipes and nappies . That's pretty much all I had! Plus if you forget anything you can have someone bring things up for you.

Best of luck with everything! X

[Bumpingalong84]

Hi,

I had my first baby 4 weeks ago today. I had a natural delivery, only had gas and air. I just went with the flow really, nothing was in my control as I wanted a water birth but baby was early so couldn't do that as had to be monitored. I ended up needing an episiotomy which was painful for a week but has now heeled nicely. So don't worry, I didn't think I could do it but I did!!

As for bag, as pp list plus some bottles of water with sports caps I got so thirsty. And I'd say unless you know you are having a big baby take some newborn babygrows, my little one was 7lb3oz and the 0-3 was huge on her, even some first size was too big.
Good luck, I'm sure it will all be fine. I just kept telling myself my body was designed to do this, and every contraction got me closer to meeting my baby xx

[Llouh]

Hello

I had my baby 3 weeks ago and I ended up with a 10lb 6oz and only a 2nd degree tear.

Everything has all healed already and honestly the worst part about having the tear was being stitched up but that didn't last long and it wasn't really so bad.

You might not have a tear at all but maybe stock up on things that will help if you do. I took arnica tablets to help bruising and used lavender oil on pads to help healing. Also Andrex washlet things (flushable wet wipes) were amazing.

Best of luck!

[Daffodil90]

Thanks so much everyone!

It's good to hear that if it does happen, it's not the end of the world, and your positive stories of healing! I guess its the idea of the tear that freaks me out a bit - that's its quite unknown and the different severities of it.

I've got most of what you've mentioned bag wise but thanks for the tip on sports cap water (had totally forgotten drinks!) and will grab some lavender oil too (just incase!).

Thanks for the reassurances!

[Seeline]

Make sure you have got stuff for your DP too - drinks and snacks etc
I was in labour for rather a long time, but didn't really want DH leaving me to wander off to the café.

[Daffodil90]

Very good point! DH eats like there's no tomorrow (and stays slim - gah!) so will probably need an extra bag of food just for him!
Thanks :)

[strawberryandaflake]

I've been asking my OH to pack a bag for himself for weeks. Right now I am ready to let him starve for not doing bit. No way is he having my snacks!