Due in 2 and half weeks

[ineedwine99]

Any advice for the big day? Tip's to get through labour as calmly as possible? Do i really need maternity pads or are night time ultra absorbent regular ones ok?
I've read i call the labour ward when contractions are 5 mins apart, really? Seems a bit close to me (i live 8 miles from hospital)

Yes you do really need maternity pads, I wouldn't suggest doing without them and I hate pads! But I put up with the maternity ones to begin with as they are necessary.
You could take one pack and see how you get on.

For keeping calm etc, I find it helps if your birth partner is well briefed and can advocate for you if necessary. Ask why things are happening if you're not sure, and don't be afraid to say if you're unhappy or uncomfortable about something. Don't beat yourself up if things don't go to plan or if you change your mind about things like pain relief.

Yes to maternity pads!! I'd also take a dark towel and leggings in case of any leakages A good tip I was given is to get your birthing partner to pack your maternity bag/pack it together so that when you need something, they know exactly where to find it in the bag.

You definitely need maternity pads. Besides the fact that 'normal' sanitary towels just wouldn't be up to the job (even super absorbent ones) there is another reason as well. Can't think what though at the moment my brain has melted in the heat.

RE keeping calm. Keep an open mind. Don't be mega fixed on your birth plan. What will be will be and things can change/move quickly. Make sure your birth partner can and will shout up on your behalf.

Pack big pants. Get cheapo ones from the supermarket.

Take lipbalm.

And magazines...it can't get a bit boring at times.

Wishing you all the best OP x

Thanks all, i'd better get back to Boots :-)
Hubby is my birthing partner so comfortable he can ask questions for me when needed and i've had him read the guide to contractions/labour etc that the midwife gave me.
Best show him the hospital bag though as i packed that

Normal pads can stick to stitches.

Is go for paper pants- boots do them - not glam but easier. Also snacks. Have you timed your route? 8miles could take 45 mum in a city at rush hour or 5 if you're in the suburbs at 2am ?!

Definitely take maternity pads and have some for home (I wouldn't even risk the ultra slim maternity pads)
Take it as it comes - try not to overthink it if your overdue (very hard to not get frustrated!)
Personally I took pain relief as it came too - didn't rule anything out but also didn't rush into anything that I didn't NEED.

I took flushable wipes with my second as they were more comfortable to use. Also a sports bottle for drink during the labour. With DS2 it was actually all I had as we had left the bag in the car while I was checked out and things progressed a bit faster than anticipated!

Boots maternity pads are nice and soft, would definitely recommend. I use their ultra slim ones a week after the birth and their normal maternity ones after that.

I had a large cup with a straw that went all the way down to the bottom for during labour, had still lucozade in it, helped not having to lean my head back to drink.

I was told contractions every 2-3 minutes walk the sign to go down to the hospital. Worth timing the route as advised above.

As for keeping calm I used some hypnobirthing techniques and kept telling myself that I was getting closer to meeting my baby.

Normal pads have plastic in them which don't allow stitches to breathe, and they can mask how much blood loss there is as they're so absorbent.

Yes,you need proper maternity pads.

And calling the ward when contractions are 5 mins apart wouldn't get you anywhere here - in both my labours I could only call when I was having 3 contractions in 10 mins (ie 3 mins apart). Still took DS 24 hours to arrive from that point!

As for tips? Take drugs if you want them.

Top tip. Wet a few maternity pads and put in freezer.
Wear 10 min, 2 or 3 a day to reduce swelling and bruising.