What to prepare for labour?

[amybliss88]

Hello!
I am due in 6 weeks!!
I understand what to pack in my bag etc, my question is more looking for tips for actual labour before I go to hospital!
I'm thinking of making a list of feel good tv shows, getting great energy food and drinks that actually work, any good playlists or youtube videos of music...
Anyone got any suggestions or tips on great things to use during these early stages?
Thanks in advance!!!!

• different play lists to listen to when you are in labour
• stuff downloaded onto your iPad/phone to watch (eg to kill time during an induction)
• list of people you want to message to let them know the baby has arrived
• research things like local lactation consultant, mother and baby groups, breastfeeding cafe etc
• batch cook meals
• buy some nice comfy clothes to wear in the very early days once you’re home from hospital (a new dressing gown, lounge wear etc)
• go to the dentist, hairdresser, get your car valeted, go for a pedicure etc (things you won’t have time to do for a while)
• prep for any upcoming events that you won’t have time to think about (eg buy and write birthday cards for any family birthdays in the next month or two)

Ok, I totally misread your question! Sorry! These are more things to do in the days/weeks beforehand!

I used the Freya app in early stages of labour and had been using a lavender scent every time I relaxed before going into labour then sprayed it during labour to help me relax between contractions.
Hope that helps!

You might not need a lot. I couldn't eat at all during both of my, thankfully shortish, labours, but was ravenous later.

Your own playlists are good. Maybe take some flip lips for the bathroom and a pillow mist.

Charging cable and charged up portable charger (battery block) for your phone.

I liked the contraction timing app.

Water or isotonic sports drinks, in bottles with sports cap. Straws.

Portable battery powered fan. Hair ties if your hair is long enough, even if you never tie it up.

Get the book Birth Skills by Juju Sundin and read it now :) Loads of brilliant ideas in there.

Birth ball.
Drink with a sports cap and strict instructions to birth partner not to let your drink out of your reach
Hair bobble / bands / clips
Tens machine?
High energy, sugary foods if you can stomach them

Also squats!! I've been practicing and I can hold one for 8 minutes. Hoping to increase that a bit every day until birth.