What if I don't make it to the hospital?

[javotte]

Hello! DD was born 15mn after I reached the hospital, and we lived a couple of miles away. Now I live in the French countryside, at least 30mn from the nearest hospital (40mn if we stick to the speed limit). I know that all labours are different, but shall I pack an "emergency bag" in case I give birth in the car? What should it include? Thanks.

Have you thought about having a home birth?

If that's not your bag, then the only thing i can think of that you would need if you were to have the baby en route is a towel or blanket to keep the baby warm, and a bucket or tub to put the placenta in. Surely a home birth would be preferable though?

I would have loved a home birth, but it is almost unheard of in France, and certainly not that far away from a hospital (I've already called all the midwives in a 50-mile radius!).