Must haves for vaginal birth

[lolomoon]

Preparing myself for an (all being well) vaginal birth in 8 weeks time. I gave birth to my son 3 years ago via C-Section which was anticipated from fairly early on (he was transverse).

This time round I am aiming for a VBAC but would love to know your TOP hospital bag items relating to having a vaginal birth?

-Disposable ice packs (Amazon)
-giant underwear (preferably disposable) I found that smaller ones rubbed too much
-pain relief for at home (ibuprofen helped much more then paracetamol)

good luck!

xx

I imagine it would be pretty similar to what you’d need to bring for a C-section, loads of maternity pads and big knickers!
But when you get home you might want to put the maternity pads in the freezer for a bit before you put one on, as that’ll help with the pain down there. I also used Spritz for your Bits spray on the pads after a couple of weeks, just to take away the last bit of stinging etc.
Good luck! Fingers crossed your get your VBAC

Witch hazel! I poured this onto pads and froze them, the relief was immense! Big black pants, ibuprofen

Spritz for your bitz spray
(I think it's called that!)..

Peri bottle for after birth for going to the toilet. Fill up with warm water when peeing.

https://www.boots.com/fridamom-upside-down-peri-bottle-10292827?cmmmc=bmm-buk-google-ppccPLAsAsHeroCompareare--PMax:+UKKSmartShoppinggBaby&gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADrIajWzwUqqNsXMKLbPYBSuQJ9aY&acsinfo=ZmluYWxfdXJsOiAiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYm9vdHMuY29tL2ZyaWRhbW9tLXVwc2lkZS1kb3duLXBlcmktYm90dGxlLTEwMjkyODI3Igo&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7666qqb2gwMViJJQBh0DowRuEAQYAiABEgIcCfDDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Plenty of nightgowns & black pants

A good water bottle

A black towel.

Can't think of anything else really, the things you'll need aren't much different from having a C-section

X

Oh I should also say, that if you haven't already thought about it, hire a TENS machine.

This got me to 7cm without any pain relief and it was a god send.

You can hire it for 6 weeks for £25!

https://babycaretens.com/tens/tens-to-hire/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIIIKwKf2gwMVgplQBh2QvAgSEAAYASAAEgI4yfDBwE

Agree with a tens machine, that really helped me.

Arnica tablets for help healing afterwards. And lots of ibuprofen.

Maternity pads and big knickers, don’t go putting anything else around there. Paracetamol for after if you need it, dark towel and spare bottoms in case of leaks

Honestly, not a lot. Pads and old pants (or disposables) but that's the same for a c section. Do take energy bars or similar, I was super hungry afterwards but otherwise it's like any birth, you don't really need anything other than nightwear plus clothes to go home in, basic toiletries. I didn't have anything else for me.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breast-Feeding-Nursing-Maternity-Pregnancy/dp/B0864QY63D/ref=asc_df_B0864QY63D/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=606705551717&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15344175073179063662&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046473&hvtargid=pla-1919033035084&psc=1&mcid=e1d2a0f324e93ab6be548b369d3b6cbc

ONE OF THESE!!!!!!

I used this to sit on for about 3 weeks as the car seats were agony, and my sofa was just pure pain. This meant my bum fit nicely but there was no pressure on my foof.

Best thing ever - cant recommend enough (plus useful for baby once healed and cheap!)

Has nobody mentioned food?!

I had been in labour and not feeling like eating for about 12 hours. Labour is pretty physical and pretty much as soon as each baby was out I was ravenous. Cereal bars, chocolate, pork pies... whatever gets calories in you the quickest!

I second this! First was a c section, second vbac and I didn't realise just how painful sitting down would be

Ice pack gel pads, and yes to the breastfeeding pillow that you can sit on to protect your poor bits.

Also, you won’t have heartburn any more after you give birth so you can have spicy food again! Hurray! Something to think about for your takeaway on your first night home.

My top item was lucozade, kept in the freezer until we left for the hospital.
It was like heaven sipping on it when it got to the pushing stage!

A water bottle with a straw that your birthing partner can hold for you whilst you have sips of water and a mini battery powered fan because whether you’re in a birthing pool or on a bed, it gets hot in those labour wards!

Christ I don't know but something to help the swelling. My first was fine I was back to normal quickly. Second my god it was like I'd had a puffer fish for a vagina! I was waddling so much and even the midwife commented how swollen I was😅😅

Agree with all of the above, would add:

• Frida mom witch hazel foam and witch hazel pad liners were amazing for me, bit pricey but I thought they were both worth it! Makes things a lot more comfortable once you're home and helps with healing!
• A face mist (la roche posay and avene both do one I think), this is great during night sweats and after birth in the hospital because they keep the place so warm! Just helps you feel a bit refreshed!
• Lip balm! Gas & Air makes your lips so dry and chapped, ended up with bleeding lips with my first!

For my second I also took stuff to wash my hair in the hospital, because I felt disgusting until I got home and could have a proper shower after my first - definitely helped me feel vaguely human again!

Loose fitting cheap nighties, bendy straws (for drinking water at awkward angles), snacks, some magazines in case it takes forever, and if you haven't started already it's never too late to focus on those pelvic floor exercises. Some people like a tens machine, but I wanted to throw it out of the window as I found it irritating and ineffective.

I took everything but the kitchen sink with me, and it mostly went home unpacked.

Good luck!