What you may need during labour

• Your birth plan - if you’ve written one take a copy with you, even if there’s already one with your notes
  
  
• Music tapes - music can make you happy, soothe you, spur you on - take a selection. The hospital may have a cassette player in every labour room or you may need to take your own
  
  
• TENS machine if you want to use one and are providing your own, plus spare batteries
  
  
• Oil for massaging back, shoulders and legs. You may want it unscented, or a neutral base in which to dissolve aromatherapy oils. Some women find two tennis balls in a sock rotated either side of their lower spine gives a wonderfully firm massage in just the right spot
  
  
• Aromatherapy oils to dissolve in a bath or add to a bowl of warm water to scent the room. Consult a qualified aromatherapist on suitable oils to use in labour
  
  
• Natural sponge which can be soaked in cool water to suck on between contractions, or used for wiping your face
  
  
• A fine water spray or soft flannel is also good for cooling your face
  
  
• Lip salve - sometimes your lips can feel dry and chapped
  
  
• A thermos of ice-cubes to suck on, though the hospital may be able to provide plenty of ice
  
  
• Your own nightshirt or long t-shirt - hospital ones can be very revealing. If you want to use your own, take something soft, loose and old as it may well become stained. You will also need a clean nightshirt to change into after the birth
  
  
• Lightweight dressing gown. You won’t need a warm one as the wards are generally very well heated
  
  
• Slippers, in case you are pacing the corridors trying to encourage progress in a slow labour
  
  
• Disposable or old pants, and maternity sanitary pads in case your waters have broken and you want to walk around
  
  
• Thick socks - it’s not unusual to suddenly feel cold towards the end of first stage. You might want something warm to put around your shoulders at this stage too
  
  
• Hot water bottle to use as a heat pad for your back (though do check first as some hospitals don’t allow them). Flannels, or terry nappies can be soaked in hot water and wrung out to make a good hot compress instead. Or you could use a picnic thermal pack
  
  
• Hairbrush if you find having your hair brushed is soothing and bands or clips for tying back your hair if having it loose is likely to annoy you
  
  
• Light snacks for you - easily digested food and drink to keep up your energy levels. Some hospitals have a policy of no nourishment during labour, but many women still choose to eat or drink in small amounts. Try eating teaspoons of honey or drinking sweetened fruit teas
  
  
• Food for your partner - depending on the time of day, he may not be able to buy food at the hospital
  
  
• Spare shirt or t-shirt for your partner - it can be extremely hot in hospital. He may even want to change into shorts
  
  
• Bathing trunks for your labour partner if he is planning to physically support you in a birthing pool
  
  
• Special object to help you focus during labour. Some women find it helps to look at something while they relax through a contraction. Looking at a picture or a flower is much nicer than staring at a crack in the wall!
  
  
• Notebook in which to write a record of the labour. Remember to take a pen, too
  
  
• Camera, for those earliest photographs of your baby, plus extra film. Choose high speed film that will work in low lighting to avoid using flash, which may disturb your new baby
  
  
• Change or phonecard, for letting relatives and friends know the good news, plus a list of telephone numbers. Most hospitals ban mobile phones in case they interfere with vital equipment