Q l. What do I need to pack for the labour?
The last weeks of pregnancy, or during the prelabour, are good times to put together your labour bag. Gathering items and supplies can be very exciting and can make the birth feel closer. Bear in mind that the average first labour can take 12-14 hours (from the start of established labour). This means that you are likely to labour for most of the day or night. However, if this is your second or subsequent baby, it may be shorter, so you may want to put a few things aside in advance).
If you feel some of the suggestions on the following lists are not needed, then leave them out. You may also have others to add. Don't forget your partner or support team, they will need to keep pace with you, and the supplies may mostly be for them!
For suggestions on what you can pack, click onto the appropriate heading for you.
What to pack in my labour bag for the delivery suite
What to pack in my labour bag for the birth centre
What to have organised at home for a homebirth
Q ll. What if the baby is born before we get to hospital or before my caregiver arrives?
No matter where you live, whether this is your first baby or your fifth, or if you are giving birth in a hospital or at home, the burning question on many potential parent's minds is "What if the baby comes before we get to the hospital (or in the case of a home birth, before the midwife arrives?)". The medical term given to this is a 'BBA' or 'Born Before Arrival' and this happens for about 0.1 to 0.7% (in 1998) of all births in Australia each year. You can read more in
baby born before arrival.
Q lll. What happens if I need to transfer to another hospital, or from the birth centre or from a homebirth?
Transferring from the place you originally planned to give birth can be an unsettling and unexpected outcome.