Being prepared for the big day is all important. To help we’ve provided some helpful tips.

Creating a birth plan

Creating the birth plan is something your partner will discuss way in advance of the birth with her midwife but it is something that you need to be aware of. This is your opportunity to understand what is going to happen and have your say on several parts of the process.

So what exactly is a birth plan?

A birth plan is a list of all of the choices you and your partner have made for your little ones delivery that you share with your partners doctor, the nurses and the midwife. Given that your partner may be on medication or unable to express her preferences on the big day, the birth plan is the guide that is used by the birth and delivery team as to abide by your wishes.

The birth plan may include the following:

• the place you would like to give birth ( at home or in the hospital),
• method of delivery (in bed, in water, a Caesarean section),
• people you’d like present at the birth (husband, partner, mother, friend),
• which delivery position you would like to be in (sitting, standing, squatting),
• what pain relief methods you would prefer (pethidine, epidural, or just gas and air).
• consent for the injection used to speed up the delivery of the placenta, or if you want prefer not to have this,
• thoughts about an assisted birth or cesarean section if things don’t go to plan,
• if you would like the baby to be placed on the mothers stomach immediately after birth (skin to skin),
• include the preferred method for feeding your baby (to be breastfed or bottle fed),
• who you selected to cut the umbilical cord,
• whether you give consent to have student nurses, midwives or doctors present.

Within the birth plan you may wish to include any disability or any special treatment requirements. you should also ensure that the birth plan includes all particular religious requirements and finally you should state if your partner requires a special diet (such as vegetarian) whilst in hospital.

Essentials for the hospital bag

When putting together a hospital bag there are some things that are essential but also some things that are nice to have. Our guide covers both to help put together a comprehensive hospital bag.

Let’s take a look at what we need:

In the bag for Mom:

• Maternity notes and Birth plan
• Extra loose t-shirt or front fastening nightdress for during labour
• Dressing gown
• Towel
• Maternity pads and disposable briefs
• Old/cheap Underwear of the Bridget Jones style
• Clothes for the homeward trip
• Comfortable footwear
• Toiletries including shower gel and shampoo
• Bottled water or juice
• A comfortable outfits for wearing on the ward
• A couple of nursing or support bras, breast pads, and cream
• Books and magazines
• Change in case it’s a pay per view TV & for the Phone
• Slippers
• Face cloth and water spray
• TENS machine if you are planning to use one
• Lip Balm

In the bag for junior:

• 2 or 3 bodysuits
• 2 or 3 all in ones
• A cardigan
• A pairs of scratch mitts
• A hat
• Baby blanket
• Coat
• A pack of newborn nappies & nappy bags
• Cotton wool
• Baby wash and shampoo
• Outfit to travel home
• Muslin Squares
• A small pot of nappy cream

And last of all what’s in the bag for dad:

• A camera and/or Camcorder
• MP3 player/Handheld games console/Magazines
• Snacks and drinks

Alternatively you may wish to order a pre-packed hospital bag by just clicking one of these links;

Author: SuperDads

We’re here to make a difference. Superdads not only offers advice but we are her e to promote the importance of fatherhood. Many people are oblivious to the fact that Dads really do matter and this is something we’d like to put right.

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