Classes are a great way to help you prepare for your baby’s birth and can also provide you with lots of information which can make you feel more confident. They cover a variety of topics and also give you an opportunity to meet people who will be involved with your labour and after birth and also a chance to make friends with other parents.
If you would like more information about NHS antenatal classes, see where you can access them in Doncaster here
You can also see all local antenatal classes available in Doncaster here.
Packing your labour bag for hospital is a job you will either do too early or too late. This is no matter, because at least you will have everything you need to make your birth and first days with baby as comfortable as possible. It’s sometimes hard to know where to start when packing your hospital bag, so you might find it beneficial to create a checklist of what both you and baby need.
For more information on what to include, click this link which shares a complete list including what you need for home births and transport. There is also a video at the bottom of page where a midwife goes through the essentials you should pack in your hospital bag.
Top Tips from Mumblers in the Doncaster Mumbler Chat Group…
“Food! Plenty of Food! 50 million pairs of knickers and jama bottoms, slippers and a towel for you. Cotton wool, nappies, baby clothes, tablet with downloaded netflix films” KN Facebook
“Lucozade, ear plugs for before not after, witch hazel” MM Facebook
“Lipsalve and snacks” LS Facebook
” I would say invest in:
” I took these and didn’t regret it at all! I used them and so glad it was so relaxing
lavender room spraylavender massage oilmassage face roller (partner to use on back)fake tea lightsown pillow/maternity pillowwater bottleFlask cup for hot drinkssnacks/boiled sweets/chocolate peanut barslucozade sports drink TENA lady pads for when water breaks (godsend)fan / mist spray “ NP Facebook
Whether your birthing partner is the baby’s parent, a close friend, partner or relative – there are many practical ways they can help to support and encourage you throughout labour and birth. Every birth is different, so it’s impossible to know exactly what to expect however, having a supportive partner can help give you an added sense of control, comfort, and competence.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT):
For more details follow please go to: Ten tips for birth partners | NCT
Another way that your birth partner could help is by learning birth massage as this is a terrific way to help ease some of the pain and tension during labour. It can also be a good way to bring you and the person who is caring for you closer.
Within the following link, this article provides details of how does massage relieve pain, massage oils which are safe during labour, the best areas to massage, what if I don’t want a massage and also where can my birth partner learn to massage me.
There’s never a more important time to look after yourself.
During your pregnancy you might be entitled to the Healthy Start Vouchers – detailed here. This means you’d get money for food and milk and there are some great recipe ideas too.
As well as antental classes, there are many local places offering pregnancy massage or treatments. You can see a list here. Especially if this is your first baby, take a moment for yourself and enjoy some relaxation time. If it’s your second or your third or more you really deserve some ‘me-time’ so take the opportunity before your baby arrives.
Go shopping! We have compiled some recommendations from Mumblers as to which maternity clothes they wore and any tips on breastfeeding clothes here.
Head out to some of our lovely parks and outside areas to get some fresh air and excercise. You can see lots of places to go here
You might fancy some excercise and there are some great classes and activities for pregnant ladies here in our ante-natal, adult fitness area and the Playgroups and Classes area.
We have compiled 50 things to do on Maternity/Paternity Leave in Doncaster here – which includes some of the best places to enjoy a baby brunch, newborn photography, baby scanning clinics, swimming with your baby, places to go and lots of things to do.
