Enlarge this image

Pack your bag ready for the birth
Whether you're planning to have your baby at home, in hospital or at a maternity unit, you should get a few things ready at least two weeks before your due date.

If you're planning to give birth in a hospital or maternity unit, your nurse will probably give you a list of what you'll need to pack. You may want to include the following:

• Something loose and comfortable to wear during labour. It shouldn't restrict you from moving around or make you too hot. You may need about three changes of clothes.
• Two or three comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed. Remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual.
• About 24 super-absorbent sanitary towels.
• Your wash bag with toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel and other toiletries.
• Towels.
• Things that can help you pass the time and relax. For example books, magazines and music.
• A sponge or water spray to cool you down.
• Front-opening nighties if you're going to breastfeed.
• Dressing gown and slippers.
• Five or six pairs of pants, as you'll probably want to change them often to stay fresh.
• A loose, comfortable outfit to wear after you have given birth, and when you come home.
• Clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby.
• A shawl or blanket to wrap the baby in.

Transport
Work out how you'll get to the hospital or maternity unit because you could go there at any time of day or night. If you're planning to go by car, make sure it's running well and that there's always enough petrol in the tank. If a neighbour,or a friend, has arranged to take you, make an alternative arrangement just in case they’re not in. If you haven’t got a car, you could call a taxi/ scooter or rikshaw but make sure you do your calculations on how long it will take to get to the hospital. Or call your maternity unit who can arrange for an ambulance to pick you up. Try to do so in good time.

Home births
If you're planning to give birth at home, discuss your plans and what you need to prepare with your nurse/doctor. Think about where in your home you want to give birth. You're likely to need:

• Clean linen and towels.
• Clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby.
• About 24 super-absorbent sanitary towels.

Home birth are more common in the remotest rural districts where a dai helps the mother during her labour up until birth.

Important numbers
Wherever you're planning to give birth, keep a list of important numbers in your handbag or near the phone. You need to include:

• Your parents,in-law’s numbers just in-case your partner is not in town
• Your own hospital reference number (it will be on your card or notes).You will be asked for this when you phone in.

If you don’t have a phone, ask neighbours if you can use theirs when the time comes. Some hospitals and maternity units allow you to use your mobile phone. Check with your nurse or doctor. If you can't use your mobile phone, make sure you have access to a land-line phone.

Stocking up
When you come home you won't want to do much more than rest and care for your baby, so do as much planning as you can in advance. Stock up on basics, such as toilet paper, sanitary pads and nappies. If you have a freezer, cook some meals in advance and freeze them.