Expecting? A few things to have on hand for hospital and after birth.

Compression. Physios are obsessed with compression garments and there is a reason for it. Not only can it help you feel supported, it has been shown to be helpful with abdominal separation and gives us a lift up underneath. It is normal to feel heavy in the early days down there after delivery and compression can help us feel really supported and lifted underneath.

Stool softeners and a squatty potty. Keep an eye on your bowels. They may be firm after delivery particularly after strong pain relief. If this is the case, ensure you have stool softeners on board to help keep these comfortable and easy to pass. I have seen women develop pelvic floor injuries after a straight forward birth purely from straining to hard on the toilet. A squatty potty puts ourselves in the best position to do a comfortable poo so I would highly recommend investing in one.

TENS machine. A tens machine provides electrical stimulation which has been shown to be helpful particularly with early labour pains. I would actually pop these on before heading into hospital as it can help keep us comfortable at home in the early stages.

Something from home that makes you feel comfy and safe in hospital. This is a vague suggestion. However, stay with me, hormones play a significant role in labour progressing. Our calming/love hormone oxytocin helps the progression of labour and adrenaline can slow things down. When going into a foreign environment like hospital with its sterile lights and beeping noises, this can trigger a release in adrenaline. Taking something from home, whether this be fairy lights, your favourite blanket with its comforting smells and associations can help with our oxytocin levels and help us feel safe enough for labour to progress.

Ice packs. Ice ice baby. Perineal ice packs can be a really nice way to help reduce pain down there after delivery. Ensure the product you buy is designed for your perineum and follow instructions on the packet. Obviously ensure that it doesn’t directly contact the skin and avoid it going soggy, pat dry after use. A rough guide for use is 20 minutes every 2 hours.

Eye masks & Pillow: If you know you are going to be induced/in hospital for a long time. Take an eye mask and pillow for when you are trying to sleep. There are lots of noises, beeping and lights in hospital when you are trying to rest so being prepped for a good nights slumber and block out these distractions can help.