While there’s no way of knowing exactly how your labour will go, being
as prepared as possible will help you feel calmer and more in control.
Heres what these new mums felt helped them...
‘Have realistic expectations of your partner!’
Realise that your partner may not be comfortable with everything going on during labour and may have the odd queasy moment. Also, get them to tell you the sex of the baby – if you don’t already know – the moment he or she is born. Hearing Andy say, “It’s a girl!” was the most incredible moment of my life. Have skin-to-skin contact with your baby as soon as possible, too. ’ Suzie Jarrett, 31, from Little Dunmow, Essex
‘Keep an open mind’
‘Understand that your birth plan may change, so be prepared for anything. I planned to have a water birth, with no drugs and ended up having an emergency Caesarean because Sampson was breech. My birth plan went in the bin! But it was all worth it, and I didn’t mind because it meant my baby was delivered safely.’ Katie Panayi, 34, from London, mum to Sampson, 7 months
'Consider having an epidural’
‘I’ll be honest – giving birth hurt more than I thought it would. My tip is to have an epidural – it was wonderful. I asked for a low dose, so I could still move around. It removed the pain completely; I even had a nap! I also recommend stuffing yourself with toast and jam before you go to hospital, as you’ll need the energy! Plus, I was glad we went to hospital in a taxi, rather than driving. It was great to have my husband with me instead of faffing about trying to park the car.’ Tillie Harris, 34, from London, mum to Bea, 8 months
‘Ignore scare stories’
‘My first tip is not to listen to other people’s horror stories and frighten yourself silly! Also, I wasn’t allowed to shower for 24 hours after my emergency C-section, so was really pleased I’d packed plenty of cleansing wipes. Take either a mini fan or cooling spray, as it can get very hot in hospital.’ Michele Bramley, 28, from Chellaston, Derby, mum to Miya Anne, 2 months
'Stock up on DVDs’
‘I had a long labour and ended up watching the box set of Brideshead Revisited on my laptop – it was a great distraction from the pain. I thought it seemed ridiculous when my partner suggested taking DVDs, but it turned out to be the best way of getting through 24 hours of increasingly strong contractions.’ Amanda Burney, 41, from London, mum to Romy, 2 months
‘Focus on your baby’
‘Keep your mind focused on meeting your beautiful baby and have someone there to wipe your brow regularly with a cold, wet flannel.’ Fiona Watkins, 36, from Llansanffraid, Powys, mum to Kyle, 1
‘Try different positions’
‘Don’t assume you have to lie on your back to deliver your baby, like on TV. I gave birth on all fours and I think gravity certainly helped the process!’ Emma Plumbe, 26, from London, mum to Finn, 3 months
'Stay as calm as possible’
‘My first labour was long and painful. I was dreading my second labour, so during contractions, I concentrated on staying very calm; last time I panicked, which I believe slowed down contractions. This time, I only just made it to the hospital in time to deliver Jacob after a labour of less than two hours, with no pain relief at all.’ Jeni Wood, 29, from Bournemouth, mum to Jacob, 3 months, and Alfie, 3
‘Get to know your baby’
‘After the birth, ask everyone except close relatives to let you have a few days together as a family, so you can all get used to each other. I just wanted to have time to rest and take in my beautiful little girl.’ Jo Young, 20, from Bridgwater, Somerset, mum to Mollie, 5 months
‘Pack all your hospital essentials in one bag’
‘Pack a nappy in your labour bag. I packed two bags – one for labour and one for afterwards. We left the latter in the car and assumed my partner, Chris, would go and get it during a lull in proceedings. But there was no lull at all, and after Alice was born and I was in theatre, Chris politely had to ask the midwives for a spare nappy.’ Joanne Williams, 34, from Haslemere, Surrey, mum to Alice, nearly 1
‘Ask the midwives for all the information you can’
‘In early labour, I found that a hot water bottle across my lower abdomen helped to ease early labour pains. If you do have to stay in hospital longer than expected – which I did, after an emergency C-section – make the most of all of the advice on hand from the midwives. I found them all so friendly and helpful.’ Amanda Evans, 36, from London, mum to Lily, 5 months
Advice from Midwife Nikki Khan.
‘It’s natural to feel nervous about giving birth,’ says Prima Baby’s ‘Focus on your breathing – it’s impossible to panic if you’re taking slow, deep breaths – and remember that you’re in the best hands and you’ll soon be meeting your baby. Try to imagine everything around the pelvic region loosening and opening up to accommodate your baby as she begins her journey into the world.’
