It's perfectly normal to feel both excitement and anxiety as the birth approaches. Here are a few tips to make your baby's arrival easier:

• Conserve your energy at the start of labour: rest, eat small snacks and stay sufficiently hydrated
• Move around and take short walks to relieve pain
• Take a shower or bath to relax
• Change position frequently to reduce discomfort
• Ask your partner to give you a massage
• Try to distract yourself by reading a book, watching a movie or playing a board game with your support person

What to pack

Prepare your bag in advance so that it's ready when the time comes. Here's a list of items to consider packing:

• Your Medicare card
• Your birth plan
• Your list of medications
• Comfortable clothes and socks
• Sleepwear and a robe
• Large sanitary napkins
• A toiletry kit (toothbrush, soap, toothpaste, hairbrush, lip balm, etc.)
• Snacks
• Your phone charger
• Essential items for the baby's discharge: diapers, pyjamas, blankets, hat, car seat (mandatory when leaving the hospital)

Planning for the baby's birth

If you haven't yet drawn up a birth plan, you can ask your obstetrics clinic for more information.

The best time to complete your birth plan is after attending prenatal classes.

A birth plan is a tool designed to help you prepare for the birth of your baby. It serves as a starting point for:

• Expressing your fears, expectations, concerns, wishes and needs to your doctor or health care provider
• Learning about and discussing the various methods available and best practices for giving birth in the chosen location
• Deciding how you would like your partner or support person to be involved

Remember that it may not be possible to follow the birth plan 100%. Childbirth is unpredictable, and health care professionals will always make the best choices to ensure the health of both you and your baby. For more information, you can discuss this during your next visit to the obstetrics clinic.

Advice for the father, partner or support person

If you are a labour partner, you can assist the mother-to-be by:

• Reading and learning about how to help her during childbirth
• Accompanying her to at least one prenatal visit to the doctor
• Attending prenatal classes with her
• Taking the time to practise breathing, relaxation, discomfort reduction and position change techniques with her
• Actively helping her to breathe, relax and feel as comfortable as possible during labour

Anyone can be a labour partner: a spouse, of course, but also a family member or friend. More information is available in this guide: Becoming a Father

Consult the Healthy Birthing guide for more information about childbirth and the birth of your baby.