The Ultimate Birthing Guide and Essentials

Labour is typically divided into three stages: early labour, active labour, and the delivery of the placenta. Each stage has distinct characteristics and understanding these can help you know what to expect.

Early labour involves mild contractions and the gradual opening of the cervix. Active labour is more intense, with stronger, more regular contractions leading to full dilation. Finally, the delivery stage involves pushing the baby out and the delivery of the placenta. Familiarising yourself with these stages and the signs to look out for can help you feel more in control and prepared.

Being able to identify the early signs of labour can help you know when it's time to head to the hospital or contact your midwife. Common early signs include regular contractions, the 'show' (a mucus plug coming away), and your waters breaking. It's important to stay calm and keep track of these signs.

The NHS advises that you contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of these signs, especially if your waters break or contractions become regular and intense. Knowing these signs helps ensure timely medical support and can ease the transition into active labour.

Practical preparations can make a huge difference in your labour experience. Packing a hospital bag with essentials such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, and items for the baby is key. Creating a birth plan that outlines your preferences for pain relief, birthing positions, and who you want in the room can also help communicate your wishes to the healthcare team. The NHS also recommends attending antenatal classes to gain practical skills and knowledge.

It can be incredibly beneficial to practice mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques to manage stress and promote calmness all throughout pregnancy. Those same strategies such as meditation, visualisation, and progressive muscle relaxation can also help you during labour.

By being able to stay focused and reduce tension you may experience a smoother overall birth experience.You may even be interested in investigating different labor preparation methods such as hypnobirthing that utilize mindfulness and relaxation to assist in pain management throughout the labour process.

As you head into the hospital to welcome your little one into the world, comfort and practicality are key! Essentials include loose, comfortable clothing forlabour and postpartum, such as a nightie, dressing gown, and slippers. 

Don't forget items like maternity pads, nursing bras, and toiletries for your stay. Additionally, consider packing a water bottle, snacks, and items to help you relax, such as books or a tablet. The NHS advises bringing your maternity notes and birth plan in your hospital bag to ensure your healthcare providers are aware of your preferences and medical history.

Head here for our top picks for your hospital bag!

Newborn essentials should be packed well in advance to ensure you have everything your baby needs from the moment they arrive! Key items include several sets of clothes, blankets, nappies, and a car seat all set up for the journey home. It's also helpful to pack baby toiletries and feeding supplies, whether you're planning to breastfeed or bottle-feed

Head here for our top picks for your hospital bag!

Birth partners also play a key role in the birth, and it's important they are prepared too. Essentials for birth partners include comfortable clothing, snacks, and drinks to sustain them through potentially long hours and be there for you without having to leave your side.

They should also bring any necessary medications, toiletries, and items to help support you, such as massage oils. The NHS recommends that birth partners be familiar with the birth plan and prepared to assist in communicating your preferences to the midwives and doctors throughout the birth.

Head here for our top picks for your hospital bag!

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a specialised hospital department dedicated to supporting newborns with health complications. Babies admitted to the NICU may be born prematurely, have low birth weights, or encounter health challenges like breathing difficulties or infections that require specialised care. 

The NICU is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to monitor and assist newborns, from incubators for maintaining body temperature to ventilators and feeding tubes that provide essential support. Trained neonatologists, neonatal nurses, and other healthcare professionals work around the clock to ensure each baby receives the best care possible.

For parents, entering the NICU can feel daunting. The sight of medical equipment, monitoring devices, and medical protocols can be overwhelming. The NICU team will keep parents informed of their baby’s status, treatments, and progress. 

Parents are encouraged to spend as much time as they can with their new baby, including participating in daily care routines, such as feeding or changing nappies where possible.  

The NICU experience can be emotionally challenging for families, as parents may experience feelings of fear, guilt, or helplessness. To help, the NHS and many hospitals provide access to mental health support, parent education, and resources designed to assist families through their time in the NICU. 

Some hospitals also offer parental accommodations within the NICU, allowing parents to stay close to their baby. These resources aim to empower parents, helping them feel included in their baby’s care journey, and providing reassurance that their child is in capable hands.

Read More: How Can You Remain Connected with Your Premature Baby While They're in Hospital?

If your baby requires extra medical attention post-birth, the hospital will guide you through the process, providing clarity about what to expect and how to participate in your baby’s care. Newborns needing additional monitoring or treatment may be admitted to the NICU or Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), where medical staff specialise in supporting babies with specific needs. 

Reasons for a baby to require extra care can include prematurity, jaundice, breathing difficulties, infections, or low blood sugar, among other conditions. Being prepared for this possibility can help reduce stress and ensure you’re ready to engage in your child’s care with confidence.

The NICU has specialised teams, including neonatologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who work collaboratively to provide the best possible care for your baby. All parents are given a detailed overview of their baby’s condition, treatment plan, and expected outcomes. The medical staff are there to answer questions, so don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or details regarding your baby’s treatments or progress. As your baby progresses, you’ll likely be encouraged to participate in their daily care—feeding, bathing, and skin-to-skin contact—helping to build a close bond despite the medical environment.

Connecting with parent support groups can offer emotional relief and valuable insights from others who have experienced similar journeys. Most hospitals also offer a range of educational resources, so you can feel informed and empowered about your baby’s care. Remember, every baby’s recovery timeline is unique, and with the support of skilled healthcare providers and your own involvement, your baby’s journey through care can become an experience of resilience and growth.

Read More: What To Expect if Your Baby Goes to the NICU

Supporting someone whose baby is in the NICU can often feel tricky to navigate. Parents with babies in the NICU often feel isolated, anxious, and overwhelmed by the experience, as well as very helpless. Your role as a friend or family member can provide much-needed comfort during this time. 

Reaching out to offer a listening ear, words of encouragement, or practical assistance can make a tremendous difference. Acknowledging the challenges they’re facing, and that there isn’t much they can practically do, without judgment or unsolicited advice, can make the world of difference.

When offering help, practical gestures are often most appreciated. Bringing prepared meals, helping with childcare for siblings, assisting with household tasks, or offering transportation to and from the hospital are all ways to make life a bit easier for parents who are focused on their baby’s care. 

Thoughtful gestures, like a care package with snacks, a comforting blanket, or even self-care items, can help parents feel cared for and supported. Remember to be flexible and respectful of the parents' needs—they may need space at times, while at other moments, they may want to speak through their feelings in the middle of the night.

It’s also crucial to remain sensitive to the emotional toll of having a baby in the NICU. Avoid pressing the parents for updates, and instead, let them share information as they feel comfortable. Offer support through positive affirmations and simple reminders of your presence. Many hospitals provide information on NICU-specific support programs through the NHS or other organisations, which you can pass along if they express interest.           

For many parents, an unplanned or difficult birth can leave emotional scars, especially if there were medical complications or prolonged recovery periods for either mum or baby. Dealing with a birth experience that doesn’t go to plan can feel isolating and distressing, especially as expectations give way to the reality of a traumatic experience. 

Whatever happened, processing the event is essential, as unresolved trauma can lead to feelings of grief, disappointment, or even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward healing and finding support.

The NHS provides postnatal mental health support and counselling services designed to help parents process and recover from traumatic births. Connecting with healthcare providers, like midwives or mental health counsellors, who are experienced in postnatal care can be invaluable for gaining insights and strategies to manage emotional distress. 

Parent support groups, often available in hospitals or community settings, can also be a source of strength, offering the reassurance of shared experiences. These groups enable parents to speak openly about their feelings, find understanding among others who have faced similar situations, and begin to reframe their experience in a healing way.

Self-care and time are essential in this recovery process. Avoiding self-blame and allowing for both physical and emotional healing are crucial steps. This might include taking time away from social pressures, focusing on bonding with your newborn at your own pace, and seeking professional help if needed. 

Many parents find that journaling, therapy, or mindfulness techniques can provide relief, helping them process emotions gradually. Remember, recovery is a journey—there is no timeline or “right” way to process a traumatic birth. With the support of family, friends, and mental health professionals, parents can find a way to honour their experience and move forward with renewed strength.

Read More: Understanding Parental Mental Health After the NICU