Thursday, October 06, 2011

homebirth preparation: labor to-do

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I'm a list kind of gal.

I makes lists.  I make lists of lists.

So, it makes sense that I would make a list of things to do once labor appears to get started.  Assuming, of course, that this labor goes a little slower than the last one.  Last time, I had a huge list and we barely got around to getting out the birth supplies, it went so fast.  Not that I want it to be longer, but you never know.

Here are some things on my to-do list once it appears that early labor has started:

The practical:
  • call the Midwife!
  • get out birth supply box
  • prepare the bed (for homebirth, it's recommended to layer the bed coverings - a bottom layer of sheets for post birth, then a layer of plastic sheeting, the a top layer of a fitted sheet that can get messy.)
  • log on to contractionmaster.com  Or use the app on the ipad.
  • Turn up the waterheater
  • Turn up the house heat
  • mix labor-aid drink
  • make sure there's clean space on a dresser or table for midwife equipment
  • set out mama and baby clothes
  • charge the phones and cameras
The "fun"(seriously, most of this will probably NOT happen):
  • turn on some music - I have a labor playlist ready.  Yes, it does have Enya, but I like Enya.
  • have Jude play guitar
  • take a nap
  • bake a "birthday" cake w/ the kids
  • take a shower
  • go for a walk
  • bake bread
  • thaw out some "mama juice" (A tasty beverage for nursing mamas. Nice alternative to water)
  • do something crafty
  • perineal massage
Reminders during labor:
  • Drink fluids! (dehydration can lead to a slower labor and a tired mama)
  • Pee every hour (a full bladder can also slow down labor)
  • Change positions (again, with the slowing down labor by staying too still)
  • Take pictures! If we don't like them, we can delete them later!

I have no idea if I'll even get to anything on the fun list.  It totally depends on how labor goes, but having it written out cements it in my brain a bit more.  And, if Jude asks what he can do to help, I can point him to this page in the binder.

What kind of preparations do you make when it appears that labor has started?  


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