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Just thought it would be a good idea to share some tips for first time mums.

My number one tip is to store your stocked packets of wipes upside down so all the moisture goes to the top of the pack. when you come to use them the wipes you take first wont be dry.

It's finally done with the exception of a few bits that I am waiting to pack that are drying or I still need to get. I thought I'd share my list as I used a mixture of all the lovely ladies ideas on here  please don't forget that I know I will be in for at least 48 hours after the birth due to high risk so you may not need some of the things if you are a "quicky"!!!

My bag:
Notes and birth plan
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Deoderant
Facewash
Moisturiser
Lip balm x2
Hand cream
Body moisturiser
Body spray
Towel
Flannel
Sanitiser gel
Flash wipes (for toilet/bath!)
Nipple cream and breast pads
Maternity pads
Disposable knickers
Socks
Bikini top (if water birth/using pool)
Slippers and dressing gown
Nursing bra x2
Ear plugs (if not in side room)
Face wipes
Hairbands and clips
Tissues
Book/magazine
Snacks/drinks
Flip flops for showering
Paracetamol
Tens machine
Massage ball
Music
Water bottle
Nightie x2
Pj's for after birth
Pregnacare vitamins
Coins in a purse (not taking bank cards on ward in case stolen)

Hubby to bring comfy going home outfit and baby's outfit to hospital.

Baby's bag:
Change mat
Nail clippers
Sudocrem
Nappies
Nappy sacks
Baby wash, towel and wash mitt
Baby wipes
Cotton balls and buds
Blanket
Muslin squares
Bibs
Sleep suits, vests, hats
Scratch mitts
Aptamil cartons

I have packed the baby clothes in sandwich bags - a vest, hat, pair of mitts and sleepsuit in each one so no faffing about looking for things!

Hubby's bag:
Change of clothes
Deoderant and wipes
Toothbrush
Magazine
Camera
Drinks/snacks

I am sure there are lots more things and I am open to suggestions for things to add!!!

Happy packing ladies 

Rea 35+6 x x

I have seen a lot of post about how to induce naturally. I know that baby will come when ready but thought I would list what I found.

1. Walking-helps draw baby down into your pelvis(thanks to gravity & swaying of your hips)

2. Sex-sperm contains prostaglandins(hormones that can help thin and dilate the cervix) plus an orgasm releases the hormone oxytocin (which can trigger contractions)

3. Evening primrose oil-it can help induce by acting like a prostaglandin(ripening the cervix) you can take by mouth, rubbing oil directly onto cervix or inserting capsules into the vagina to help thin and dilate. (make sure to talk to dr or midwife) if you have placenta précis you should avoid it.

4. Castor Oil-it will stimulate ur bowels and in turn irritates your uterus and causes it to start contractions **downside-if you not already showing signs of labor it will just cause a bad case of diarrhea and cramping.

5.Spicy Food-it will irritate ur bowels and in turn get ur uterus contracting

6. Acupuncture-if baby isn't ready to make an appearance, acupuncture alone isn't likely make it happen.

7. Acupressure-2 pressure points that may induce labor: the webbing between your thumb and index finger and the inside of your leg about 4 finger-widths above the ankle bone.

8. Nipple stimulation-messaging and twisting for a few hours a day can cause your body to release the hormone oxytocin(which brings on contractions) **practitioners generally don't recommend this one bc it can cause long, painful contractions that could lower baby heartbeat.

9. Message-it raises you body's level of oxytocin.

10. Meditation and relaxing-which could get ur levels of oxytocin up(no coincidence that majority of labors start late at night when mom is warm and cozy in bed)

11. Stripping Membranes- only a healthcare provider can do this. They will separate the bag of waters from ur cervix and this is thought to help encourage labor.

12. Raspberry Leaf Tea-not actually known for it's inducing properties but is believed to be helpful in toning the uterus and helping with labor.

13. Bouncing on birth/exercise ball.

14. Bumpy car ride

15. Dancing-don't do anything too drastic....the the swing in ur hips may help baby think about coming out.

I hope this gave you some info.

My baby girls only a few days old and refuses to sleep in crib. She sleeps perfectly fine during day in and out pram then at night I can't put her down without her screaming. I am usually sitting up til all hours with her in my arms then she goes in pram for a couple of hours if I'm lucky.
I have tried a swaddle and no luck.. Dont know what to do anymore dint know if she's safe sleeping in icandy peach carrycot?! xx

Hi mummies can anyone recommend a good breast pump? I was going to get a manual but have been told not to bother and pay the extra for an electric however don't want to spend over a £100 on one!!! Any reviews would be great! Xxx

So I just got a sweep this afternoon having light period like cramping now and then and really sore thighs and I'm sure I've just had a bloody show. Midwife said I wouldn't need a pessary during inducing and that she felt baby's head!
Been for a walk now having hot bath! Anyone had any luck with sweeps?
xx

Today was the day I was meant to get induced, came in at 5 was put in a bed got blood tests taken then waited until 9pm for a bloody doctor to examine me. The last doctor from earlier this week had said I wouldn't need pessary or gel I would just need waters broken and this was confirmed by doctor today. It's now 11pm an oh has been sent home as there is no beds in the labour suite for them to break my waters!! I've been here since 5pm and wondering what the bloody point was ne being here if their just telling me to go to sleep until the morning and then they will break my waters. There's no way in hell I'm going to sleep in this noisy horrible hospital so I'm going to be exhausted for the birth. I'm so angry  xx

I'm getting my waters broken after lunch! So scared but so excited!!!!!! xxx

I've been in hospital since yesterday waiting to be induced. The pessary/gel isn't needed as my cervix is dilated enough to break waters. OH got sent home last night and we were told we shouldn't be waiting long for a bed in the labour suite. Been here for about 15 hours now and I'm still not in labor, the only thing I've had is a blood test. I'm so angry and upset but nothing I can do as I'm not high priority as I'm not actually in labor yet  xx