All posts filed under: Checklists

Checklist for 2nd Time Parents

Checklist for 2nd Time Parents

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This checklist for 2nd time parents aims to raise awareness of a few issues to be aware of during pregnancy, for birth and with your new baby. It is about helping you to be better prepared for birth and your new baby Even if you are planning a caesarean, you can adapt this checklist to meet your needs – also being mindful that it is possible to go into labour before labour starts so being organised and ready is still useful. Worries or fears How are you doing? This can be a time to talk through your previous birth as well as any struggles you may have experienced in the early days to feel prepared for doing it all again. Childcare This is an important factor because you need to make sure your children are being looked after before you can focus on labour again. If this isn’t straight-forward, make a list of options with numbers for daytime, evening, through the night and weekends. Packing for birth Just in case labour and birth are quick …

4th Trimester Checklist

4th Trimester Checklist

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A 4th trimester checklist can help you remember the simple things that could make a huge difference during the first few days, weeks and months with your new baby. All of these help to put you at the centre of it all – to focus on what you might need to be more comfortable and to give your body what it needs to heal. You can use this 4th trimester checklist as a quick reminder to look after yourself and to get the support and reassurance you need. Try not to have any expectations of you or your baby Go with the flow, get to know your baby and his/her needs. Every baby is different and it might feel like chaos – this is normal and it will eventually get easier. What do you need? Support, reassurance, help to be comfortable, food, drinks, rest? Whatever you need, please speak up and be looked after. Can you sit in a comfortable position? Use cushions and pillows to get yourself as comfortable as possible for resting and …

Meeting Baby Checklist

Meeting Baby Checklist

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This meeting baby checklist is for everyone who is pregnant and who will have a newborn baby. Whether you are feeling great or if your birth is more complicated you can adapt this checklist to suit your needs. Do you understand what is happening? Immediately after birth, the placenta needs to be delivered, your perineum will be checked and you might need stitches. If you aren’t sure what is going on, you can ask your midwife. Cuddle your baby You can cuddle and have skin-to-skin with your baby for as long as you want to. Just make sure you are both warm. If you need any stitches, you may prefer someone else to cuddle your baby until that procedure is finished and you are more comfortable. If you are unable to cuddle your baby straight away, ask if your partner can provide cuddles or find out when cuddles or any contact can happen. What do you need? Support, reassurance, help to be comfortable, food, a drink? Can you sit in a comfortable position? Use cushions …

induction checklist

Induction Checklist

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An induction checklist can help you remember the simple things that could make a huge difference to how well your induction works as well as how comfortable and prepared you are. All of these help to put you at the centre of it all – to focus on what you might need to be more comfortable and to give your body what it needs to work and help labour progress. Do you understand what is happening? Do you need more information or reassurance about why you are being induced, about the induction process or about what to expect at the hospital? Pack well Your labour needs to start in hospital and this process can take a while – pack items to keep you distracted, entertained, relaxed and comfortable. Make the space yours Whether you are in a private room or a shared induction bay, make your space comfortable for you so you can feel relaxed, comfortable and secure. You don’t have to stay on the bed – you can wander, use your birth ball, a …

labour & birth checklists

Labour and Birth Checklist

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A labour and birth checklist can help you remember the simple things that can be overlooked when you could be tired and in the thick of it with contractions. All of these help to put you at the centre of it all – to focus on what you might need to be more comfortable and to give your body what it needs to work and help labour progress. Do you feel safe? It can make a difference to feel safe, secure and able to relax during labour, so you are not feeling tense or scared. This helps your body to produced oxytocin, which is needed to create strong and effective contractions. Do you need support/reassurance? Do you need to go to hospital? Do you need your midwife? Do you need quiet? Do you need lower lights? Do you need to focus on your breathing? Are you able to do what feels right for you? What do you need? Put yourself at the centre of your care. Say what you need to feel supported, reassured, comfortable …