Childbirth classes are a series of sessions for expectant parents, usually organized by maternity hospitals. There, you will meet other parents who, like you, are experiencing both the fears and the joys of waiting for their baby to be born. In a childbirth class, you will learn:

• how the individual stages of labor progress and what childbirth looks like from a physiological point of view;
• various breathing techniques and ways to increase the effectiveness of labor contractions;
• methods of relieving labor pain (both natural and pharmacological);
• what a cesarean section involves, what the indications are and what risks it carries;
• what the first moments after birth look like and what will happen to the mother and the baby;
• how the postpartum period (puerperium) proceeds;
• the principles of feeding a newborn and different breastfeeding positions;
• the basics of newborn care: how to change diapers, dress the baby, carry the baby correctly, and what habits to develop.

Additional benefits of such classes include relaxation, basic massage techniques, visualization of the baby, and learning how to bond with the baby in the womb.

An unquestionable advantage of childbirth classes is physical exercise specially designed for pregnant women. It is worth remembering that labor is a great physical effort for a woman’s body, so it is good to prepare for it also in terms of fitness and endurance. Therefore, if there are no medical contraindications, exercise every day – preferably together with your husband!

A birth plan is a kind of scenario in which you write down and plan all matters related to childbirth—both the solutions you would like to follow and alternative “Plan B” options. After all, childbirth is a process that cannot be fully controlled. It is worth considering the following issues:

• Mode of delivery – How do you want to give birth? It is well known that natural vaginal birth is the safest for both mother and baby, but it is not always possible due to health conditions or complications arising during labor. Are you prepared for the possibility that a C-section may be necessary? If you are considering a home birth, check where the nearest hospital is located. If you are thinking about a water birth, find out which facilities offer this option. Also consider which pain-relief methods you accept—only natural ones, or also pharmacological? Do you know how they are used and how they affect the mother and the baby?
• Place of birth – Where do you want to give birth? Regardless of which hospital you choose – private, highly ranked, recommended by friends, or one with other qualities important to you – also prepare a Plan B. Think about where you would go if your first choice turned out to be unavailable. Check how long it takes to reach both places. It is also good to find out whether the hospital runs a childbirth class or offers the option of hiring a midwife for individual care during labor. If this is your first birth or you want to feel safer and calmer, such options are definitely worth considering.
• People present at the birth – The woman in labor can decide who will be present. Do you want your husband with you, or would you prefer a close friend or your mother? Do you need an individually assigned midwife? Many midwives accept bookings for births already early in pregnancy. This can also guarantee you a place in the hospital, which is important especially in popular maternity wards. An agreement with an individual midwife often also means a private delivery room. Perhaps you would like your own doctor to be present? Maybe you are also considering postnatal care at home? All of these services usually involve additional costs. Think about them in advance. Remember to arrange time off work and write down all important contact numbers. Also consider whether you agree to the presence of other people during labor (e.g. medical students), and whether you accept sharing the room with other laboring women and their companions.
• Care for home matters – Think about who will take care of your home during labor and your hospital stay. Who will look after your other children or pets? If you run a business, plan this as well. Write down all contacts and phone numbers so they are easily accessible in case of need.
• During pregnancy, prepare a list of useful tips and advice (read or heard) about childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care that you both consider important, so you do not forget them later when you are under the influence of a “hormonal storm” 🙂. Also add a short checklist of what needs to be taken care of after the birth and where, so that as new parents you do not feel lost.

No matter how you pack, there will be quite a lot of things needed for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, try to carefully consider what you will take with you and how to arrange everything efficiently so that after the birth, you have everything under control. It is a good idea to pack the hospital bag (or two, if you prefer) a bit earlier – about 3–4 weeks before the expected due date. Here is an optimal checklist for a standard hospital stay (2–3 days):

Bag for Mom:

• a large bath towel;
• 2-3 nightgowns or pajamas with easy access to the breasts, plus 1 nightgown for labor (don’t worry – it will get little or no blood on it, and even if it does, it can be easily washed);
• a bathrobe, if you use one – hospital rooms and corridors often have a somewhat different understanding of “privacy” than offices do;
• 2–3 pairs of cotton underwear, or disposable postpartum underwear (choose what feels most comfortable – you really can wash and reuse them);
• socks, in case your feet get cold (e.g., during labor) or sweat excessively (e.g., after birth);
• slippers and, if needed, shower flip-flops;
• 1 pack of postpartum pads and 1–2 packs of large, thick sanitary pads;
• breast pads – soft, adhesive ones to protect your underwear or nightgown from leaking milk;
• toiletries: a trusted intimate wash, liquid soap for the shower (preferably baby soap), shampoo (if you plan to wash your hair), nipple cream (the first days of breastfeeding can cause soreness and small injuries), toothbrush and toothpaste, and any other favorite cosmetics (just don’t overdo it with perfume);
• DOCUMENTS! Pack your ID and all important medical records (ophthalmology, cardiology, orthopedic consultations, etc.). Don’t forget your latest blood test results (CBC, HBsAg, VDRL, blood type and Rh), vaginal swab results, ultrasound reports, and your pregnancy record card;
• a mobile phone – for urgent consultations, staying in touch with your partner, and notifying family and friends about the baby’s birth.

Bag for the Baby:

• a large bath towel;
• 2-3 one-piece sleepers (depending on the season, with short or long legs and sleeves);
• optionally, 2-3 bodysuits (side-fastening or wrap style) plus 2-3 pairs of footed pants;
• a thin hat (in winter, you will also need a thicker one, e.g., fleece, for going home);
• 1-2 pairs of socks without tight elastic bands;
• a light, soft blanket;
• several cotton diapers (useful for wiping, wrapping, covering, padding, and later for many household purposes);
• hygiene items: a small pack of size “0” diapers, cotton pads or balls plus 70% alcohol for umbilical cord care (also useful for cleaning a C-section wound in the first days), a diaper rash cream or ointment, and gentle baby wipes.

Bag for Dad:

• Dad, if you plan to take an active part in the birth, you may want to bring an extra T-shirt; otherwise, what you are wearing is enough (if you are present in the operating room for a C-section, you will be given a special gown and cap);
• a camera or video camera, and a mobile phone;
• money, including small change for vending machines or the hospital shop;
• snacks (such as a sandwich, fruit, rice cakes, crackers, or biscuits) and drinking water—you can later leave these for your wife during her hospital stay.

A “crescent” (U-shaped) pillow – well… it’s a bit bulky, but it has several uses. After delivery, you can sit on it, place it under your thighs, and nothing hurts. You can also use it as a pillow for your own head. Hospital beds vary in quality, and a comfortable position is priceless for a woman after childbirth. A great function of such a pillow is providing support for your arm while breastfeeding. It is especially helpful after a C-section, when abdominal pain is more intense, mobility is limited, and you simply don’t have the strength to hold the baby for a long time. Such a pillow will also be useful at home at various stages of your child’s growth and development.

Your own medications – if a patient is taking any medications in the hospital, the doctor should be aware of it. However, hospital reality varies: in some hospitals, you can even choose the form of pain relief, while in others the doctor may prescribe it, but you might wait for it… until the day of discharge. If you are worried about such a situation, bring your medications with you and always consult with the nurse or the doctor on duty. The same applies to items such as suppositories or ointments for hemorrhoids, cooling creams for swollen legs, or herbal lactation teas – you may bring them, but their use should always be discussed with the person caring for the patient in the hospital.

A standard hospital stay after childbirth lasts about 2 days; after a surgical delivery, it is a bit longer, about 3-4 days. So most likely both you and your baby will manage perfectly well without:

• A breast pump, because once you bring it, you’ll be more tempted to use it. Lactation consultants say that the best “breast pump” is the baby 👍. Without a pump you’ll also be more motivated to keep trying to breastfeed.
• Bottles and pacifiers, which you can safely leave at home for special situations (e.g. a long trip to a public place). Remember that frequent use of “soothing” pacifiers satisfies a newborn’s need to suck and may reduce milk production.
• Nipple shields or breastfeeding shields – in the first days of breastfeeding, you may experience soreness, but it can be managed with special ointments and by allowing air to reach any cracks. Feeding a newborn through shields can interfere with the lactation mechanism. Instead, ask a nurse or lactation consultant to correct the baby’s latch and show you how to check whether your baby is sucking properly. Only women with special issues, such as inverted nipples, may need shaping shields, which are usually used during pregnancy.
• You can manage in the hospital without a nursing bra. In postnatal wards, women usually wear nightgowns or pajamas, so there is no need to squeeze into a bra, especially since in the first days, your breasts may be sore and swollen. However, if you feel more comfortable with one, you can pack it.
• You don’t need to take too many packs of maternity pads. For your hospital stay, one pack plus 112 packs of regular sanitary pads is enough. Postpartum bleeding is heaviest on the first day and then gradually decreases, usually stopping completely by the 6th week after birth. Remember that bleeding may increase during breastfeeding, because oxytocin released at that time causes the uterus to contract more strongly.
• Do not bring swaddling cones or thick quilts to the hospital; a warm, soft blanket is enough. It is not recommended to carry a baby in such cones or on a pillow. Your baby will be much better in your arms. If you really want to use such a swaddler, do so in the crib or in the stroller.
• Hooded baby towels are also unnecessary in the hospital. They are usually quite small, and the baby will outgrow them quickly – a large bath towel is perfectly sufficient. Besides, a newborn will not be bathed very often in the hospital.
• You don’t need to bring baby oils or lotions for a newborn’s skin. The baby simply doesn’t need them. During the first day, the so-called vernix caseosa is usually left on the skin and has protective, caring properties. The first full bath usually takes place about 24 hours after birth. Newborn skin is very delicate, and for care only a mild soap and diaper cream are enough. Oils or lotions can be used occasionally at home, for example for a relaxing massage before sleep.
• Scratch mittens for the newborn also belong to the things you can safely forget. Babies are indeed born with quite long nails, and parents use mittens to prevent scratches. However, remember that a baby explores the world through touch and needs these neurological stimuli. Once you’re home, gently trim your baby’s nails – this will certainly be quite a challenge 😀.