Video Series: The Answers to Your Labour & Birth Questions
What to pack for the hospital? How will you know you are in labour? These short videos answer these questions and more
Pregnancy – Article by 
We have chosen to include these videos from the NHS in the UK because they are full of expert advice.
What Should I Pack In My Hospital Bag?
1m 53s
What you will learn in this video:
- Packing for hospital can be exciting and/or daunting
- Your LMC will give you a full list of what you may need
- Good idea to pack two weeks before your due date
- You should prepare a bag even if you plan to give birth at home
- The video covers what to pack for you – and your baby
How Will I Know I Am In Labour?
1m 11s
What you will learn in this video:
- There are many different signs of labour
- Contractions can start as cramps in your back, and build in intensity
- Your waters will break – call your LMC when this happens
- You may experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
What Are The Stages Of Labour?
2m 06s
What you will learn:
- There are 3 stages of labour
- 1st stage- contractions are making changes to your cervix
- This stage can last for a long time
- 2nd stage is pushing your baby out! There will be lots of pushing and you will be directed by your midwife or support team
- 3rd stage is the delivery of the placenta and a check that you and baby are ok
What Does A Caesarean Involve?
1m 53s
What you will learn:
- A quarter of all babies are born by C-section
- It takes about 45 mins
- A C-section is NOT an easy option and is mostly performed in an emergency
- A planned C-section may be needed if baby is breech or the placenta is blocking her exit
- A small cut will be made above your pubic bone, followed by an incision in your womb
- Don’t worry – a screen will ensure you won’t see any gory bits
- You’ll be handed your baby as soon as she is born
What Happens After Birth?
1m 55s
- What you will learn:
- You’ll notice baby is wet and covered in a creamy substance
- Newborns aren’t washed immediately as they need warmth
- You will have skin to skin, with your baby straight away even if delivery was by C-section
- You’ll be given an injection to help deliver the afterbirth (placenta)
- The cord will be clamped and cut and your baby will be examined
- You and your baby will be separated only very minimally
- You may need stitches and this will be done while cuddling your newborn so you are distracted
Congratulations!
Want to know more about labour and birth? Of course you do!
NZ's Ministry of Health provides further guidance for Kiwi mums
The Ministry works across the health sector to deliver better health outcomes for New Zealanders. Check out the Labour and Birth section of the Ministry of Health’s site.
