How to prepare for birth (without losing your marbles)
Packing, prepping and pelvic floors: your birth checklist.
Hey there, Mama-to-be!
You’ve hopefully now made it through the morning sickness (or all-day nausea — we see you), navigated the bump touchers, and become an expert in deciphering baby scan photos. Now it’s time to get down to the real deal: preparing for birth. But don’t panic — Bounty is here to help you waddle through the final stretch with confidence, calm... and maybe a few snacks.
1. Pack That Hospital Bag (Yes, Finally)
- We know you’ve been meaning to do it for a month or three, but now’s the time. Think of it like packing for a wild overnight stay — with more maternity pads and no cocktails.
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For you: Comfy PJs, phone charger, your birth plan (or just a mental note to wing it), maternity pads, and lip balm (hospitals are drier than a biscuit in July).
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For baby: Tiny sleepsuits, nappies, a cute hat (because Instagram), and a going-home outfit that won’t require a full engineering degree to put on.
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Top tip: Pack snacks. Labour is a marathon, not a sprint, and hospital toast only gets you so far.
2. Know Your Options (You’ve Got Loads!)
Whether you’re dreaming of a water birth in a serene midwife-led unit or you’re all about the epidural and Netflix in the labour ward, our maternity services offer a variety of choices. Take a tour of your local hospital, ask questions, and get clued-up on what suits you.
And yes, it’s totally okay if your birth plan is more of a birth vibe. We’re all about realistic goals here!
3. Get Your Mind (and Pelvic Floor) Ready
Birth is as much about your mindset as your body. Consider hypnobirthing apps, antenatal yoga, or even just deep breathing and a few motivational memes. Whatever works for you!
Pelvic floor exercises might not sound glamorous (spoiler: they’re not), but they’re your new best friend. Trust us, future-you will thank you when you sneeze postpartum.
4. Embrace the Nesting Instinct… Within Reason
If you suddenly feel an uncontrollable urge to alphabetise the baby wipes or grout the bathroom, congrats — you’re nesting. But don’t overdo it. Resting is also prepping. And yes, binge-watching birth videos on YouTube absolutely counts as “research.”
5. Keep Checking the Bounty App (Wink Wink)
Not to toot our own horn (okay, just a little toot), but the Bounty app is packed with week-by-week pregnancy tips, hospital bag checklists, and advice from real mums who’ve been there, birthed that. We’re with you from “What even is a mucus plug?” to baby’s first nappy.
Plus, youl get exclusive offers and free baby stuff — because who doesn’t love a freebie?
So, to sum up…
You don’t need to have all the answers. Birth is unpredictable, emotional, empowering — and a bit messy. But with your support team, your Bounty app, and a bag full of snacks, you’ve totally got this.
Here’s to the biggest adventure of your life. You’re blooming brilliant.