Home water birth

Hi everyone. I'm due in the next few weeks, just wondering if anyone had any tips or suggestions that helped them during their home birth? I have the birth pool which we have blown up and checked, some twinkling lights and a playlist, plus food and drinks. Just wondered what you did that helped xx

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Not yet had baby but I have a TENS machine (can't use it whilst in the pool), birthing ball, diamorphine prescribed incase needed, diffuser and room sprays, gas and air has been delivered by the NHS too

Thank you. I was told getting anything prescribed ahead of time is very hard, was that your local doctor that did it?

@Clare I spoke to my midwife about the diamorphine and she is not a fan of it and has explained the risks to me (it makes both mum and baby drowsy, you can't use a pool within 2 hours of taking it or if you still feel drowsy) but respects my wishes to have it on hand so prepared the prescription and then I had to collect the slip from the hospital and my local pharmacy explained it would take a few days to fill as its not something many pharmacies carry. I got it within 3 days. The gas and air came as standard with a whole lot of other kit that was delivered to my home when I was 36 weeks as were registered with the homebirth team in our area.

I'm in the same boat as you so following. Like you I've got a pool+thermometer, fairy lights, snacks and drinks for me and midwife... Then a tens machine, a diffuser with favourite essential oils and I'm primarily gonna be relying on music, shower, breathing techniques and paracetamol before i get my hands on the gas and air and can get into the pool Also I'm gonna be putting harry potter on when I'm in the pool because I can't think of a more relaxing setting for me than that 😂

Squeezing combs during contractions is actually really helpful. Have electrolytes on hand, it’s so important to stay hydrated

Birthing combs!

I used Hypnobirthing audios during my entire labor and it was SOO so helpful