10. What to pack in your hospital bag?
Depending on how long you intend to stay at your birthing site, you will need a few changes of clothes and the rest is up to you. Do you feel most comfortable in a robe? Will you be having guests, and if so what you think you would wear to greet then? What other little things will make you feel at home? And don’t forget your baby’s first outfit for the big day going home together.
11. When to cut the umbilical cord?
Experts agree that there is no urgency when it comes to clamping and cutting the umbilical. In fact, prolonged flow of blood and nutrients to the baby after birth is thought to ease the transition. If you decide to prolong the cutting, arrange this with the hospital in advance so that the staff on-hand knows to delay this part of the protocol.
