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Preparing for birth

Practical, calm preparation for the day itself

Once you’re in the second half of your pregnancy, the conversation naturally turns to preparing for the birth itself. What positions might suit you? What should be in your bag? What are your options if you’ve had a caesarean before? What if you’re expecting twins?

This section brings together the practical and emotional preparation that helps you walk into your labour informed, supported, and as ready as you can be.

Practical, calm preparation for the day itself

There is no single moment to “start preparing.” Most women find the third trimester (from around 30 weeks) is when the practical decisions start to feel real:

  • What do you want from your birth? A birth preference helps you think it through.
  • What goes in the bag? Have it packed by around 36 weeks.
  • What about positions and movement? Practising with a birthing ball, learning about the peanut ball.
  • What helps your body prepare? Perineal massage, pelvic floor work, gentle exercise.
  • What if your circumstances are different? Multiple pregnancy and birth after caesarean each have their own pages.

Attending antenatal classes is the single most useful thing you can do at this stage. Most women find that learning what to expect, with people in the same position, takes a great deal of the worry out of the unknown.

Explore the preparation pages

Your Birth Preference

A starting point for the conversation about how you’d like your birth to go. Personal, flexible, useful.

What to Pack for Hospital

A practical, no-nonsense checklist for a typical 48-hour stay. Two bags plus baby’s bag.

Using the Birthing Ball

Positions and techniques for using the birthing ball, in pregnancy and in labour.

Perineal Massage


A simple practice from around 6 weeks before your due date that can reduce the chance of tearing.

Multiple Pregnancy

Expecting twins or more: types of twin pregnancy, your care, and planning the birth.

Birth After Caesarean

Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) or elective repeat caesarean: understanding your options.

Whatever your birth looks like, you are not alone

Every birth is different. Some women labour calmly at home until very close to the end. Some need significant medical input. Some plan a caesarean and have one; some plan a vaginal birth and have a caesarean; some plan a caesarean and end up labouring quickly.

The right preparation is not about controlling what will happen. It is about feeling that, whatever happens, you understand the choices in front of you, you know who to ask, and you trust the team around you.

Our midwives, doctors, physiotherapists, and parentcraft team are here to walk through any of this with you, at your antenatal visits or your classes.