Preparing for the birth of your baby is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming time, and knowing what to pack for your hospital stay can ease some of that stress. If you’re following a hypnobirthing approach, bringing familiar and comforting items can help create a calming environment that reminds you of home, reducing anxiety and making the experience more positive. Here’s a guide to what you should take with you when you give birth in New Zealand, with a focus on hypnobirthing tools and essentials.

Essential Items for You and Baby

Before diving into the hypnobirthing tools, let’s cover the basics:

• Maternity pads and breast pads for postpartum care.

• Comfortable clothes for labour and after birth, including loose, easy-access tops for breastfeeding.

• Toiletries – think toothbrush, hair ties, lip balm, and face wipes.

• Clothes for baby – onesies, singlets, a hat, and a blanket for warmth.

• Nappies and wipes for your newborn.

Now, let’s explore some special hypnobirthing tools that can enhance your birthing experience.

1. Muka Pito for Umbilical Cord Tying

A muka pito is a traditional flax fiber used to tie the umbilical cord instead of the standard plastic clip. It’s natural, eco-friendly, and has cultural significance in te ao Māori. Having a muka pito with you connects you and your pēpi to the whenua (land) and whānau (family), which can bring comfort and meaning during such a sacred time. This gentle approach also aligns with hypnobirthing’s focus on natural, relaxed processes.

2. Affirmations

Positive affirmations are key to hypnobirthing. Consider packing a small set of pre-prepared affirmations to remind yourself of your strength, calmness, and readiness for birth. These affirmations help rewire your mindset, enabling you to remain relaxed and confident. Repeating affirmations such as "I trust my body" or "My baby will come at the perfect time" can reinforce a sense of empowerment during labour.

3. Tea Light Candles

The environment you create during birth matters. Soft, dim lighting helps reduce stress and allows you to focus inward. Bringing battery-operated tea light candles creates a calming, peaceful atmosphere. Hypnobirthing emphasises the need to reduce stimuli that could cause tension, and the glow of gentle candlelight can transport your mind to a more relaxed state.

4. Vision Board

A vision board is a beautiful hypnobirthing tool, filled with images, words, and goals that inspire positivity and calm. If you’ve been visualising your ideal birth or certain calming elements during pregnancy, bring your vision board with you to the hospital. It will serve as a visual reminder of your goals and encourage a focused, empowered mindset while giving birth.

5. Birth Ball

A birth ball (or exercise ball) is a great item to bring along if the hospital doesn’t provide one. It can help with positioning and comfort during labour, particularly in the early stages. Gentle rocking and bouncing on the birth ball can help your pelvis stay open, keep your baby in an optimal position, and ease the pain in your lower back. Movement is an essential part of hypnobirthing as it helps the body work with the natural flow of labour.

6. A Familiar Pillow or Blanket

Having something from home, such as your own pillow or a small blanket, can offer immense comfort. In hypnobirthing, feeling relaxed and safe is vital, and the scent and softness of familiar items from home can help ground you, making the hospital feel less clinical. This small touch can significantly impact your sense of security and calm, which is key to a smooth, relaxed birth.

7. Birth Plan or Hypnobirthing Preferences

It’s essential to have a clear birth plan or a list of your hypnobirthing preferences. Share this with your midwife or support team when you arrive. Hypnobirthing focuses on communication, and knowing that your birthing team understands your preferences will help you feel more in control. Whether it’s about music, minimal intervention, or specific breathing techniques, having your preferences written down will ensure everyone is on the same page.

The Importance of Familiarity in Hypnobirthing

Each of these items ties into the core principles of hypnobirthing: staying relaxed, in control, and connected to what feels natural and safe. When you surround yourself with things that feel familiar and comforting, it can remind you of home and create a sense of safety, which helps keep your body in a relaxed state. This is crucial because when you feel safe, your body produces oxytocin, the hormone that helps labour progress smoothly.

Download the guide or contact me for more information on my services. Jayde xx