Hello readers! I’m Evony Lynch, freelance midwife and Chief Tea-Drinker at MamaCafe.If you’re pregnant at the moment, have you packed your birth bag yet? Whether you’re planning to have your baby at home, hospital or birth centre it’s a good idea to pop some essentials in a bag by 36 weeks so that you grab and go if you need to.Take three bags, and they don’t have to be huge! One for you, one for your partner and one for baby. Of course there are the essentials to take which are on all the lists – nightie/T shirt, old knicks, mahoosive sanitary pads, toiletries, baby clothes, nappies, snacks and water. How about some little extras too?For you a lip salve can ease dry lips from puffing on the gas and air. Hairbands to tie back long hair when the going gets tough and a cool flannel on your head can be so soothing. A water spray can freshen you up when you’re feeling tired. A birth ball is a great way to stay mobile during labour.Think of your environment. Just because you’re going to hospital doesn’t mean you can’t make the room feel more like home. Feeling more relaxed helps the hormones to flow. The more relaxed you are the more you can cope with labour. A favourite pillow, with your own smells from home, a snuggly blanket, gentle room scent and some battery powered tea lights can create a sense of calm, and help you zone out from the clinical atmosphere around you. Don’t forget your music too. All the rooms have CD players and it has been shown this can help you relax more in labour.Don’t forget your car seat too for the journey home.Pop into MamaCafe at The Melting Pot in Redruth or online at www.mamacafe.org.uk for more info and tips.