A midwife offers some simple, but brilliant ideas for mothers in labour

Eleanor Copp is a midwife and hypnotherapist. We are extremely grateful that she took the time to write to us.

Eleanor has many simple ideas of how best to help a mother in labour. Here is a selection.Watch out for more...

1. Being surrounded by your favourite smells can make the world of difference to how you feel. Check with the nursing staff first but, a few drops on a tissue, in a bath or in some oil for massage, may go a long way to helping you relax.

2. Listening to your favourite CD can help you relax.

3. Familiar comfortable clothing ( it might be a nightdress or your favourite large T-shirt) can help you feel relaxed. The familiarity of these clothes can also help you to feel more 'normal'.

4. It is often not possible to have candles in hospital but, if you check with staff, it may be possible to bring in electric candles. They are battery operated and appear to have a flame that flickers. This gives the illusion of a candle and is good because candles can be relaxing and hypnotic if we look at them. Note: you may need to give them notice as some hospitals don't allow anything electric in the hospital unless it has had a portable appliance test first.

5. Some people find it helpful to take a picture of themselves, with their birth partner, looking happy. It is easy to lose yourself in the hospital world so, if you have a constant reminder of who you are, you may well be more likely to stay focussed and feel good about yourselves and your baby.