Birth Plan 1,2,3’s
After nine months of pregnancy, you are almost there! Your due date is fast approaching. There are many things that you need to consider before the big day arrives. A birth plan is a written statement that explains what your wishes are for your labor and childbirth. It will help keep you and your care team on the same page.
The first thing to remember is that even the best-made plans can change. Allow for the unexpected in your birth plan. Ultimately, the most important thing at the end of the day is a healthy mama and baby. If you are shooting for a vaginal birth, it’s a good idea to be aware of c-section procedures and make note of your wishes should that occur.
How do you want to labor?
It is important to note your desires for labor. Would you like to be mobile during labor? If you would like to try a different position for delivery, it is also a good idea to note in your birth plan. If allowed, would you like to eat and drink during labor?
Pain Relief
This is perhaps one of the most talked about topics when it comes to childbirth. How do you want to manage your pain? Consider all of the options such as epidural, pain medications, and natural approaches such as laboring in the tub.
Who do you want in the room with you?
It’s important to have support in the delivery room and during labor. It’s a good idea to make a note in your birth plan of who you do and do not want in the room with you so that your nurses and doctors are able to ensure you are comfortable with your support team.
Other things to consider while you labor:
-Do you want continuous or intermittent monitoring of your baby and contractions?
-Would you like to limit how often your cervix is checked?
-Think about how you want the atmosphere of the room to be (quite, low lights, music, etc.)
-How do you feel about an episiotomy? If possible, would you rather tear?
-Do you want to delay cord clamping?
-Do you want to hold your baby immediately?
-Do you want your partner to accompany the baby should he/she need to be taken from the room?
-If you have a boy, do you want him circumcised?
-Do you want to delay the eye ointment application?
-Do you want immediate skin-to-skin with your baby?
-Do you wish to breastfeed or bottle feed?
-Would you like to limit how often your cervix is checked?
-Think about how you want the atmosphere of the room to be (quite, low lights, music, etc.)
-How do you feel about an episiotomy? If possible, would you rather tear?
-Do you want to delay cord clamping?
-Do you want to hold your baby immediately?
-Do you want your partner to accompany the baby should he/she need to be taken from the room?
-If you have a boy, do you want him circumcised?
-Do you want to delay the eye ointment application?
-Do you want immediate skin-to-skin with your baby?
-Do you wish to breastfeed or bottle feed?
When the big day comes, some things may change. However, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Discuss all of your options with your doctor ahead of time.
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