Planning for Your Baby's Birth

The term "birth plan" sounds like an oxymoron. After all, how much can you plan for an event as unpredictable as birth? Nevertheless, birth plans play a helpful role by encourging parents to consider basic issues.

What is a birth plan?
Experts suggest a birth plan include your preferences in the areas listed below. Ask your healthcare provider how he or she feels about these issues to make sure your views aren't incompatible.

Will I be free to walk in the hallways?
Many women find that lying down makes labor more painful. Walking, standing or sitting can make contractions seem less intense and help speed labot along. Routine use of IVs and electronic fetal monitoring can make this difficult

Is continuous electronic fetal montioring routine?
A fetal monitor measures how a baby's heartbeat responds to contractions of the uterus. However, some women find the monitoring intrusive. Dissue the issue with your healthcare provider.

What are the pros and cons of pain relief during labor?
Read up on the advantages and disadvantages of the various pain-relief medications used in labor and delivery. This will allow you to state your perferences in the birth plan and to make informed decisions during labor.

Under what circumstances would an esisiotomy be performed?
An esipiotomy is a cut performed to enlarge the vaginal opening. Some mothers want to aviod one if at all possible. If that's how you feel, put it in your brth plan-and find out about exercises you can do to perpare and strengthen the perineum for delivery.

Can I nurse my baby immediately after birth?
Most hospitals and birth centers put off weighing the baby and administering eyedrops unit after you've had time to nurse your little one. This may not be possible, of course, if there's an immediate concern about the baby's health.

If I need a C-section, will my spouse be allowed into surgery with me?
This will depend on the circumstances of your C-section. If it is planned, you spouse will almost certainly be allowed. If it's an emergecy, he almost cerainly will not.