Having a baby is one of the most important moments of your life. Creating a birth plan before he/she arrives can give you added peace of mind and help you focus on what matters most: welcoming your baby into the world.
While it should be flexible—after all, there’s no crystal ball for having a baby—a birth plan is an outline of your specific preferences and goals for your labor and delivery. Here are some suggestions and questions to consider:
- Essentials. Your doctor’s name and contact information, your baby’s planned pediatrician and contact information, and your baby’s feeding plan.
- Surroundings. What’s going to make you the most comfortable? The lights dimmed? Listening to soft music? Would you like to bring in any items from home? Are you okay with your partner or a support person taking photos or video of your labor and delivery?
- Labor wishes. Being upright and able to move around can help your labor progress. Would you like to walk in the hallway, use a birthing ball or experience water therapy in a jetted shower?
- Pain relief. Be sure to think about and discuss pain management with your physician before going into labor. Are you open to medications such as an epidural or nitrous oxide? Or would you prefer to use breathing and massage for pain relief? (Remember, it’s okay to change your mind!)
- Delivery requests. Would you prefer not to have an episiotomy unless medically necessary? Do you want your partner to cut the umbilical cord? Would you like the baby placed skin to skin on your chest immediately after delivery? If a C-section is needed, what support person would you like with you in the delivery room?
- Newborn care. Do you want to breastfeed right after delivery? If you have a boy, would you like him circumcised? Do you want your baby offered a pacifier? Would you like a lactation consultant to assist you and your baby with breastfeeding? Would you like your baby to receive the hepatitis B vaccine?
Though the best laid plans don’t always go according to plan, a simple and succinct birth plan will help ensure your wishes are known and respected by your doctor, hospital and/or entire birthing team. Make the time to jot down your preferences (or at least talk about them with your partner and caregivers), so you can get the most out of your big day.
Where Exceptional Experiences Are Born
Three out of 4 babies along West Michigan’s lakeshore are born right here. That’s because Holland Hospital goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences for moms-to-be and their loved ones. At the Boven Birth Center, those expecting can expect the best, including our latest renovation enhancements: new labor-delivery-recovery rooms, central nurse’s station, post-anesthesia care unit, and additional operating suite. We’d love to be part of your special day, so consider scheduling a tour with us.
Learn more about Holland Hospital's Boven Birth Center.