Birth Matters- Have a Plan!
Getting that positive pregnancy test can be so exciting but also come with a lot of overwhelming questions for some. “What now?” Too many first time moms go with the standard route of care only to find themselves troubled over how their birth experience was. We want to encourage you to make strong informed decisions for you and your baby. One way to do this is to find a provider that aligns with your values and is respectful of your choices. Whether you use an OB and birth in a hospital or find a midwife you can achieve the birth of your dreams. A great way to achieve this is to have a plan! We have a template attached to help get you started. Take some time to deeply consider what is important to you and your partner. Here are some things to consider:
Do you want a natural birth or medical intervention such as induction or an epidural?
Who do you want in attendance at your birth? Choose wisely because some people, although you love them dearly are not ideal people to have in the room while you are laboring. Consider whether or not they will support your choices or become frantic. Negative energy can hinder a woman’s labor.
Do you want to vaccinate your baby, administer eye ointment and/or circumcise? These can be hard and uncomfortable topics to discuss. Again we encourage parents to make informed decisions that way you don’t find yourself regretting or feeling guilty about what you decided for you and your family. It also helps to consider these things before birth that way you don’t find yourself making last minute decisions you were unaware of. In the long run having these discussions will help your birth go smoother.
What do you want golden hour to look like for you and your baby? Envision this and put it in your birth plan.
At what point will you accept the idea of having a c-section should one become necessary? Sometimes doctors can simply become impatient and scare a woman into having a c-section even though it is truly not medically necessary. And sometimes a c-section is truly necessary- and that is okay. Consider what this could look like for you and have a back up birth plan should a c-section become necessary. Refer to our previous blogs regarding c-sections for more insight.
Lastly, think about other women’s birth stories. What did it look like for them? It can help to lean on a friend and ask about their experience and then consider if that is what you want your experience to look like.
Once your birth plan is complete print it out and sign it along with your partner. You can present a copy to your provider at your prenatal appointment and discuss it. If you are faced with a sense of disregard towards your wishes, stand your ground and keep in mind that this provider works for you. Also have a copy packed in your bag in the case you plan to birth outside of a hospital and end up in one.
No matter what choices you make we hope that you achieve the birth of your dreams. If you are a new mom visit our amazon store front and skim through our favorite books, these can provide you the information and insight you may be looking for.
