At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we recommend that expectant mothers in the High Desert region create a birth plan to share with their medical care team. A birth plan is an outline of the desires and wishes of the mother during her labor, delivery and postpartum experience. It is beneficial for Apple Valley women to develop a birth plan during their pregnancy, because it helps ensure that everyone who is taking care of her and her baby during their hospital stay is on the same page. Doctors and nurses may change shifts during the course of the experience, and a birth plan helps everyone understand what needs to be done. It is an important step in the planning process.
What Should Your Birth Plan Include?
Your birth plan should be designed with the policies and procedures of the hospital in mind. For example, you will want to verify with the hospital how many people can be in the delivery room at the time of the birth. You will not want to create a birth plan with several friends and family members if your hospital only permits two people to be in the room during delivery. The hospital will provide you with a list of policies and procedures prior to the delivery if you request it.
You should include information about your preferences for pain management and interventions during the delivery. When you are in labor, you may not be thinking clearly, or you may not be able to effectively communicate your wants and needs. If you state in your birth plan that you prefer a natural delivery without any pain medications, then your medical team will know that you are not interested in an epidural or other pain management options.
You will want to discuss your goals for the postpartum experience as well. For instance, you may want the baby immediately placed on your bare chest so that you can enjoy skin-to-skin bonding time. You also may want to outline your preference for any medical care that might take place after the baby is born, such as vaccinations or routine testing that might be performed. You also will want to include in your birth plan your preferred method of feeding your baby so that you can get the support and help that you need.
Creating a birth plan is an individual and unique experience. Each pregnant woman is invited to outline her own goals for the labor and delivery process, and no two birth plans will be the same. You can discuss your birth plan ideas with Dr. Ahmadinia during your routine prenatal care appointments. If you have any questions about labor and delivery policies, contact our office today.
