Jackson Hospital | Partners | Fall 2020

10 Jackson Hospital COMMUNITY Pregnancy comes with a lot of questions about names, car seats and diapers, but have you thought about your birth plan yet? Birth plans include your wishes and goals for all stages of labor and delivery. This plan typically includes your ideal birth scenario and how you wish to experience labor. Birth plans may be requested by your physician, while some women create one on their own. They also may include prefer- ences during a variety of situations. Be sure to discuss with your physician what is feasible at your chosen birth center and what they are willing to accommodate. Communication is key in birth plans. Why should I create a birth plan? Birth plans give physicians and nursing staff a look at your expectations for your birth experience. They minimize miscom- munication and help eliminate conflict between the mother and attendants during labor and birth. They also help fuel questions for your physician to ensure that you have the same preferences and standards. BIRTH PLANS Planning for the big day What should I keep in mind regarding birth plans? Birth plans are written wishes and expectations.While your birth plan may be carried out exactly the way you planned it, birth can be unpredictable and your plan may need to be altered. For example, your birth plan may not include an epidural, but you may change your mind in the hospital. Your birth plan needs to be flexible so you and your medical team can make the best health decisions for you and baby during labor and delivery. What should my birth plan include? Many birth plans include a few main sections: before birth, during birth and after birth/newborn care. Most plans will also include preferences for vaginal or caesarean birth. Before birth •  Who you want in the room during labor, such as a spouse, doula, mother or friend •  The ability to get out of bed and walk around during labor •  Birth photography •  Special equipment, such as an exercise ball or birthing tub •  Specific birthing positions During birth •  Use of an epidural, other pain medications or alternatives to pain medications •  Fetal monitoring •  Use of an IV •  Use of interventions such as vacuum extraction or forceps After birth/newborn care •  Immediate skin-to-skin contact •  Plans for breastfeeding •  When to cut the umbilical cord •  Cord blood donations •  Special requests for the placenta Birth plans are important because making decisions during the rush of birth is difficult. The birth plan ensures that you, your family, your physician and your birth center team are all aware of your wishes so they can take care of you and make approved adjustments along the way. It is important to remem- ber that birth can take unexpected turns at any moment, but communicating with those around you will help your care team better understand how you envision the birth. Q Q Q