Many women and their partners like the idea of having a say in childbirth and delivery. They therefore put in place what is commonly known as a labor plan. These days, many labor plans take into consideration the fact that while a natural birth is desired, a caesarian section may be necessary.
A labor and birth plan can be a single sheet of paper or as elaborate as needed. The first step to creating one is asking a number of questions, such as:
Do you want a pain-free birth?What position do you want to use to deal with the pain and delivery?Do you want a home birth, water birth?Will you use a doula?Who should be in the delivery room with you?
Once these questions have been answered you can plan for the birth itself. This should include alternatives if the main course of action is no longer an option. Some plans include the following:
Will you bank the cord blood?Who will cut the umbilical cord?Whether the baby will be bottle-fed, especially if you plan on exclusive breastfeeding.Newborn care, such as types of standard tests you want and those you want to avoid.Type of diaper to use, whether cloth or disposable.
Once the plan is written, it is a good idea to discuss it with your obstetrician. They will advise you based on your health or foreseeable complications. Some women, especially first time mothers, like having a sense of preparedness. Even though it doesn’t always work out that the plan is followed, it gives the expectant parents some control over this important process.