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This white, waxy coating on your newborn is found to play some protective roles during fetal development and for a few hours after birth. Another reason to avoid too many vaginal/cervical exams is the risk of infection. Going on your hands and knees is another way to cope more comfortably if you’re experiencing back labor.
Having a birth plan which takes this possibility into account, may help you to retain more control over the way you and your baby are treated. Actually, a birth plan might be more important in circumstances like these, where things don't go to plan - if all goes smoothly and you are at home, you will often be able to make your wishes known very easily. It's when things get complicated that you might forget to mention things which are important to you, or perhaps you might be unable to let your midwife know what you want at the time. VBAC stands for “vaginal birth after cesarean” delivery and refers to giving birth through the vaginal canal after a woman has already had a c-section. You’ll follow the same process used for any natural vaginal delivery when you go into labor.
Newborn Baby Care
You should also review the plan with your midwife and obstetrician so he or she is aware of your intentions and can provide any helpful feedback on additional things to consider. It's also a good idea to give them a copy to keep in your medical record. Most circumcisions in newborns usually take place a day or two after your baby is born.
Remember to include their names, so they have the necessary authorization. You can also decide when after delivery you would like to see them, such as immediately after delivery or after the baby has had its first feeding. If you want your baby to be circumcised, you can detail your preferences as to how you would like the circumcision to be done in this section.
Step 3: Decide what happens during delivery
Most hospitals and birthing centers have birth plan forms you'll fill out before your due date, but you can also download and use BabyCenter's birth plan template below. Many free, printable birth plans out there are designed with hospital births in mind, and include sections on pain management with epidurals, C-section wishes should you need one, and more. This printable birth plan template from Baby Chick takes it a step further by including a NICU plan, which you may not need but will be grateful to have if you do. When you’re scrolling through all the printable birth plans out there, so take some time to find a format that you like. Maybe you want all the possible options you could consider in one big list so you can just check off which ones you want, or perhaps you’d rather use a simple birth plan template that’s short and sweet. And for those having a vaginal birth after C-section, when your delivery could really go either way, a VBAC birth plan is going to be helpful for everyone involved.
This tool allows you to communicate what is most important to you, without having to communicate with words. Families preparing for birth typically have thought about what they want, and don’t want, for the birth coming up. Or maybe you’re healing from previous birth trauma, and you’d like things to be different next time. When the cord is cut is also important, as some health practitioners believe that delaying cutting the umbilical cord can have health benefits for the baby.
In case of transfer to hospital:
That information can be helpful in guiding you and your provider in a discussion about your labor and delivery preferences. Just as some parents prefer not to find out the gender of their baby, not writing a birth plan is also a viable option. In this case, it may make sense to go ahead without providing detailed instructions. We’ve created a comprehensive natural birth plan template to guide you in constructing your personalized natural birth plan to give to your doctor, birthing center, or healthcare provider. The labor and delivery process will go exactly as described in your birth plan in an ideal situation.
While you may not have all of the same options you would during a vaginal delivery, many hospitals can work with you to make your planned C-section into the experience you want it to be. Clothing brand Kindred Bravely actually has one of the best free, printable birth plans out there for C-section mamas. A checklist-style birth plan template like this one from the Peanut app covers many popular preferences, meaning you can simply print it out and select the options that suit you.
What is a birth plan?
Finally, be intentional about who you invite to be with you on your baby's birth day. Most home births are attended by a midwife, as they are the providers who have received specific training for out-of-hospital birth and are considered experts in normal, physiological birth. Have your birth plan in case of transfer separate from your home birth plan, and keep it tucked away in your bag. Below are some things you may want to consider having on your birth plan in case of a hospital transfer. First things first, I would suggest discussing this with your midwife and birth team in advance.
Instructions on cutting the umbilical cord and who will do the procedure are important. Another consideration to answer in your plan is whether you want the baby to breastfeed from you right away or if formula should be given. Add a list of any medications that you regularly take, including over-the-counter medications, just in case you have to go to the hospital. Consider whether you want your baby to have a pacifier, and let the staff know your preferences. I'd like to meet with a lactation consultant for breastfeeding guidance. I'd like all procedures done and all medications given to my baby to be explained to me beforehand.
So what should you think about when you’re writing a birth plan? This list is not comprehensive, but I did try to include what I think are the most important and most common options that people ask about. Although interventions may be necessary depending on how your labor goes, it’s important that you think through any thoughts you have on what interventions you’d like to avoid if possible. For instance, some interventions—like a scalp lead to measure your baby’s heart rate—will limit your movement or require more/less monitoring, so it’s helpful to know that ahead of time. Below we’ve listed some of the basic details moms-to-be often include in a vaginal birth plan, including some of the things you might consider asking yourself when writing your plan for a vaginal birth. Not only can a good birth plan deliver a better birth experience, but having one can also eliminate major miscommunication between a birth mom and her birth team.
Everyone has their own comfort level on this—some people choose to buy a labor gown to wear during the delivery, some people wear the hospital gown, and some want to wear their own clothes. If you prefer your own clothes, don’t forget to leave room for them in the hospital bag. Know that birth can be messy and the clothes you wear might not wash clean. Births happen every single day without a birth plan, but a birth plan empowers you to think through and write down your ideal birth situation and ensure your preferences are communicated to your birthing team. Any emergency that arises during labor or delivery, in which case your medical team may need to make changes to the plan based on what’s best for the health of you and your baby.
This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? Whether you would like hospital staff to document in your medical history the types of incisions made in your abdomen and uterus. Water, ice chips, or an IV drip may be options available to you. Try rocking, squatting, sitting, swaying, and switching sides while resting to help your body work with your contractions since gravity and mobility help the baby move down.
Since there are some things offered at the hospital you won’t have to consider at home, there are different things to list on a home birth plan. Of course, wanting the benefits of a natural birth is one of the reasons many people choose home birth. It's a good idea to start on your home birth plan at least a month out from the birth so you're not rushing to complete it. Set up a time to sit down with your midwife or doula and your significant other to go through the details and create a document that everyone clearly understands. A basic home birth plan should cover all the necessary information for you and your baby-to-come, as well as contingency information in case of an emergency.
