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Birth Plan Considerations
Tips on Making These Important Pre-baby Choices
By Shannon McKelden
Remember, an episiotomy can become necessary if quick delivery is needed. "I had a really empowering birth that was exactly as I had envisioned it," says Sarah Rose Evans of Portland, Ore. "The only thing that didn't go according to plan was that I had an episiotomy – but after 40 minutes of my baby being stuck in the same place, I told them, 'Just cut me already!' I was glad I'd made the decision, and that I wasn't pressured into anything."
This step involves delivery positioning and support. "The so-called 'normal' way to deliver – lying on your back – works against gravity, so many women prefer to deliver squatting, in the hands-and-knees position or in a birthing pool," Hunt says. "Mom can also choose who she wants to help during delivery and what type of help she wants, for example, holding her legs, supporting her while squatting, sitting behind her while in the pool, etc."
Who cuts the umbilical cord and when is the first post-delivery choice. Then, where the baby will be placed comes next. "Some women prefer to have the baby handed directly to them while others like the baby to be placed on their belly," Hunt says. You can also have the baby cleaned prior to contact.
Other options include cord banking, whether the mother wants to see or keep the placenta and when to breastfeed.
Do you want to room in Baby or use the nursery full- or part-time? Hunt suggests moms remember they make the choices regarding their baby. "Sometimes the hospital personnel tend to make suggestions, which are misconstrued as orders," she says.
If you plan to breastfeed exclusively, make sure you're very specific about it in your birth plan.
"If you would like to make sure that the nurses do not supplement the baby with anything other than your breast milk if you are unable to nurse right away, you should make sure that you include that on the plan," Holbrook says.
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