Planning Your Labor and Delivery
Planning your labor and delivery can be one of the most exciting aspects of expecting and can occupy much of your third trimester as you finalize details, confirm plans, providers and venue, and pack for the special day. Of course, planning for a smooth, satisfying birthing experience should begin shortly after you find out that you are pregnant, particularly because building a relationship with the healthcare provider who will be assisting you in delivery is an important part of the preparation process.
One of the first steps in planning your birth, and one that will set the tone of your birthing experience, is choosing the venue and type of provider you wish to use. Deciding whether you want to have your baby in a hospital, a birthing center or at home is an important first step in determining your overall labor and delivery plan. The next step will be to choose the type of healthcare provider, or providers, you and your partner want to have present at the birth, such as an obstetrician, family practitioner or midwife. Because some providers have specific locations where they provide services, decisions regarding where the birth will take place and who will oversee the delivery are often made concurrently. Women who choose home births, or to deliver at a birthing center, should also have a back-up plan, such as which hospital they wish to be transported to if complications arise.
Once you have established the foundation of your birthing plan, it will be time to turn your attention to other details in planning your labor and delivery. Many couples choose to participate in childbirth education classes to assist them in preparing for labor, delivery and bringing their new baby home for the first time. Many hospitals and birthing centers offer classes, so couples should inquire about classes offered through the birthing location they have chosen, but may also want to consider popular classes that assist both the mother and partner in managing the labor and birthing process, such as Lamaze, Hypnobirthing or The Bradley Method.
Packing for your trip to the hospital or birthing center should be completed well before your expected delivery date and what you bring will vary depending on your labor and delivery plan, as well as whether or not you plan to breastfeed. For example, if using a birthing pool you will likely want a sports bra and if you plan to breastfeed you will want front-opening tops or nightgowns. You will also want items like a nursing pillow, which will make breastfeeding or bottle feeding more comfortable for both you and your baby. Make a list of all of the things you will need for yourself, your partner, your baby and your other children, if they will be joining you, to make packing for your big day easy.
You and your partner should also discuss options like cord blood banking prior to the delivery. This way, these important decisions can be made at your pace after completing research and determining what is best for your family, rather than having to make a decision on the spot when asked by your healthcare provider.
Planning your labor and delivery, while maintaining a flexible attitude that will allow for necessary changes, will ensure that your birthing experience will go as smoothly as possible for you, your partner and your baby.
