Every labor and birth is different, each miraculous in its own way. It's a situation full of unknowns -- and the best way to approach it is to familiarize yourself with the possibilities. Start with this rundown of birth and labor options.
To create a simple birth plan, print this page and check off the elements that appeal to you -- then share your choices with your healthcare provider. Make sure a copy of the plan gets into your medical records, which will be available to staffers at your birthing site.
Remember that formulating a birth plan doesn't guarantee a seamless experience. No matter how you go about it, labor and childbirth call for a flexible attitude and a sense of adventure!
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You need to address the possibility of c-sections and what a mom would want in case one becomes necessary but isn't an emergency.
10/11/2011 12:19:14 PM Report AbuseI'm more concerned with aspects this time around as far as not recieving any medications to make my labor move any faster as my husband has just been transferred 11 hrs away for his work and I am staying behind with our son due to insurance and work reasons. I just hope he makes it there in time. Thankfully when I talked to my doctor about it today at my appointment he was completely on the same page and said he shouldn't have any problem honoring my wishes.
3/1/2011 04:31:18 PM Report AbuseI agree!! When my son was born we had all the light's off and the blinds shut. He was opened his eyes alot more. But when my daughter was born we left the light's on and blind's open. She didn't really open her eyes very much. I wonder why baby's eyes are so sensitive to light?
12/4/2010 07:52:36 AM Report AbuseIm hoping that they fallow my birth plan this time around and actually keep the lights dim this time!
6/22/2010 12:58:07 PM Report AbuseExcellent idea! Bright lights are so harsh!
6/15/2010 07:47:45 PM Report AbuseI like the dim lights a lot. We had all lights out and blinds closed for my 2nd child's birth, and I noticed that he was able to open his eyes and look around much more than with my previous birth.
6/5/2010 12:43:23 PM Report Abuse