Preparation For Birth | Tips For Safe Baby Delivery | NextMamas.
How to make a birth plan
A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labor and after the birth. You don't have to create a birth plan but, if you would like one, your midwife will be able to help. Discussing a birth plan with your midwife gives you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labor.
It also gives your midwife the chance to get to know you better, and understand your feelings and priorities, and allows you to think about or discuss some things more fully with your partner, friends and relatives. You can change your mind about your wishes for labor and birth at any time.
Your Personal Circumstances
Your birth plan is personal to you. It depends on what you want, your medical history, your circumstances, and what is available at your maternity service. You might be given a special form for your birth plan, or there may be room in your notes. It's a good idea to keep a copy of your birth plan with you. The maternity team who care for you during labor will discuss it with you so they know what you want.
Be Flexible
You need to be flexible and prepared to do things differently from your birth plan if complications arise with you or your baby, or if facilities such as a birth pool aren't available. The maternity team will tell you what they advise in your particular circumstances. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need to.
Things to consider
You can find out more about the things you need to think about when making a birth plan, such as:
- Where you can give birth.
- Pain relief.
- Forceps or Vacuum delivery.
- Your newborn baby.
You can work out whether there's anything you feel strongly about and might wish to include.
Pack Your Bag For Labor.
What you'll need for labor and birth
Get a few things ready at least 3 weeks before your due date.
For yourself, you'll probably want to pack:
- your birth plan and hospital notes.
- something loose and comfortable to wear during labor that does not restrict you from moving around or make you too hot.
- 3 changes of loose, comfortable clothes that you can get from NextMamas.
- 2 or 3 comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed these are also available on NextMamas which are of good quality and very economical – remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual.
- breast pads are available at our NextMamas site.
- 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads.
- 5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones available on NextMamas.
- your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties, and other toiletries.
- towels.
- things to help you pass the time and relax – for example, books, magazines, music, or podcast.
- front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you're going to breastfeed that you can easily get on our NextMamas site.
- slippers.
- healthy snacks and drinks.
- extra pillows.
- any medicines you're taking.
For the baby, you might want to pack:
- bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits.
- an outfit for going home in.
- a hat, scratch mittens and socks or booties.
- plenty of nappies.
- a shawl or blanket.
- muslin squares or bibs.
- a car seat for the trip home.
Home Births
If you're planning to give birth at home, discuss your plans and what you need to prepare with your midwife. Think about where in your home you want to give birth.
You're likely to need:
- clean bedclothes and towels.
- clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby.
- 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads.
Even if you're planning to have your baby at home, you should pack some things in case you need to go to the hospital at any point.
Get Prepared
When you come home, you will not want to do much more than rest and care for your baby, so do as much planning as you can in advance. If you can, buy lots of basic items such as toilet paper, sanitary towels, and nappies in advance. If you have a freezer, you could cook some meals in advance and freeze them.
Transport
You should plan how you'll get to the hospital or midwifery unit because you might need to go there at any time of the day or night. If you're planning to go by car, make sure it's running well and that there's always enough petrol in the tank. If someone else has said they'll take you, make an alternative arrangement just in case they're not available.
Author: Dr. Iram Gill
Dr. Iram Gill is an MBBS doctor by profession and a Content Writer by passion. She is a mother as well and has observed the health-related challenges faced by mothers and babies. She wants to play her part in increasing access and support for breastfeeding and maternal health problems.
