Choosing a Birth Plan
There are only two ways for a baby to enter the world: through a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section (c-section). However, the steps and approaches leading up to that momentous occasion can vary. At our OB/GYN practice, we support and respect each woman's choice and are here to provide comprehensive care and information to help you make an informed decision. It’s best to think about your childbirth options well before you give birth and to recognize that you may want to, or have to, go off plan.
CONSIDER A BIRTH PLAN
You have the option to create a birth plan that communicates to your care team what your preferences are during labor and delivery. In your birth plan, you can outline what matters to you:
Who you’d like with you in the room
What your wishes are regarding medications and interventions
What your preferred pain management techniques
If you’d like your partner to cut the umbilical cord
It is important to keep in mind that your birth plan is what you would ideally like to see happen, but sometimes circumstances arise that require veering from your original plan. If you choose to create a birth plan, we ask that you bring a copy of your birth plan to your prenatal appointment to keep in your records and bring an additional copy to the hospital with you.
View a sample birth plan from ACOG here.
BENEFITS OF A LOW-INTERVENTION BIRTH
A low-intervention birth is one in which birth starts spontaneously and is allowed to progress naturally without medical intervention. Studies show low-intervention birth is associated with improved outcomes for mother and baby, as well as high patient satisfaction. A low-intervention birth is often characterized by delayed admittance to the hospital until active labor begins, the utilization of alternative pain management techniques, having continuous support during labor, laboring in various positions, and intermittent monitoring of baby’s heartbeat.
However, ACOG states that, “the use of pain medications does not make your labor “less natural.” It also does not increase the likelihood that you will have a cesarean birth. Pain relief medications can help you better cope with labor and delivery.”
PAIN MANAGEMENT OPTIONS:
Nonpharmacologic options:
Hydrotherapy
Massage
Continuous labor support/doula care
Accupressure/accupuncture
Position changes/ambulation
Hypnosis
TENS unit
Application of heat/cold
Breathing and relaxation exercises
Audio analgesia and aromatherapy
Pharmacologic options*:
Regional anesthesia (epidural or spinal)
*It’s okay if you end up needing pain medication. Even if you chose pain medication, or if you ended up needing a cesarean birth, you still gave birth to your baby. That’s something to celebrate, no matter how you did it.
Remember that things might not go according to plan. We hope for a delivery that aligns with your birth plan, and we do what we can to make that happen. But sometimes things can’t go as planned. Sometimes, you need other tools to safely deliver, and your ob-gyn is there to help offer you that guidance.
The ultimate goal is a healthy baby and a healthy mom.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about natural births, please talk to your doctor at your next appointment. We're here to support you in making the best choice for your birthing experience.
