What is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan guides you through the process of delivery and labor. A birth plan makes you the process of delivery and labor a bit more comfortable as it has been prepared in advance and communicated to all those who are actively involved in your pregnancy and will assist with the delivery of the baby. A birth plan includes information like who you would want present at the time of delivery, emergency contact numbers of your primary helpers, how you would prefer to take a few medicines, the hospital of your choice and many other details.
Choice of practice
Inform all loved ones, particularly those who are involved actively during your pregnancy and those who will help you with your delivery on your doctor, hospital and their contact details, mode of transport to get to the hospital, maternity file, hospital bag amongst others.
Prepare for any emergency
It is very important to be prepared especially mentally for the better and worse. It can get challenging and over-whelming to make certain decisions within a span of seconds. It is always wise to consider financial strains that might arise. Having a plan B is also essential.
Understand what is labour
Educating yourself on what labour is, what to do when you contract or how to cope with the water breaking is highly recommended as it allows you to handle the situation more calmly as you seek medical attention!
Carrying essentials
It is has been advised to carry along an unused razor blade, two new towels, a pack of sanitary pads, a pair of new, clean and dry shoes laces and gloves to be able to deliver the baby anywhere.
Preferred mode of delivery
This is a process that needs to be thought through delicately. It is always a great idea to lay out the pros and cons of the different modes you are considering as this shall filter out your options.
Feeding program
Medical professionals and all grandma’s myths and hacks cannot stress enough on the importance of breast milk and how beneficial it is for the child’s development, growth and nutritional intake. Also small decisions like whether you shall be expressing the milk or breast-feeding should be acknowledged.
This article has been written by: Dr. Karen Muthembwa (Obstetrics and Gynecology) and Rishna Gudhka (Wiggles and Giggles Edutainment Centre)