Preferences for the birth such as place and positions you’d like to use Your fears and expectations, which you can discuss with your healthcare provider Feelings about pain relief, including if and what type of pain relief you will accept Expectations on fetal monitoring, including what type of fetal monitoring is and isn’t acceptable to you Opinion on episiotomy, including if you will accept it and under what conditions Hydration techniques such as IV, sips of water, or ice chips Clothes you want to wear Media such as music or videos you want to watch as a distraction People you want present
Special wishes if you need a cesarean section Wishes if your baby is breech Feelings about forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery Position on accepting an IV if you are dehydrated or antibiotic IVs if the doctor discovers infection in your amniotic fluid
Share your birth plan with your healthcare providers and express your desire to have a natural birth in a hospital if possible. Discuss any concerns you may have. Ask for suggestions on your plan and discuss your options so that everyone involved has a clear and realistic idea for your natural birth in the hospital. Find a healthy balance of keeping your plan and respecting your doctor or healthcare provider’s expertise. Consider using a midwife or doula during delivery. Studies have shown that constant support from a trained and experienced woman can make for an easier and more natural delivery. [6] X Research source Your doctor may be able to suggest a registered nurse, midwife, or doula with whom she works.
Ask your doctor to suggest hospitals that offer birth centers or a natural setting and in which your doctor and any other healthcare providers are allowed to practice. Visit different facilities to see what resources they offer. Look for tubs or jacuzzi tubs and birthing balls. Ask whether women are allowed to walk around during labor and what their policy is on being allowed to eat while in labor. Make notes on each so that you can remember while making your final decision on where to deliver. Let the hospital know about the birth plan you’ve written and see how they can accommodate you. Ask the staff at each facility questions about their resources and policies. For instance, you may be interested in doing a water birth, but this may not be allowed or accommodated at your delivery hospital. Make sure you ask the staff about water birth or any other methods you may be interested in.
The atmosphere. Did it make you feel relaxed, warm, and comfortable? The option to return home shortly after the birth The staff. Are there obstetricians, nurse-midwives, doulas, or direct-entry midwives available? The hospital’s construction. Is there a birth center and are the rooms set up to be as comfortable as your home? The resources. Are facilities available if you decide you want pain medication or there is an emergency?
Attend any prenatal or childbirth education programs your hospital offers. [10] X Research source Consider using bathtubs or trying natural birth methods such as Bradley, Lamaze, water delivery (if allowed), or the Alexander Technique. [11] X Research source
A copy of your birth plan Music, videos, or reading material Comfortable clothing and footwear Scented lotion or massage oil Pillows
Let your healthcare providers know you want as natural a birth as possible in the hospital. Make sure family members have copies of your plan, too. Even if you don’t want them in the delivery room, it may be good for them to have an idea of your wishes so they can be your advocates during your delivery.
This can be an important step if you chose a doula or birth attendant who hasn’t met your doctor or healthcare provider. Ask your advocate to help defend your decisions during delivery as long as they maintain the safety of you and your baby. This can prevent interruptions during your labor and after birth and keep medical staff interferences to a minimum. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Be aware that if you are considered high-risk, you may require examinations or other procedures that aren’t a part of your plan. Let your doula or midwife advocate for you if they meet you at the hospital or as soon as they arrive. [15] X Research source
Reiterate your desire for no interference unless absolutely necessary. Stay mobile if you prefer. Take walks around the hospital ward, take a bath or shower, practice breathing or stretching techniques or anything that makes you feel comfortable. Consider asking for privacy until you feel comfortable moving or being examined if this helps you. Deliver in a position that makes you feel best. Some women may find that active delivery positions are more comfortable, while others may prefer to lay back or sit down during childbirth. Request to change your position to ease yourself through the process as much as possible. [17] X Research source
If you feel like your doctor isn’t listening to you, seek a second opinion from another doctor. Your doctor can help you figure out what kinds of contingencies you need to include in your birth plan if you’re at a higher risk.
Since you’re having a natural birth in a hospital, it’ll be easy for the staff to begin a medical intervention if you need it. Your birth advocate can help you make a final decision about what to do.
Your vaginal bleeding is considered heavy if you soak through more than 1 pad in an hour. If your pain is accompanied by fever and abdominal tenderness, it’s possible you have an infection that needs medical treatment.
