Creating a Personalized Birth Plan for Your Delivery

A birth plan is a document that tells your healthcare provider and delivery team your wishes and preferences for your childbirth and early postpartum period.  The birth plan is not a legal contract but a written outline of your desires.  It serves as an opportunity for the expectant parents to consider and communicate their ideal birth experience.

Because childbirth doesn’t always go as planned, it is important to remain flexible and know that the plan may need to change for you and your baby’s health and safety.

There are many tools and sample birth plans available online and on our website to help you create your birth plan.

Some things you may wish to consider include:

Who will attend your delivery

Methods and medications preferred for induction or augmentation of labor

Methods, techniques and medications preferred for pain management

Fetal monitoring preferences

Eating and drinking during labor

IV access or saline lock

Position for delivery

Cutting the umbilical cord 

Cord blood banking

Any cultural or religious practices that you would like to incorporate

You may also like to consider care for yourself and baby after delivery.  Some considerations include:

Medications for baby after the birth

Bathing the baby

Rooming in

Exclusive breastfeeding

Pacifier use

Circumcision

It is a good idea to bring your birth plan to a prenatal visit during your third trimester to discuss your wishes with your doctor or midwife. And, if you have any questions, feel free to ask us at any of your prenatal visits!

-Kelly Hamade

OBGYN North and Natural Beginning Birth Statistics for 2013

In 2013 we saw 1500 births, of these only 13% were primary cesarean section.  Additionally we had an 82% VBAC success rate and 67% of patients planning birth without an epidural were successful.

4th Quarter Birth Statistics

October 68 deliveries 55 vaginal 13 c/s (7 repeats)

November 57 deliveries 46 vaginal 11 c/s (9 repeats)

December 66 deliveries 50 vaginal 16 c/s (6 repeats)

***Our December stats included 4 unsuccessful planned vaginal deliveries and 12 scheduled c-sections planned prior to labor for breech, placenta previa, repeat cesarean and other specific situations***

Prenatal Breastfeeding Workshop

In-House Childbirth Classes Exclusively for OBGYN North Patients

Get Ready for Birth! 

In-House Childbirth Classes exclusively for OBGYN North Patients 

Classes facilitated by Shelley Scotka, certified Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula

Prepared Childbirth    $200 for a four week series Tuesday evenings, 6:30-9:00pm

This class is perfect for first time parents who need a comprehensive preparation for childbirth. We'll cover the physiology of labor and delivery, recognizing signs of labor, when to call your care provider, and the normal stages of labor. We'll learn and practice with your support person a variety of methods to cope with labor pain including breathing, relaxation, visualizations/meditation, touch and massage, positioning, and water therapy. We'll discuss what happens at the birth both in a hospital and birth center setting. What if medical interventions become necessary? We'll look at the possible interventions that are common, and cover the risks and benefits of each, including cesarean birth. We'll also review the recovery and postpartum periods, and what to expect for both you and your baby during that time. It's recommended you begin the series by 32 weeks. 

Febrary 4,11,18,25

March 4,11,18,25

April 1,15, 22, 29 (no class 4/8)

May 6, 13, 20, 27

Labor Skills   $50 for a one time 2.5 hour workshop Sundays 3:30-6:00pm

This workshop is designed for those who want to focus exclusively on natural ways to cope with labor pain, ideal for those who have birthed before and need a "refresher" or for those who just want to work on their labor skills with their partner. We'll discuss and practice relaxation, breathing, using visualizations/meditation, touch and massage, positioning and water therapy. We'll discuss the importance of the birth environment and creating an "oxytocin friendly" space for your labor. We'll give your support person plenty of ideas, tools and suggestions to help you get through labor, and review typical "challenging" scenarios during birth and how to get through them. Ideal anytime during the last trimester. 

Febrary 9

March 2

April 6

May 4

Planning your VBAC   $50 for a one time 2.5 hour workshop Sundays 12:30-3:00pm

This class is designed for those planning a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. We'll discuss the most up to date research on VBAC and review the benefits and risks. We'll look at ways to prepare for a successful VBAC both physically and emotionally, and offer you and your support person an opportunity to explore the emotions surrounding your previous birth experience. We'll talk about hospital protocols and learn what to expect during a VBAC labor. What if another cesarean becomes necessary? We look at the reasons why a repeat cesarean may become a necessity and ways to make that birth family centered. Ideal during the second trimester. 

February 9

March 2

May 4

To register, (512) 425-3825 or email: jcousins@obgynnorth.com