Planning for the birth of your baby can be very exciting. Talks with your caregiver, a tour of the hospital, some pregnancy classes, and a plan that includes support for you when you finally get to come home with your baby will help provide the best possible experience.
Listed below are topics that need to be discussed with your caregiver.
Talking To Your Caregiver
Natural Childbirth - A women's body is naturally built for childbirth. Natural childbirth can be extremely painful, however, a positive attitude and a supportive coach can make a world of difference. It is good to enter into labor not in fear but of great expectation. Many women do well with just breathing techniques, hot or cold showers, massages, music, and relaxation methods. It is highly recommended that women attend childbirth classes or Lamaze classes. There are even refresher courses for those who have had previous children. A plus to natural childbirth is that you feel close to your baby immediately after delivery.
Vaginal Delivery - There are many advantages to vaginal delivery. Recovery time is a lot quicker since you do not have to wait for a caesarean incision to heal. Also the effort of pushing makes you feel more involved in your labor.
Caesarean Section- The position of your baby or your health may cause you to have a c-section. This procedure is major surgery and the recovery time is longer. Your caregiver will discuss with you if this is medically necessary.
VBAC - If you have had a previous c-section, a vaginal birth may be an option for you. Your caregiver should discuss this with your on your first appointment. He/She will review your previous pregnancies and help you come to a decision. Most prefer that you try to have a VBAC because of the risks of c-sections.
Episiotomy - Doctors no longer make it mandatory that you receive an episiotomy during birth. An episiotomy is when they make an incision between your vagina to rectum. Discuss with your caregiver the pros and cons of an episiotomy.
Circumcision - You will need to make the decision whether or not to have the foreskin from your son's penis removed. The surgery will be done before he leaves the hospital. Insurance companies will not cover this surgery because they claim it is not medically necessary. It would be a good idea to contact your insurance company regarding this.
Breastfeeding - Not all women need special preparation for breastfeeding. You should have your caregiver or a lactation specialist examine you for flat or inverted nipples. Some women need to prepare for breastfeeding before their baby is born. Breastfeeding classes also are available. It is highly recommended that you attend a class before your baby is born. Also, arrange for a lactation specialist to help you once the baby is born.
A Visit To The Hospital - Your caregiver should tell you in which hospital they participate in. Some also have you fill out the hospital admittance forms there in the office on your first visit. You should call the hospital to make arrangements to take a tour of the labor and delivery rooms. Also, arrange any classes that you may want to take. During your tour, make sure that you ask all the hospital procedures, such as, are siblings allowed, how many people are allowed in the delivery room, visiting hours, or if you are allowed to take pictures or videos.
Other Important Decisions
Choosing A Pediatrician-Choosing your child's physician is a very important decision. You can choose from either a Family Practitioner, who is trained to care for both adults and children, or a Pediatrician who specialize in the care of children. In choosing your child's physician, here are some things you will want to consider:
Professional Qualifications - How long has the doctor been practicing medicine?
Has there been any malpractice suits filed against the doctor? Is He/She board-certified?
Accessibility - How easy is it to get in touch with the doctor? How far in advance do you have to schedule appointments? Who will be on call for the doctor? Where is the office located? What are the hours the office will be open?
Staff - How friendly are the nurses and staff?
Trust - Can you develop a good rapport with the doctor? Will there be mutual respect between the two of you? Will this doctor let you be a mother and trust your instincts? How will this doctor handle a new mother calling all the time? Is the doctor patient? Will the doctor take time to get to know you and your family? Will the doctor see your child as more then just another patient? Does the doctor come recommended?
Cost - Does the doctor accept your type of insurance? Will the doctor make payment arrangements?
Single practitioner or a group of physicians - Will you see a particular physician every visit or will you see a group of physicians? Who will be there if your particular doctor is not?
A few other important decisions you will need to make is who your baby's pediatrician will be, whether to bottle or breastfeed, and child care if you plan on returning to work. Discuss your options with your partner, family members, and friends.
Childcare - If you plan on returning to work you will need to find dependable child
care. Your options include in-home childcare, family child care, or daycare centers
In-home caregivers - If you plan on having someone watch your child in your home you will need to lay down some ground rules. Use of the television, telephone, and visitors will need to be discussed before hiring. Make sure you check all references and have the caregiver give you a police record showing that there have not been any past convictions or arrests. There are many advantages to an in-home caregiver. Your child will be in his own surroundings, your caregiver can do household chores for you, your child will not be exposed to illnesses, and your work schedule can be flexible.
Family childcare - Important considerations of family childcare is to find one that has a small group of children, a clean and bright atmosphere, and a caregiver that is compatible with your parenting ideas. Family child care provides a homelike atmosphere, other children for your child to play with, and most are state regulated.
Daycares - Professional childcare centers are state licensed and inspected regularly.
However, care and compassion are not always present. It is best to view the daycare before your child is enrolled. Plan to spend at least one hour there to observe how the staff interacts with the children. Also monitor the children to see if they are happy and well occupied. The advantage to daycares are that you do not have to worry about back-up care and staff members are trained and certified.
Bottle or Breastfeeding - Everyone knows that breastfeeding is the number one choice for babies. However, breastfeeding is not always right for every mother. For some women it can be difficult and for others it may be too painful. It also is hard for mothers who need to go back to work. If you are unsure as to breast or bottle feed, research and discuss this with your ob/gyn or midwife. There are also breastfeeding classes available at most hospitals or at a local La Leche League.
