Birth plan

As the due date approaches, many questions about the birthing process may arise: Should you be on your back or side? Should you use pain relievers or not? How long can you stay in the shower, and when should you cut the umbilical cord? At Shaare Zedek, we understand the importance of feeling calm and prepared for childbirth. That's why we offer the opportunity to meet with a midwife who can address all your questions, provide explanations about the available options in the obstetrics emergency room and delivery room, and help you create a personalized birth plan that suits your needs and desires.

We encourage every expectant mother, particularly those interested in vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section or those who have had traumatic birth experiences, to schedule an appointment and develop a birth plan. During the meeting, the midwife will inquire about your current pregnancy and past pregnancies, listen to your preferences, and discuss various options based on your circumstances. Some of the topics that will be covered include:

1. Coordinating expectations with the medical and nursing staff you will encounter during your hospital stay.
2. Choosing the most comfortable birthing positions, such as on your back, side, in a six-legged position, kneeling, or using a chair.
3. Exploring pain relief options that suit your needs, such as staying under a stream of hot water, engaging in mobility and relaxation exercises, acupuncture, massage, nitrous oxide, epidural anesthesia, and more.
4. Promoting natural birth methods before entering the delivery room.
5. Determining the appropriate time to go to the hospital.
6. Understanding the different rooming options available at the hospital, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

During the meeting, you will also receive valuable tips specific to your birthing process. However, the most important tip applies to all situations: maintain mental openness. Childbirth is a dynamic process, and circumstances can change between the first contraction and the moment you hold your newborn. Your preferences may also evolve during this time. Embracing flexibility and adaptability will allow any changes to seamlessly integrate into your birth plan.

At the end of the meeting, if desired, you will receive a written summary of all the recommendations. It is recommended to take notes and share them with your birth companion.

We want to emphasize that while we strive to honor each mother's wishes, the health, and well-being of both the mother and baby are of paramount importance. Occasionally, interventions that were not initially part of the birth plan may become necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes.