The purpose of the birth plan is not to make a practical decision on how labor should be done, but to help the prospective mother and father understand what is most important for the mother and child in the labor process.
In making a birth plan, Father and Mother will learn, explore, and understand the conditions that can occur during the delivery process. In addition, the birth plan can also establish good communication between partners and health workers who will help during labor.
Delivery plans usually cover three main areas, namely a description of conditions during normal delivery, a plan to deal with unexpected cases, and a description of conditions after delivery.
Here are some guidelines in planning for labor that need to be discussed together between mothers, couples, and doctors.
Overview of Conditions during Normal Labor
Especially for mothers who undergo first pregnancy, of course the day of labor later is a moment that is highly anticipated, but at the same time worrying, right? Similar to the Mother who is pregnant second or later, preparation remains an important part in welcoming the arrival of the Baby. What will Mother live?
Shaving pubic hair
Most hospitals no longer do pubic shaving before expectant mothers give birth. Therefore, Mother needs to consider shaving or waxing in the salon, for example. But if you want to decide to shave at home, don't worry because you can ask for help from your partner.
Initial stage of labor
When Mother arrives at the hospital to give birth, the nurse or doctor will evaluate to see how far the labor stage is. If the opening is still early, Mother may be asked to walk a little or asked to return home for a while before being treated.
If you are still in an early stage of birth and you choose to take a walk in the hospital area, the hospital will certainly consider delaying the IV, because it can interfere with the movement of the mother. Therefore, Mother will be recommended to drink enough water so as not to dehydrate.
Enter the treatment room
If you have been allowed into the care room to prepare for labor, the hospital may allow you to bring someone close to you to accompany you. Prepare the names that you want to attend. Don't forget to ask the hospital about the number of people allowed to accompany. In addition, Mother can also ask about whether it is allowed to do a photo session or video recording during labor.
Fetal monitoring
You may need to ask about hospital policies regarding fetal monitoring. Little is likely to be monitored for 20-30 minutes when Mother began to be treated. If the fetal heart rate is convincing or not problematic, further monitoring is likely to be less frequent.
It's time to push
When it's time to give birth, the medical team can guide Mother about when and how to correct straining techniques. Alternatively, you can follow the body's natural urge when and how to push.
Episiotomy
Also discuss the importance of episiotomy for infant safety because the need for episiotomy during labor cannot be predicted with certainty. Episiotomy itself is a medical procedure that involves cutting the skin in the perineum (one side between the vagina and anus) to prevent tears during delivery. Episiotomy procedures generally occur in first labor.
Facing Unexpected Conditions
Apart from all the plans that were prepared from the beginning, unexpected circumstances and conditions could occur. Therefore, Mother needs to consider also plans in dealing with various situations like this.
The stage of labor did not progress
If the stage of childbirth stops developing, the medical team can recommend an intervention, such as breaking the amniotic sac if you have not ruptured, or accelerated the stage of labor with Pitocin. Pitocin (oxytocin) is a drug that works to provoke labor.
Vacuum or forceps
If in normal labor, assistance is needed to remove the fetus, the obstetrician or midwife can use assistive devices in the form of vacuum or forceps.
Caesarean section
If a caesarean section is needed, you may only be anesthetized locally so that you will stay awake during the operation and are accompanied by the closest person. If you are anesthetized locally, you may want to choose to witness the process of a cesarean section. However, in rare cases, patients may have to be given general anesthesia or general anesthesia which will eliminate consciousness completely and the closest person will be asked to wait outside the room.
Description of Post-Delivery Conditions
Finally, planning is how you want to take care of your child shortly after birth. Do you want to give breast milk directly, how do you want to prioritize the need for early circumcision, along with other plans will be discussed in this section.
Delaying cutting of the umbilical cord
You may want to find out the reason for delaying cutting the umbilical cord some time after giving birth. Recent research shows that waiting a few minutes allows more blood to flow from the placenta to the baby and reduces the risk of anemia and iron deficiency in newborns. If you choose to use the services of your baby's cord blood bank, blood will be collected at this time. The decision to save the baby's cord blood in the special bank must be made before giving birth.
Early breastfeeding initiation
After giving birth normally through the vagina, your baby will usually be placed on top of your body while covered with a warm blanket as part of the initial breastfeeding initiation step. Tell your health care provider whether you prefer direct skin-to-skin contact with the baby immediately after giving birth or you want the baby to be bathed first.
Breast milk or formula milk
If you choose to breastfeed your baby directly from the breast, you can start anytime you are ready. Tell the medical team whether you want to give your baby breast milk or formula to your child. In addition, also convey if you want your child to be given a pacifier and if you need the help of a lactation consultant.
Rooming in
Ask the hospital policy whether the baby will be placed in the same room as Mother (rooming in) or in another room.
Circumcision
Discuss with the hospital about Mother's plan regarding the need for circumcision in infants, both male and female. Circumcision is a parent's decision that is very privacy because it is rooted in culture and religion in Indonesian society. On the medical side itself, circumcision is considered an elective cosmetic procedure because it has no medical emergency reasons.
But keep in mind that circumcision involves surgical procedures, thus saving risks as other forms of surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and the appearance of scarring. If needed, you can consult your pediatrician to get additional information about circumcision.
By knowing the description of the conditions of the birth process above, Mother can now discuss it with her partner and doctor more openly so that the medical action taken later will not be shocking or panic.
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