Unless everything in your life happens perfectly your way, then disregard this. For the rest of us mortals, we know that life throws us curveballs. Labor & Delivery is no exception. Whatever the case, your provider wants what is best for you and your infant, and sometimes it will not be according to your birth plan.
Plan for the unplanned
Labor can take days. This can hold especially true when you’re labor is being induced. And sometimes it might not even work! Or, when it finally does, you might find yourself pushing for many hours or some other factor where your provider would suggest a different route of delivery for the safety of you and your infant. This is where the c-section birth plan becomes helpful for you.
ONE FOR VAGINAL, ONE FOR C-SECTION (FRONTAL OR SURGICAL BIRTHS)
A c-section/surgical birth plan still allows you to communicate your preferences for delivery. You can choose to have your partner in the operating room, play music, lower the drape so you can see your baby. When baby arrives you can still do delayed cord clamping, have your partner cut the cord, and do skin to skin with them if you’re feeling up to it. All this describes a gentle c-section, one that doesn’t have to be so medically daunting.
Let your providers and other staff taking care of you about your wishes upon arrival to Labor & Delivery. They should go over it with you so that everyone is aware of your wishes and if it can be safely accommodated. To be extra prepared, bring two birth plans with you. One for each route of delivery.
TLDR: Bring two birth plans in case you end up having a c-section.
Need help with your birth plans? Here are 5 Preferences To List On Your Birth Plan Now.
