Childbirth FAQs

What is a birth plan?

A birth plan is just that, a plan for how a woman would like to approach labor and delivery. Like all plans, it is not a guarantee or set in stone, but it is a great way to document what the expectant mom wants to happen. Just about anything and everything can be included in the plan, from pain management preferences to a labor and delivery playlist. Creating a plan helps couples visualize their maternity experience and think through the many options that are available. The woman’s OB and/or midwife need to be a part of creating the birth plan. It will be used as a road map from the moment labor starts to the day the new family returns home. Just expect at least a little off-roading along the way.

Do I need a hospital birth plan?

No hospital needs you to have a birth plan to be able to give birth there. It is just a good way to get expectant moms (and dads) to think through their childbirth desires in advance. This helps the maternity team better meet those desires when it’s time to go to the hospital.

How do I write a birth plan?

There is no right or wrong way to create a birth plan. It can be simple or detailed and in any format. Some women find it helpful to keep a journal and jot down any thoughts or questions about the birth experience that come to mind. After some time and accumulation, they can mine the journal for things to work into their birth plans. Remember, a birth plan isn’t set in stone. But, expectant moms who create one need to discuss their plan with their OB or midwife.

What is a doula and should I use one?

A doula is a professional childbirth companion. Doulas provide emotional and physical support during labor and delivery, as well as in the hours after birth. Doulas are not a necessary part of childbirth, but are usually considered irreplaceable by the women who have used one. During delivery, they help with relaxation techniques, massage, and supported labor positions that relieve pain. They are advocates for patients whether they have a natural childbirth, medication-assisted delivery, or need a C-section. Doulas also spend time with mom and baby after the birth to encourage bonding and provide breastfeeding education and support.

Can I have a doula and a midwife?

Yes. A midwife is there to attend to the birth, which includes providing pain medication if needed. Doulas are there to support the mother physically and emotionally. It’s important to have a midwife or OB present during the delivery in case something happens that requires medical attention. Certified midwives (CMs) and certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are licensed to prescribe a full range of medications, including epidurals, at home or in a hospital.

What is a midwife?

A midwife is a trained health professional who oversees labor and delivery for healthy women without risks or complications. Certified nurse midwives (CNM) are nurses with at least three years’ experience in a midwife program. They often work in conjunction with OB/GYN practices as an option for patients who want a less clinical childbirth experience. Certified midwives (CM) are not nurses but have completed a midwifery education program, hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and have passed the same certification test as CNMs. Certified professional midwives (CPM) have training and experience, but are not CNMs or CMs. A “lay midwife” is a person who has apprenticed with doctors or midwives but does not have any formal training.

Should I use a midwife?

For women enjoying a healthy pregnancy with no complications (for mother or baby) AND no underlying conditions that put them at risk, using a midwife is an option. Women often choose a midwife, because they are looking for childbirth to be as natural as possible with little medical intervention. Midwives can be used for home births or for hospital births.

Can I have a midwife and an OB?

Many midwives work with OBs, both within OB practices and in hospital delivery rooms. Some hospitals have certified nurse midwives on staff. Whether OBs and midwives might attend the same delivery depends on the specific medical practice and hospital. Expectant moms can discuss their options with their OB and/or midwife.

Do Kegels help with recovery after childbirth?

For most women, yes. Kegel exercises help promote healing and help pelvic floor muscles bounce back after childbirth. They can also help prevent bladder leakage—a common post-delivery complaint. Women should just make sure to ask their doctors before performing Kegels after childbirth. Some may be advised to avoid Kegels for a while, such as women who had a C-section. But, once that healing time has passed, Kegels will usually be encouraged.

Do Kegels help with pain during childbirth?

In theory, yes. Kegel exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor. These are muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowels. Kegels help women become more aware of these muscles, learning to tense and relax them at will. Since these same muscles are involved in childbirth, learning to relax them may ease pain during labor. But learning to relax muscles under normal circumstances is very different than doing it in the middle of labor. This is why Kegels alone may not be the best pain management strategy for everyone. Still, strengthening your pelvic floor won’t hurt and may also help women recover after delivery.

My partner is terrified of the delivery. What can I do to help?

Sometimes, partners will hesitate to voice their own fears or concerns, because they don’t want to add to what their pregnant partner might be feeling. Women can reassure their partners that they want to talk through their partner’s fears as well. Women can encourage their partners to make their own list of questions for the doctor and come to as many appointments as possible. That way, there will be plenty of opportunity for them to prepare and talk through their questions (and fears) one by one. Both mom and partner can keep a journal and then share their writings with each other to help with communication, and so the partner can feel more a part of the process.

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