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When contractions start, even the best of intentions can go awry without a well-laid plan. Here are a few questions to ask yourself WELL before you go into labour:
1) What’s your birth plan?
A birth plan is a pre-prepared document that lets your medical team know your preferences for things like, delivery preferences and how to manage labour pain. While it’s impossible to control every aspect of labour and delivery, this printed document gives you a place to make your wishes clear. If you haven’t considered a birth plan, the 3rd trimester is a great time to consult with your doctor and partner to design a plan that works for you and your delivery.
2) Is a home birth an option?
Home births are becoming increasingly popular. Now, with proper medical supervision, it’s possible to move through the delivery process at home. A home birth isn’t for everyone, but it’s good to know your options and your preferences before you go into labour.
3) Do you have a pain management plan?
This usually falls under the category of a birth plan but not everyone is decisive about all the choice during labour. If you feel strongly about how your pain is managed during labour, be sure to articulate this to the doctor when you’re admitted. This will save you having to think things through when you’re focused on other things… like pushing!
4) What is cord blood banking and is it for you?
Making a decision to bank your baby’s cord blood and/or cord tissue is a big one. Saving these precious resources can provide treatment options for your child, a sibling or a family member now and in years to come. If you decide to bank, make sure you’re informed and have enrolled so that we can send you the collection kit for either your hospital or home birth. If you’re considering a home birth and would like more information about banking cord blood, give us a call: 1-866-606-2790.
While we always aim to accommodate expecting parents who wish to bank, we recommend enrolling as least 6 weeks before your due date.
5) Who’s on the labour ‘call list’?
This may seem like an obvious one but it’s good to have these details nailed down before things get hectic. Sitting down and putting together this list with your partner or loved ones will help keep everyone in the loop when the time comes!