How to plan a baby?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Lai Thi Nguyet Hang - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Your baby's birthday is undoubtedly one of the most important days of your life. Planning your baby in advance will help you make decisions about how you want your labor and delivery to go, and let others know your wishes. That way, when the big day arrives, you can focus on what's most important, welcoming the new family member.

1. What is a birth plan?

A birth plan is an outline of what you want during labor and delivery. For example, your birth plan might include who you want to be with during labor, whether you want pain medication or not, etc. Your birth plan can include anything you think you want. It will make labor and delivery more comfortable.
The best childbirth plans help you answer some important questions before you get overwhelmed with labor pains. Are you hoping to get an epidural or no pain medication? Who do you want in the delivery room with you? What interventions are you willing to accept and which interventions would you like to avoid? The birth plan will help you communicate these wishes clearly with your healthcare provider.
It can be said with certainty that you will have a natural birth until just before going into labor, at which point you start asking for pain medication but if the staff knows about your birth plan, they can can suggest alternatives so that you can still have the baby you originally wanted.

2. What should a birth plan include?

Although there are many details in a birth plan, try to keep it short for everyone to read. Here are some items that your birth plan should include:
2.1. Basics List basic information such as:
Your name Doctor's name Your contact information Where you plan to give birth The person you plan to be there with you. You should also note here any medical conditions (if any), including:
You are positive for group B streptococcus Gestational diabetes Preeclampsia .... 2.2. Delivery room requirements Do you want the delivery room lights to be clear or dim? Do you want your room to be as quiet as possible or do you prefer soft music? Would you like someone to assist you in taking photos or videos of your labor or delivery? 2.3. Your interests Include any interests you have such as:
Would you like to travel freely? Would you like to use a stool, ball, or infant chair? Do you want a warm bath or not? 2.4. How to manage labor pain Choosing how to manage labor pain is an important consideration. You may not be planning to have an epidural, but you may change your mind once labor begins. Or you can definitely get an epidural if possible.
As you determine your birth plan, ask your doctor about pain relief options as well as any questions related to them.
2.5. Birth Options There are many options to consider for your baby's delivery such as:
If you are planning to have a vaginal birth, do you want an episiotomy? Do you want your partner to cut your baby's umbilical cord? Do you want your baby to be placed on your belly right after birth? If you need a cesarean section, who do you want to accompany you in the delivery room? 2.6. Feeding and Care in the Hospital After your baby is born, you'll need to think about feeding and care.
Do you want to breastfeed immediately after giving birth? Do you want to bottle-feed your baby or combine bottle-feeding with breast-feeding? Do you want your baby to stay in the room with you or in an exclusive infant room? If your child is a boy, would you like to have your baby circumcised at the hospital?

3. How to write your own birth plan

If all of this is making you confused and don't know where to start, you can stay calm and follow these steps:
3. 1. Make a notebook When you feel calm and bright Throughout, start jotting down some rough notes about how you envision labor and delivery. It's time to enjoy all the lighthearted, dreamy images of the happiest, most peaceful labor ever. There's no shame in thinking about the best-case scenario you want.
3. 2. Talk to your partner Talk to your partner or whoever will be with you into the delivery room. If you haven't already shared your own, ask them how they envision labor and delivery. Do they have any preconceptions about having children? Is there something they don't know or are worried about? What role do they see themselves playing in your birth, how are they comfortable doing it, or what tasks do they want to handle?
3. 3. Start building a birth plan Start forming a concrete, realistic plan with your partner. Ultimately, your body is going through labor and delivery, so you should be comfortable with all the decisions that are made.
The more input and suggestions you have from your partner, the more naturally you will feel supported. Sketch a basic draft of a plan that both of you are satisfied with.
3. 4. Bring your birth plan to a healthcare provider Bring your birth plan to your doctor or midwife. You should carefully consider the opinions and requirements of your doctor. They will likely address any lingering questions or concerns, suggest alternatives for dealing with pain or complications during labor and delivery, and mark areas of concern. areas where you need to be prepared to make last-minute changes.
Your doctor can also tell if your plan to have a baby is realistic. They know your medical history and pregnancy and guide you in the best possible way to have a successful and healthy baby.
3. 5. Finalize your birth plan, keeping in mind flexibility If your doctor recommends changes, now is the time to make them. If you are still deciding between options, do your best to come to the right choice. If you are still unsure about something you can make choices during labor.

4. Who needs a copy of your birth plan?

Once your birth plan has been established, give a copy to your doctor to keep in your medical records and bring another copy to the hospital or center where you will give birth.
You can also give a copy of your birth plan to anyone who will be with you during labor. Another doctor may be able to deliver your baby if your regular doctor isn't available.

5. Is it necessary to have a plan to have children?

You don't have to plan to have a baby, as all things you want can be done while in the hospital, but it's certainly important that you think through all of your options and discuss them with your child. life partner and doctor.
You don't need to have a specific plan when preparing for a baby, but it often helps. If creating a birth plan helps you feel less stressed about the birth or gives you more peace of mind, you should do it. Having a written plan can also help you avoid unnecessary interventions and treatments. If planning is stressful, you can skip it or keep it simple. Ultimately, your delivery depends more on you and your baby, not on any plan you've written down.
Think of the birth preparation plan as an ideal goal you want to achieve. You may not get to your destination exactly the way you imagine it to, but having a strategy in mind will help you prepare better.
In order to make the mother's pregnancy easier and ensure the baby's development in each stage, Vinmec International General Hospital has developed a package of maternity services. With this service package, mothers will be monitored and examined by qualified doctors. Regular examination and examination through periodic ultrasound, 3D/4D ultrasound screening for fetal malformations at week 12, week 18, week 32...helps to recognize abnormal problems of the fetus. Besides, the mother is also given blood tests, urine tests, Double test, Triple test... to help detect abnormal signs.
To improve the quality of medical care, the hospital has applied a system of modern equipment and machines to help the examination reach the best quality. So mothers can rest assured.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References: webmd.com, healthline.com