The Positive Birth Book Visual Birth Plan Cards

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I held my baby for quite a while before they took her for any testing and any medical staff started asking me routine questions. She was able to lie on me and nurse quietly while I got some stitches and it was all just perfect. Here are a few examples of these bigger picture goals that we can try to honor regardless of how your birth unfolds: If you’re looking for an absolutely free birth plan, here are the best resources around. The Bump Printable Birth Plan Template

Having a water birth has many benefits for the laboring mom, such as: decrease labor pain, shorter labor, reduced chances of perineal trauma or of an episiotomy, it helps relax your body. And if you don’t want a water birth, even getting in the shower under some running water can really help you relax.

Often what is most needed for the birthing process to begin is surrender. Surrender to your body's and baby's perfect timing. There are many natural induction methods available to support and prime your body rather than attempting to force birth before the time is right. Pre-labor consists of the early signs before labor starts: it means that the body is preparing for real labor, but it’s not quite there yet. It usually consists of irregular uterine tightening or contractions which soften and thin the cervix. A birth plan can refresh your healthcare provider's memory when you're in labor, and it informs new members of your medical team – such as your labor and delivery nurse – about your preferences when you're otherwise … a little busy having a baby. At the end of the day, what you’re trying to do is make yourself feel ready for this next, very exciting and daunting phase of your life.

Natural Birth/Unmedicated Birth: Natural birth is widely accepted to mean birth without an epidural or C-section. And for some, it means without any medical interventions (100% all-natural pain management strategies)

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This is for the same reason as to why no one should wipe baby down straight after delivery. The World Health Organization (WHO) actually recommends waiting at least six hours but, if you can go a full 24 hours, even better. If having an emergency c-section, it’s good to have this as a preference, at least you will be awake during the procedure and only the lower half of your body will be numb. However, know that in case of an emergency, a general anesthesia is sometimes needed. After Birth

Baby delivered on to your stomach - Do you want your baby placed on to your stomach straight away, or do you want him cleaned up before you see him?There are some instances when an induction starts to become a necessity. For example, after 42 weeks, the placenta may not work as well as it did earlier in pregnancy and can no longer provide enough oxygen and nutrients for your baby, plus there is a greater risk of your baby dying before or shortly after they are born. So, if you are past your 42-weeks mark, there are lots of natural ways to induce labor overnight that you can try first, before getting a medical induction. Foetal scalp monitor - If your baby's heart rate suddenly dips, or if there are other signs of foetal distress, a small electrode will be attached to your baby's scalp via your vagina. Your baby may have a small bruise or scratch where the electrode was attached but this will heal soon. This will help a doctor to get an accurate picture of how your baby is coping with the labour. The maternity team who care for you during labour will discuss it with you so they know what you want.

Beyond basic benefits are the more nuanced benefits of allowing for uninterrupted time and connection. Definitely one of my best tips for having a birth without epidural, and you should really take advantage of this during the first stage of labor as, once you transition and feel the need to start pushing, you won’t be able to walk at all! Inspires research on various interventions, options, policies, and norms associated with labor, delivery, immediate newborn care, and your hospital stay after birth birth trauma can be very triggering. Giving yourself space to process your birth - privately, with a friend, a support group, postpartum doula and/ or therapist who specialises in PTSD from childbirth and birth trauma - can help you move forward.

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Be mindful of the fact that an IV will really limit your ability to move freely during labor, so avoid one if you can. Walking is one think that definitely helps speed things up so you can have a shorter labor, and it can even help ease the pain.