A Birth Plan is Great, but You Must Remain Flexible

 

Marietta GA ObstetriciansWomen have nine months to prepare for the birth of their baby (or babies). During these nine months, many women take birthing classes, read books, and receive countless pieces of advice regarding giving birth. For some women, they greatly look forward to giving birth while many others fear labor because of the unknown. Seasoned mothers are often the most relaxed in labor and delivery because they have “been there and done that”. For first time mothers who are anxiously anticipating giving birth, it is important to understand that having a birth plan is a great idea, but you must remain flexible in order for your labor and delivery to go smoothly.

The ideal labor situation goes like this: the mother arrives at the hospital in very active labor, requires no Pitocin, has clear amniotic fluid, and quickly pushes a baby out that shows no signs of distress. Unfortunately this is not how all labors go, and doctors and nurses must make decisions, often very quickly, about what is the safest intervention for mom and/or baby. Doctors and nurses are in no way trying to compromise your desires regarding the birth plan that you have created as “ideal” – we are all on the same team, with the same goal of having a healthy mom and baby at the end of delivery. Even during an emergency-type situation, delivery can still go smoothly if the mother is flexible and trusting with what needs to occur to keep her and her baby safe.

At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. we are dedicated to providing the highest level of obstetrical care to our expecting mothers. We understand that labor and delivery can be a joyous situation or an emotionally stressful one. Your birth plan is important to you, and we appreciate that. But we also want you to remember that you must remain flexible during your labor and delivery in order for the safest and best outcome to be achieved.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.