Birth Plan Decisions

Talk through pain tolerance honestly. No medals for suffering - pick what works for your partner.

Upright, hands-and-knees, side-lying, squatting - your partner should know the options before labor starts.

Not all hospitals offer this. Confirm availability now so there's no day-of disappointment.

Walking the halls, bouncing on a birth ball, swaying - continuous monitoring may limit options.

Continuous keeps you tethered to the bed. Ask your OB if intermittent is an option for low-risk pregnancies.

Some want it early, some want to wait. Know that you can request one at almost any point during labor.

Not every hospital has it. It takes the edge off without full numbness - worth knowing if it's an option.

Take a class or watch videos together. Even with an epidural, breathing helps during early labor and pushing.

Fentanyl or Stadol can help in early labor. They make you drowsy and cross to baby, so timing matters.

Partner, doula, family members - set this boundary now. Most hospitals limit to 2-3 support people.

Decide what's okay to capture. Some hospitals prohibit video during delivery itself - ask in advance.

Make a playlist, bring a speaker. Most rooms have dimmable lights - a calmer environment helps.

No pressure either way. The nurse will guide you through it if you do. It's tougher than you'd think - like cutting a garden hose.

Waiting 1-3 minutes lets extra blood flow to baby. AAP recommends it. Put it in your plan and remind the team.

Baby goes directly on mom's chest. If mom can't, dad does skin-to-skin. Tell the nurses this is your preference.

Private banking costs $1,500-2,500 upfront plus $150-300/year storage. Public donation is free. Decide by week 34.

Request that non-urgent newborn procedures (weighing, vitamin K, eye ointment) wait until after the first hour of skin-to-skin.

Breastfeeding within the first hour boosts success rates. Even if formula-feeding, that first latch attempt matters.

If it goes to C-section: who stays in the OR, does dad want to watch, clear drape vs standard. Have this conversation before labor.

Who stays with baby, who stays with mom. Know where the NICU is in your hospital. Ask about parent access policies.

If there's hemorrhaging, the team needs to act fast. Discuss any religious or personal objections with your OB now, not in the moment.

Vacuum or forceps may be needed if pushing stalls. Know the risks and tell your OB your preferences in advance.