Five steps to take when preparing for labor and delivery.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! As your due date approaches, preparing for labor and delivery will make you feel more confident for the grand finale of pregnancy—the birth of your baby. Our experienced OBGYNs are here to help you get ready for labor and delivery and for everything that happens after your baby arrives.
Preparing for labor and delivery begins with these five steps
Rest assured that our highly qualified staff are available to assist you on every step of your pregnancy journey. However, preparing for labor and delivery also requires some planning on your part. Our physicians recommend five steps to assist you in preparing for labor and delivery.
- Create a birth plan. A birth plan is a document you create to let our OBGYNs and the support staff at the hospital know what kind of birth experience you hope to have. It addresses several issues that occur during labor and delivery, including positions during labor, pain relief, and who will cut the umbilical cord. Ask our physicians for more information about creating a birth plan.
- Take a childbirth class. You can choose from different childbirth classes, including the ABC’s of Prepared Childbirth and Newborn Care Classes. Check with your practice to see which classes are available near you.
- Learn about newborn care. Part of preparing for labor and delivery is learning more about life after your baby arrives. Check with your practice to see what classes are available to teach you about newborn care, as well as classes that prepare siblings for a new baby.
- Prepare for breastfeeding. Talk to our staff about breastfeeding classes. Taking a class will prepare you to feed your baby and make you feel more confident. Consider establishing a relationship with a lactation consultant or a support group before you give birth.
- Tour the hospital. Don’t forget to tour the hospital when you are preparing for labor and delivery. It’s nice to be familiar with the place where you will give birth.
Preparing for labor and delivery may seem like a daunting task, but when you break it down and approach it step by step, it’s not so intimidating. Our OBGYNs and our caring staff are here to help you get ready for your big day. Contact us to request an appointment.