How to Prepare for Labor

Labor can be a very stressful experience, so you want to make sure you prepare in advance. You can start by packing a hospital bag with everything you may need and leaving the bag somewhere easy to grab or already having it prepped in the car. If you have other children or pets, make sure you have someone that can care for them during this time. Something we can’t stress enough is installing your car seat in advance and properly, they can be tricky, so always read the instructions in order to keep your baby safe. Communicate with your work supervisor on your situation and the duration of your absence, so they can prepare for your leave. Now one of the most important things you absolutely cannot forget is your birth plan. A birth plan is an outline of the type of care you want to receive during labor and delivery. Labor happens whenever it wants, so you always want to make sure you know the type of care you want to receive and from what provider. This is why it is essential to communicate your birth plan to your OBGYN prior to your due date.  Always communicate your concerns and have someone there that can advocate for your needs. However, many spontaneous things can occur during birth, so it is important to keep an open mind. It is a possibility that your labor does not go as planned due to a variety of instances. If the situation dictates a change, your provider shares the same goal as you, which is the safest delivery for mom and baby. Because of this, we always urge you to have a support system that understands the plan and the complications that can possibly occur. Nonetheless there are some people that do not have a birth plan and that is totally okay. Not everyone feels the need to have one and as providers we will always do what is best for mom and baby in any situation.

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ACOG American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists