<\/p>\n
Do I need a birth plan?<\/b><\/p>\n
A birth plan allows the couple to do a deep dive into all aspects of the labor and delivery process and what happens with the baby during the first few days of life. But creating a birth plan is not for everyone and most couples do not make one.<\/span><\/p>\n A typical birth plans makes sure you and your partner cover every aspect of the delivery and postpartum process, from allowing the nurses to place an IV into your arm when you first arrive to whether or not the baby is placed directly on your chest immediately after delivering versus going to the baby warmer.\u00a0 It\u2019s your personalized road map through the entire process.<\/span><\/p>\n Other common highlights of a birth plan include acceptable baby monitoring, pain medication options during labor, preferences for who should be in the delivery room, cutting an episiotomy versus letting the vagina tear naturally, delayed umbilical cord cutting, maternal-baby bonding guidelines, acceptable baby vaccines and other postpartum wishes.<\/span><\/p>\n The most important thing to remember about a detailed birth plan is they may not go exactly as planned.\u00a0 Even with your personalized road map there can be unexpected detours and obstacles that you did not anticipate. You have to be open minded and not feel defeated or a failure if it doesn\u2019t go exactly as planned.\u00a0 During the labor and delivery process, even as a practicing OBGYN, you have to expect the unexpected.<\/span><\/p>\n Remember, \u201cman plans and God laughs\u201d is a perfect metaphor for the labor and delivery experience.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What should be included in my hospital bag?<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Is a Hospital Tour necessary?<\/b><\/p>\n Taking a tour of the hospital before you go into labor gives you and your partner helpful information about the layout of labor-land.\u00a0 You can either sign up for a hospital tour physically or often do them virtually. A tour allows you to be familiar with the hospital, showing you where to park, which elevators to take you to labor and delivery and understanding the roadmap on the \u201cbig day!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Taking a tour will make you feel more relaxed, more prepared and less stressed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What to know about labor?<\/b><\/p>\n It can be confusing knowing when true contractions are occurring versus Braxton Hicks contractions.\u00a0 Simply put, Braxton Hicks contractions are painless contractions where real contractions are painful.\u00a0 When you experience a Braxton Hicks contraction you will see your uterus tighten and become hard, like a rock, but it is not associated with pain. Real uterine contractions start as a menstrual cramp and continue getting more intense and painful unlike Braxton Hicks contractions.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Timing your contractions helps you differentiate between false and early labor.\u00a0 Uterine contractions that have a pattern of every 3 to5 minutes for 2 hours help you become more aware labor is starting.\u00a0 Measuring contractions from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of another contraction is one way of tracking the frequency.\u00a0 As long as you are consistent in how you time the contractions you will see a pattern that suggests labor is happening.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n As labor progresses, the intensity and frequency of the contractions will become stronger and more painful.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are the first signs that you’re in early labor?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n As you get closer to term (38 to 42 weeks) your uterus, which is one large muscle, will start to contract.\u00a0 If the uterine contractions are irregular, occurring sporadically, and the pain in minimal, you are not in early labor.\u00a0 Once the uterine contractions become regular, appear closer together with an increase in intensity this is a sign that labor has started. Regular and painful uterine contractions, occurring every 3 to 5 minutes for 2 hours, are a sign early labor has begun.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another sign that early labor has started is if your bag of water breaks.\u00a0 It may be a subtle \u201cleak\u201d or a \u201cbig gush\u201d when your \u201cwater breaks\u201d and you may or may not have uterine contractions.\u00a0 But one thing is definite, early labor will begin within hours of your water breaking.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are all of the reasons women might need to be induced and WHY is it imperative that they are?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The majority of labor inductions occur as a result of medical complication that can negatively affect the health of the mother or baby such as maternal high blood pressure, diabetes or poor growth of the baby. Medically indicated inductions should occur after 34 weeks ideally unless it\u2019s a matter of life and death for mom or baby. \u201cElective\u201d inductions can also be considered for a nonmedical reason at 39 weeks if the cervix is favorable for induction.\u00a0 An example of elective induction is if a previous delivery happened quickly and there are concerns the woman would not make it to the hospital when she goes into labor. \u00a0 When deciding to have an elective induction it has to be after 39 weeks with the accurate dating of the pregnancy and an inducible or \u201cfavorable\u201d cervix. A cervix is favorable when it\u2019s thinned out and dilated before the induction begins.\u00a0 Labor tends to go more quickly and is more likely to be a vaginal birth with a favorable cervix.\u00a0 If the cervix is \u201cunfavorable\u201d the process of an induction may take a couple of days or end up in a cesarean section.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are the health hazards if they are not\u00a0induced?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If a medically indicated induction does not occur there can be potential health dangers to both the mother and baby.\u00a0 The most concerning health hazard could be death to the mother and baby.\u00a0 Other complications include infection, maternal seizures, stroke, emergency hysterectomy and significant blood loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is not a reason to be induced?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n If you have being induced electively you must have a cervix that is favorable for delivery.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t have a favorable cervix, you should not be induced unless there is a medical indication.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Does drinking alcohol induce labor?<\/b><\/p>\n No drinking alcohol does not induce labor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The infrequent times that I would suggest having pregnant women drink wine or beer is during the premature weeks of pregnancy where uterine contractions are noticeable or worsening. \u00a0It may be in the evening when I would get a call and hear a patient who is 34 weeks and having irregular contractions or pains. \u00a0It was during those times that I may suggest having a beer to see if the alcohol would calm or relax the uterus. \u00a0This is an unconventional recommendation in any obstetrical textbooks; it is still limited to rare occasions during pregnancy. <\/span>ALWAYS <\/b>consult with your healthcare provider in this instance!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Can Castro Oil induce my labor?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The most common myth is using castor oil to put you into labor.\u00a0 The problem with Castro oil is that it has side effects including diarrhea, dehydration and uterine irritability. \u00a0Unfortunately, all these recommendations are also known as old wives\u2019 tales. If any of these suggestions put a woman into labor it\u2019s just a wonderful coincidence.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Are home births safe? What is the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology\u2019s (ACOG) position on home births?<\/b><\/p>\n Many pregnant women often ask me about the safety of home births.\u00a0 The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) is the non-profit organization of women\u2019s health care physicians advocating the highest standards of practice for practicing Ob\/Gyn\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n The ACOG recognizes that both labor and delivery \u201cwhile a physiologic process, clearly presents potential hazards to both mother and fetus before and after birth.\u201d\u00a0 The ACOG\u2019s statement continues to specifically state that \u201cthese hazards require standards of safety that are provided in the hospital setting and cannot be matched in the home situation.\u201d They contend that \u201cthe hospital is the safest place to give birth because capabilities of the hospital setting and the expertise of the hospital staff are immediately available if a complication arises suddenly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The ACOG supports those actions that improve the experience of the family while continuing to provide the mother and her infant with accepted standards of safety available only in hospitals. These safety standards are outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and ACOG. Women considering home births should research the standards of the midwifery or birthing organization to which the birth attendant belongs.<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, the American College of Nurse Midwifery is more flexible, supporting home births within certain defined parameters. They refer to this as a \u201cplanned home birth.\u201d They support the provision of protocols by hospitals, physicians, and insurers which define strict guidelines for the care of patients at home.<\/span><\/p>\n As one mother wrote in her concerns with a home birth, \u201cThings can go wrong in childbirth regardless of where you give birth,\u201d But the difference between home birth and hospital birth lies in having quick access to care should an unforeseen complication emerge.<\/span><\/p>\n For those women that are interested in having a \u201chome birth\u201d labor experience, I advocate that both goals of a minimally physician guided birth with comfort and privacy can occur in the safety of a hospital environment.<\/span><\/p>\n What are some myths of what will put a woman into labor?<\/b><\/p>\n There are many suggestions given by friends, mothers, grandmothers and next-door neighbors about activities that will \u201cdefinitely\u201d put you into labor.\u00a0 They include eating spicy foods, drinking special teas, having mind blowing sex, explosive (and multiple!) orgasms, intense exercise workouts and, of course, labor inducing-acupuncture.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What is a Perineal massage?<\/b><\/p>\n Perineal massage is the practice of massaging a pregnant woman\u2019s perineum around the vagina in preparation for childbirth. Perineal massage can be done by the pregnant woman or her partner.\u00a0 You should be in a comfortable place, sitting or reclining that allows you to access the skin around the vagina. It can be done for 10-20 minutes a day during the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy.\u00a0 Typically, perineal massage is done using massage oil or a water-based lubricant, which lubricates the tissue making it softer, more supple and improving is flexibility. The idea is to attempt to prevent tearing of the perineum during birth, the need for an episiotomy or an instrument delivery such as a vacuum or forcep fetal extraction.\u00a0 Clinical trials show that perineal massage is effective in reducing vaginal episiotomy\u2019s in about 6 percent of the cases.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Is it better to tear or have an episiotomy?<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n This is a very common conversation pregnant women bring up all the time. Most have heard the horror stories from their friends or chat rooms of having an episiotomy and its painful and long recovery. The first question always seems to be, \u201cDo you automatically cut an episiotomy?\u201d I reassure them an episiotomy is no longer the standard of practice, it\u2019s not a routine practice.\u00a0 Obstetricians know it\u2019s no longer necessary during a vaginal delivery.\u00a0 In fact, cutting an episiotomy tends to make damage and prolong the healing process of the vagina.<\/span><\/p>\n I always make a visual analogy comparing the baby\u2019s head to the size of a cantaloupe.\u00a0 I remind them the vagina has to stretch enough to allow something that large to come through it.\u00a0 I add, \u201cHopefully the vagina will stretch just enough without tearing or cutting the tissue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Vaginal tearing is now what is common practice and recommended by Obstetricians.\u00a0 I always reassure my patients the decision of cutting the vagina or letting the tissue tear naturally is determined at the time of the delivery.\u00a0 Some factors include how long the woman has been pushing, how large is the baby\u2019s head, how swollen is the vagina and is there any reason to deliver the baby quickly due to fetal distress.\u00a0 As long as you reassure a pregnant woman you have their best interest and the interest of the baby first and foremost, the conversation ends comfortably.<\/span><\/p>\n How common is vaginal tearing\u2014from 1st degree to 4th degree tears\u2014during birth?<\/b><\/p>\n If it\u2019s your first baby you have a 95% chance to have some form of tearing.\u00a0 There are many factors determining how much tearing will take place during a vaginal delivery.\u00a0 (see the specific question).\u00a0 Another key factor is how well the vagina ultimately stretches during the pushing phase that determines the degree of tearing.\u00a0 In my community based OB practice, a 1<\/span>st<\/span> degree tears occur in 15%, 2<\/span>nd<\/span> degree tears occur in 65%,\u00a0 3<\/span>rd<\/span> degree tears occur in 15% and 4<\/span>th<\/span> degree tears in 5% of the time.\u00a0 There are some superficial tears that do not need fall into the 1<\/span>st<\/span> degree category and are left to heal on their own<\/span>.<\/b><\/p>\n What\u2019s the difference between a 1<\/b>s <\/b>degree, 2<\/b>nd<\/b> degree, 3<\/b>rd<\/b> degree and 4<\/b>th<\/b> degree tear?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n A first degree tear only involves the lining or mucosa of the vagina and may appear as a small abrasion.\u00a0 It\u2019s a more superficial tear and involves a few sutures to repair.<\/span><\/p>\n A second degree tear involves the deeper layers of the vagina.\u00a0 More sutures are needed and a second degree tear is often repaired in a 1-layer closure.\u00a0 A second degree tear is the most common.<\/span><\/p>\n A third degree tear involves all the deeper layers of the vagina and the muscles that make up the anal sphincter.\u00a0 Repairing a third degree involves sewing each layer separately with special attention to closing the muscle layer supporting the anal sphincter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A fourth degree tear involves all the deeper layers of the vagina, muscles surrounding the anal sphincter and extends right through to the rectum.\u00a0 The repair of a fourth degree tears involves a delicate and thorough closure involving multiple layers.\u00a0 This is, thankfully, the least common tear experienced.<\/span><\/p>\n What makes a 4<\/b>th<\/b> degree tear more likey?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b>Women who are more likely to tear include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n How can I prevent a 4<\/b>th<\/b> degree tear?<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n There are times there is nothing you can do to prevent a 4<\/span>th<\/span> degree tear.<\/span><\/p>\n If you can control the pushing phase of labor to allow the vagina to stretch slowly this helps reduce the likelihood of tearing a 4<\/span>th<\/span> degree tear.\u00a0 Another possible way to reduce tearing is using a warm compress applied to the perineum (the area between the vagina and rectum) during the pushing phase of labor.<\/span><\/p>\n Perineal massage is commonly done to help prevent tearing during a vaginal delivery.\u00a0 Frequent massaging the base of the vagina with oil or a water-based lubricant is thought to softener the tissue making it more supple and improving its flexibility.\u00a0 The idea is to attempt to prevent tearing of the perineum during the delivery. Studies show perineal massage is effective in reducing vaginal tearing in 6% of the cases. <\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Typically, after your first vaginal delivery tearing a 4<\/span>th<\/span> degree becomes less likely with future deliveries since the vagina is slightly more enlarged and the tissue more flexible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n How does it affect a woman\u2019s recovery?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b>Severe tears or extensive episiotomies into the vagina or rectum can cause pelvic floor dysfunction and prolapse, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction including pain with intercourse.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0It\u2019s been my experience to allow the vagina to tear naturally during the delivery of the baby\u2019s head.\u00a0 The extent of the damage to the vagina seems to be less and the recovery is easier if you allow tearing to occur.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Does tearing during one delivery up your chances of tearing again?<\/b><\/p>\n Tearing during one delivery doesn\u2019t increase your risk of tearing in future deliveries. Typically, after your first vaginal delivery the tearing becomes less likely with future deliveries since the vagina is slightly more enlarged and the tissue more flexible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Why a woman may want a spinal block instead of an epidural?<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The anesthesiologist is the doctor who decides whether a woman receives a spinal block versus an epidural.\u00a0 Generally, for those women having a C-Section, a onetime dose and shorter acting spinal is given.\u00a0 For those in labor and having a vaginal delivery, a longer acting epidural is more commonly used since additional pain medicine can be given through an epidural.<\/span><\/p>\n What is hypnobirthing and how is it supposed to work?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Hypnobirthing is a natural birthing style which embraces deep breathing, visualization and prompts from the partner that trains the brain for deep relaxation during labor.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Women who like to have more control during the birthing experience gravitate towards hypnobirthing as a likely choice. The best candidate for hypnobirthing is someone that knows their body well and is able to be completely relaxed for extended periods of time.\u00a0 Those that have practiced mediation, mindfulness and yoga in the past will find more luck with hypnobirthing.\u00a0 Making the decision early in the pregnancy to pursue hypnobirthing better prepares you both emotionally and physically for success in the delivery room.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I believe hypnosis can work for the right person. The woman who is properly prepared and trained by a Hypnotherapist or takes Hypnobirthing classes can find success. It\u2019s the ultimate mind over matter!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n FUN MYTHS ABOUT LABOR AND DELIVERY<\/b><\/p>\n Here is a list of memorable myths of labor and delivery from my patients over the last 3 decades.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here is my list of Labor-do’s and don’ts\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201dDo\u201d pay attention to you symptoms and \u201cdon\u2019t\u201d minimize what you are experiencing or feeling.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t\u201d wait to the last minute to prepare your birth plan and discuss it in detail with your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t\u201d be afraid to call your doctor is you are not sure what symptoms you are experiencing.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t\u201d wait too long to pack your hospital bag.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n How common are breech (butt or feet first) babies?<\/b><\/p>\n 3-4% of term pregnancies are breech pregnancies. \u00a0 97% of all deliveries are head first, also known as vertex. Vertex presentation can delivery vaginally, whereas breech baby\u2019s need to be delivered by CSection.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What happens if the baby is in the breech position at term?<\/b><\/p>\n Most pregnant women want to avoid a C-section at all cost and are willing to try old wife tales and Eastern methods to change this mode of delivery.\u00a0 The good news is that homeopathic, Chinese and other Eastern approaches to turning a breech to a vertex presentation pose no real danger to the baby. Since the Tilt, Webster technique, Pulsatilla and Moxibustion are relatively safe techniques they are certainly worth a try.<\/span><\/p>\n External cephalic version (ECV) is an option for turning a baby who is in the breech position to a vertex. ECV is not for the faint of heart since it can be very painful and uncomfortable for the mom.\u00a0 It\u2019s performed in a hospital setting and the baby is continuously monitored.\u00a0 The success of flipping a breech baby to the head down position is around 50%.\u00a0 Preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, fetal distress and placental abruption (damage) can occur from all the external pressure placed on the uterus with this procedure.\u00a0 Fortunately, complications are rare.\u00a0 If the ECV fails, a breech baby has to be delivered by Csection to ensure a healthy birth.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Are women ever induced when they really don’t need to be?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The obstetrician is the doctor in charge in determining if a woman needs to be induced and what is the indication for delivery.\u00a0 At times a high-risk obstetrician called a Maternal-Fetal Specialist is consulted to be involved in the discussion making process.\u00a0 The field of obstetrics is not always black and white when it comes to major pregnancy decisions.\u00a0 As a long time, practicing obstetrician, you sometimes have to go with a gut decision always having the woman and baby\u2019s health at the top of the priority list.\u00a0 As long as the doctor is not inducing you so he won\u2019t miss his annual golf tournament I image most obstetricians have the mom and baby\u2019s best interest in mind.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n How many weeks do inductions usually occur? What is the earliest\/latest<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inductions for medical complications putting the mother or baby at risk can be done at any time during pregnancy.\u00a0 Ideally, it\u2019s best to get to 39 weeks when it\u2019s known that the lungs of the baby are completely developed.<\/span><\/p>\n The latest to induce a low-risk woman is at 42 weeks pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are some techniques for handling early labor pains?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Early labor pains can be easily handled with a few classical techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n When is it time to go to the hospital or birthing center?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n When to make the drive to the hospital varies for every pregnant woman.\u00a0 If you are having painful and regular contractions every 5 minutes for 2 hours or break your bag of water it\u2019s time to call your healthcare provider.\u00a0 Depending on the amount of pain you are experiencing will determine when it\u2019s time to go the hospital.\u00a0 If you can tolerate the pain and are able to easily breathe through the contractions you may be able to stay home a bit longer. Once the pain becomes more intense and increasingly painful then it\u2019s time to gather your hospital bag and head over to the hospital.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n How long does a “typical” labor last?<\/b><\/p>\n For first time moms who go into labor spontaneously, labor lasts 12-18 hours. If you have already had a vaginal delivery, labor lasts an average of 6 to 8 hours.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Is it better to rest up or stay active (like walking) to keep things progressing?<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s best to keep active during early labor.\u00a0 Walking can help promote uterine contractions.\u00a0 If you are in false labor walking may cause the uterine contractions to stop.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What should you eat or drink during labor?<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eating in labor is not recommended since many women become nauseous and have vomiting, especially during the active stage of labor and pushing.\u00a0 The other concern about eating in labor is if there is fetal distress and an emergency cesarean section is necessary having food in your stomach can increase your risk of getting food in your airways (aspiration) during surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stick to ice chips and sips of water!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are the pros and cons of ripping naturally during childbirth versus having an episiotomy?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n I always reassure my patients the decision of cutting the vagina or letting the tissue tear naturally is determined at the time of the delivery.\u00a0 Some factors include how long the woman has been pushing, how large is the baby\u2019s head, how swollen is the vagina and is there any reason to deliver the baby quickly due to fetal distress.\u00a0 As long as you reassure a pregnant woman you have their best interest and the interest of the baby first and foremost, the conversation ends comfortably.<\/span><\/p>\n The episiotomy used to be the most common surgical procedure performed on women.\u00a0 But now the episiotomy is on the decline and less recommended as the first choice of helping delivery a baby vaginally.\u00a0 It used to be this procedure made enough room for the baby\u2019s head to be delivered with the least amount of damage to the vagina.\u00a0 Now it\u2019s thought to be more damaging then helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n The \u201cpros\u201d have been it helps make the pushing phase led to a faster delivery, prevents tearing into the rectum or urethra, an heals faster than tearing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The \u201ccons\u201d or complications include infection, longer healing time, increased extension of vagina affected, bleeding, pain at the site of the episiotomy and future pain with intercourse.<\/span><\/p>\n Vaginal tearing is now a more common practice and recommended by Obstetricians.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Why might a women\u2019s vagina tear?<\/b><\/p>\n Women who are more likely to tear include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n Severe vaginal swelling due to prolong pushing. There are times where an episiotomy allows for an easier vaginal delivery.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the decision to do an elective episiotomy is not known until the moment the baby\u2019s head is crowning.\u00a0 Hopefully you have had the conversation with your Obstetrician to allow her to make that judgement call at the time of that unpredictable moment!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What problems can severe tearing or extensive episiotomies cause?<\/b><\/p>\n Severe tears or extensive episiotomies into the vagina or rectum can cause pelvic floor dysfunction and prolapse, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction including pain with intercourse.<\/span><\/p>\n What are risk factors that increase your risk of needing a C-section before a woman goes into labor?<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Women who may be at higher risk to need a C-section while in labor include:<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Pack your bag ahead of time! Slippers, robe, comfortable PJ\u2019s, camera (charged!), back-up batteries for all electronics, cell phone, video camera, memory sticks, camera and cell phone chargers, your favorite playlists, special object (photograph, stuffed animal) to focus on during labor, cord blood kit for storage, toiletries including your personal shampoo, soap, toothbrush, hairbrush, \u201cbelly bandit\u201d to wear postpartum, Baby memory book , favorite outfit you received from your baby shower to dress the baby in, favorite pillow and blanket, comfy sweats and nursing bra to wear postpartum.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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\n<\/span>\u201cDo\u201d prepare yourself and your partner for the big day so you are aware of what labor will look like.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Most importantly, \u201cDO\u201d go into labor with an open mind, trusting your doctor and knowing whatever happens is beyond your control.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t\u201d have a planned labor agenda, it\u2019s rarely followed!<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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