All
  • All
  • Products
  • Articles
  • Videos
  • Galleries
  • Conversations
  • Social

BIrthing Plans

Do People Take Hospital Tours?
Poll

Did You Go on a Hospital Tour Before Having Baby?

When you check into a hotel, you pretty much know what you're going to get — a queen-sized bed, bleach-white towels, a remote control, TV, ice bucket, and a Bible in the nightstand.
by babysugar

When you check into a hotel, you pretty much know what you're going to get — a queen-sized bed, bleach-white towels, a remote control, TV, ice bucket, and a Bible in the nightstand. But do moms-to-be know what to expect when they arrive at the hospital to deliver their baby? To put a pregnant lady's mind at ease, hospitals offer (and encourage) expectant parents to tour the maternity ward before the actual birth. A quick look into the nursery, a brief chat with a delivery nurse, and a view of the recovery room may make her feel more comfortable with the impending event. In other cases, seeing the hospital may encourage moms to stay in their own surroundings and attempt a home birth.

Did you go on a tour of the hospital before having your baby?

What to Consider When Creating a Birthing Plan
Pregnancy

What to Consider When Creating a Birthing Plan

A birthing plan outlines your wishes and preferences for delivery day.
by

A birthing plan outlines your wishes and preferences for delivery day. If you're a first time parent — be prepared for some surprises, but having a guide allows you to process your choices before your water breaks, and the adrenaline starts pumping. It also ensures ample time to discuss options with your partner and doctor so everyone hears your wishes loud and clear before your delivery room arrival.

A.D.A.M suggests putting thought into the following:

  1. How do you feel about using medication for pain relief in labor? Do you want to try to go without pain medicine, or would you prefer to have anesthesia as early as possible?
  2. Would you like to be able to labor in a tub or shower, if one is available at your chosen birthing center or hospital?
  3. Is there anything you want to bring to the hospital? Check the hospital's guidelines about videocameras, music, pillows, lights, etc.
  4. Who do you want to be present during labor? During delivery? Is there anyone you specifically want kept out of the room?
  5. What is the role of your coach?

For the rest of the list, read more

Did You Worry About the State of Your Delivery Room?
Pregnancy

Did You Worry About the State of Your Delivery Room?

A new report from the UK says mothers and babies are being put at risk by serious shortages in maternity services.
by

A new report from the UK says mothers and babies are being put at risk by serious shortages in maternity services. Apparently women are giving birth in units where there are not enough toilets or showers and women are rushed out of the rooms so more than one woman can give birth in a bed every day. Many of my friends fretted over their delivery room experience and whether or not they should opt for more expensive, personal options. Sadly, not every family or hospital can afford to provide a near-empty delivery room or luxurious accommodations.
Source

Birth Comes Unexpectedly
Notes from the Underbelly

Notes from the Underbelly: Are You Ever Ready?

Pregnancy usually allows parents nine months to prepare for baby's big debut.
by babysugar

Pregnancy usually allows parents nine months to prepare for baby's big debut. But even with nurseries complete, car seats safely secured and diapers stacked to the ceiling, many parents are hardly "ready" when the big moment arrives. And oftentimes birthing plans go to the wayside when unforeseen issues arise.


On last night's episode of Notes from the Underbelly, Lauren unexpectedly went into labor in the middle of the desert. The couple had things to cross off their pre-baby list and a labor plan laid out. But in spite of it all, they welcomed a new life just the same.

Photo copyright 2007 ABC, Inc.