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Guidelines for Writing a Birth Plan
To make a birth plan, you don’t require a lot of research. All that is required is to realise and understand what you want, what your needs and preferences are during and post-delivery and thereafter organizing it all together and writing it down.
In order to pen down a birth plan, certain guidelines need to be followed. These guidelines help in planning what a mother wants during her labour andThis involves understanding whether a mother wants a normal delivery, a C-Section or an epidural, who she wants or does not want during her labour in the delivery room, after how long does she want to breastfeed her baby, when does she want to feed her baby after birth etc. All information that one thinks is necessary and important should be listed in this plan.
What is a Birth Plan
A birth plan is a record or a document in which the expectant parents state their preferences for the labour and after delivery process. It is also a way to prepare them for the physical and emotional aspects of the birthing process. It also serves as a vehicle for communication between the partners, their care provider and the hospital staff prior to labour and the childbirth process. The document also gives an insight into the other options that could be put practised in case an unexpected situation arises.
Why Should You Create a Birth Plan?
A birth plan allows the caregivers get an idea of what you prefer and expect during your labour and delivery. It is a list of the expectant parents' expectations and desires. Here are the reasons why you should have one:
Natural birth: You would want everyone in the labour room to know that you want a normal delivery and not an epidural one, without the help of any pain-free drugs. Creating a birth plan will enable you to do this.
Means of communication: It will communicate your wishes and expectations clearly. It helps you to convey to your doctor or your midwife that unless there is some complication, the delivery should go as per the birth plan drafted by you. In hindsight, it also gives a chance to your health care providers to analyse and brief you about the possibilities post reading your documented plan.
Preparation: Drafting a birth plan also shows what you are prepared for. You can create this plan after going through several Blogs, talking to friends who are mothers, talking to health care providers and also reading several books about pregnancy and childbirth. Doing so may not make your delivery easy but it will give you a greater sense of comfort while going into the labour room.
Other options: Most women want a normal delivery but what if that is not possible? What if you require medication to induce labour or you have oedema in the cervix which stops it from opening up and you are writhing in pain? So having “just in case” options in your birth plan, is a wise move.
Gathering knowledge: Writing a birth plan requires you to acquire knowledge about labour, childbirth, hospital or the health centre environment, medical equipment (which may be used during childbirth) and medications. In the process, you also get to know about everything that is related to having a baby.
Gives clarity: At a time when the contractions have started and you are in pain, just opening up the birth plan will give you an idea and help you to decide as to what should be done next.
Role of your partner: Just as it took both you and your partner to make a baby, in the same way, both of you can create a birth plan together. In the process, your partner will get to know all about labour and childbirth and get a feeling of being a part of the whole journey and the experience.
The Kind of Research to do Before Writing a Birth Plan
Doing a bit of research before drafting a birth plan is a good thought. You can do so in the following ways.
Join an antenatal class: An antenatal class is a good place to interact and ask questions to the various caregivers and health professionals about different aspects of pregnancy, labour and delivery. It’s a place where you can meet other moms-to-be and share your pregnancy woes, your experiences and learn new things from them.
Talking to people: Interacting with people and women who have given birth at the hospital you are going to, will give you an insight into what your experience could be like. Also talking to other women in pregnancy forums on the internet could also give you an understanding of labour and childbirth. However a word of caution, “never delve too much into it because every woman is different and so is their pregnancy”.
Talking to friends: Ask friends who have recently had babies for inputs on what they had included in their birth plan and what they had excluded. They could also help you to understand what you should expect at the time of childbirth.
Talking to your partner: Talking to your partner and asking him what role he could provide during your labour and delivery is important before drafting a birth plan. It will also give you an insight as to how he would help you during your labour and delivery process.
Reading: Reading about birth and birthing options could help you decide on what and how you want your labour and delivery to be. It will help you decide and choose options according to your likes and necessity.
Prepare for the worst: Your delivery may not go according to how you have envisioned it. At times, during childbirth, you may need some kind of intervention or an emergency caesarean, if your health or baby’s health is at risk. Therefore having a flexible birth plan is important.
How to Write a Birth Plan?
Every woman’s birth plan is different because what goes in it depends on what is important for her. It should be as simple and concise as possible. Your partner and family members should have full knowledge about what you have wished for in the birth plan (some hospitals and caregivers may try to override the birth plan instead of adhering to it).
What Should be Included in the Plan?
A birth plan should be as brief as possible and should include all the things that are important to the expectant mother. A good and legible birth plan should include the following points.
Your positions during labour and birth should be included in case you feel you will be more relaxed and comfortable in a certain way.
It should state whether you will have a labour coach and who will it be.
Stating other pain relief options other than the medicated ones during your labour such as breathing techniques and massages should be mentioned.
Who you would want and do not want during the time of delivery in the labour room.
Whether you want people to visit you or not, right after your delivery.
Whether you want somebody to videotape your delivery and whether the hospital allows it or not.
If you want some soothing music during your labour/delivery process.
Your concerns and fears.
If you would like to move during labour?
Whether you want an epidural delivery or a drug free delivery?
Whether being induced is okay with you?
Delivery preference like whether you want a Vaginal delivery, a C – section, vacuum extraction or a forceps delivery?
Under what circumstance should your doctor perform C – section?
Positions for labour and birth.
Do you want to wear your own clothing while in labour and during delivery?
Do you want to bank the cord blood?
How soon or later would you and your partner get to hold the baby after birth?
When would you first feed the baby?
Would you like to nurse your baby or bottle feed? Do you learn how to breastfeed?
Would you like your baby to sleep with you or in the nursery?
If your baby is a boy, do you want him to be circumcised? If so, when?
You could also mention whether you want your partner or the midwife to cut the cord instead of the doctor or the nurse. You could also ask for some drugs which would expel the placenta quickly or for it to come out on its own.
What if You Have Any Special Requirements?
Special requirements should always be put down on the birth plan. In case of a special family or religious custom during the baby’s birth, there should be a mention of it in the birth plan. If one has a disability, it should be mentioned in the birth plan along with the kind of help required.
One must also mention if English or any other language that is spoken at large (in that particular place) is not your first language and whether you require an interpreter. Also mentioning any special diet during your stay at the hospital, if in case you have one, is necessary.
What Happens After Writing a Birth Plan?
After you have finished mentioning all your preferences and your aversions in your birth plan template, your doctor, the caregivers and the other hospital personnel will know what you are expecting during your labour and childbirth. In case they feel something in your birth plan is too rigid, they may tell you what could be the outcome of it.
Having a good birth plan is certainly a good idea when it comes to one of your life’s most important milestone, that of being a mother. However, one cannot be too rigid while framing one. Expectant mothers need to be flexible and keep their options open. This would not only help in having a safe delivery but also a good one.
Also Read: 10 Complications During Labour and Delivery Read more
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Nutritious Food for Healthy Physical and Mental Growth of Baby
The Best Food for a Baby for first 6 months is Breast Feeding. Strictly stick to it and avoid all So Called "Desi Dawa" like Gripe water, Somva 34, Vavdi vav kumbhar nu pani, barajan goli, bla bla etc. Its better to stick to Vitamin medicines prescribed by a Paediatrician than trying homely remedies. "Coligo" is very good medicine for Colic problems (digestion problems). Parent should make sure to burrp their baby after feeding. Generally a baby will burrp twice if he/she is fed well. Paediatricians generally recommend to keep babies on shoulder for 15 minutes post feeding for good digestion results.
Now after 6 months,
A Mother can start to feed the baby with semi solid or liquid diet like banana, apple, kiwi. You can give Mango to your baby provided it suits them. As many babies get diarrhoea because of Mango. I have twin babies whom I started giving cow milk mixed with half mineral water as milk alone is heavier for them.
Daily Morning I feed my baby milkshake made up of banana/apple alternate, "farley rusks biscuit", half water half cow milk and nuts powder. (Nuts powder receipe: Roasted -almond, cashew nuts, walnut, jaifal, saffron). All roasted differently on low flame on pan thn grinded to fine powder. Made for 15 days max, once made it should be refrigerated. Trust me, this mixture is highly nutritious and soothing my baby.
I also feed my baby with dal-rice and khichdi (specially moong dal soaked for more hours) alongside Curd. Please provide curd daily without fail to your babies. Its very good for their health.
I feed my baby with Vegetable soup made up of Carrot, Cabbage, Tomato, Potato, Beetroot and Spinach (A pinch of salt and butter for taste). Somedays I even feed them Tomato soup alone.
Cerelac/Porridge (Oats) is Optional by night.
Continue breastfeeding your baby atleast a year. Mothers can use powders like Lactomom or Lactaways to enhance their breast milk. Even Oats are said to be very good for enhancing breast milk.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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How I Potty Trained My Baby
Hello mommies and daddies! My baby is now 16 months old and I can proudly that say she's potty trained. Here, I will share how I potty trained by baby and give you some tips and tricks that can help you potty train your baby.
Firstly, you'll have to check if your baby is ready for this change by noticing some signs he gives. If so, you are ready to start the process. As Ruqaiyah was my first child, it was very confusing for me to decide when and how to start. Once she turned eight months old and could balance by herself when sitting, I ordered potty seat. Before doing so, I read many articles and did a lot of research about potty-training. Once I was prepared, I took on the challenge to potty train my little one. I began by putting her on the potty seat every morning, without her nappy. Once she was comfortable, it took me no more than five days.
Something you should know is that your baby may not have a potty schedule. She may go once, twice, three, or even four times a day, if digestion is a problem. So, what I did was, as soon as she woke up, I would make her sit on the potty seat so she could try to get some pressure. I would also give her a little warm formula milk. I noticed that on the third day, she pooped in the potty seat for the first time, after which I tried to make it a routine. This went on for some time. Due to digestion issues, she would sometimes go in the nappy itself, but I made sure that the first time during the day was in the potty seat.
When she turned 15 months old, I would take her walking to the washroom. Once again, it was a challenge for me to train her with both pee and poop, but I made sure to remain patient. After a week or two, she peed for the first time in the washroom, which counted as a celebration. I gave her a little piece of chocolate when ever she peed or pooped in the washroom, and applauded her success. After a month of taking her to the washroom every half an hour, she started holding the pee in and would give me signs of wanting to use the washroom. I use Pampers for her during the night also when we travel.
The whole potty training process depends on your child and the time you give. This can even take longer if you want your baby to be potty trained at an early stage. It is difficult, but not impossible.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Sustaining the Work Pace after having a Baby
Now, that the first month is officially over and you are back to regular work hours at office, how do you go ahead from here? That 7 pm brainstorming meeting, the 7 am conference call, the after-office party how should you manage? Are these questions bogging you down, as you slowly settle into the new work-life balance you have attained with great difficulty?
Now, that the proverbial first month of getting back to work after a baby is over, sets in the more difficult part of sustaining the pace on work and home fronts. And we realize that all the doomsday predictions about our career were unnecessary. With some realistic planning, goal-setting and expectation-management, we can actually have it all.
Managing Home
Let’s get our priorities straight – home is what matters first, now more than ever.
Ask yourself these tough questions straight off:
If you have had family staying with you until now to help out, is it an eternal arrangement? Or will they be moving out soon?
If they are around, can they continue taking care of the baby or will you need a nanny to take care of her under the supervision of the elders?
If they won’t, do you have somebody like a nanny or day care where your little one will be taken care of, in your absence?
Are you comfortable with the pace of managing home – cooking, groceries, cleaning, etc? If no, do you need to get help now?
For some of the above, you may have realized there are changes to be brought about in your arrangement. In which case, it is advisable to set the pattern now while you still have the flexibility at work. This allows for you to rush back home if things go awry on a certain day.
Managing Finances
With the baby arriving, your expenses are about to go up – as you would have realized by now. Simple things like the grocery shopping bill now rise exponentially – diapers or baby food does not come inexpensive. With the plethora of options available online in terms of buying groceries also, virtual shopping becomes a matter of great convenience once you have become a multi-tasking parent.
Work Front
Now that the first month is over, have another discussion with the team about easing back into work full-time and scheduling the same. Your team’s co-operation will be of utmost importance. As long as your targets are met and deadlines adhered to, your boss shouldn’t have a problem.
Make it clear that, full-time work means 9-6, 8-5 or whatever the stipulated work hours. It no longer means 9 to whatever time is feasible and that’s clearly a thing of the past. Stick by your schedule each day. The moment they sense variations made, it will be taken as an example to be quoted back when the next opportunity arises.
Enquire about any crèche facility extended by the HR to employees. This will mean your little one is close to you and you can check in on her during lunch or tea breaks.
Getting back to work and making it work is purely a matter of setting your mind to it. With a little planning, we will easily be able to cross this bridge too. Read more
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Manisha Singh has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mera baby 3 month ka h use gas bhuat banti h is karan wo bhuat rota hai
Manisha Singh
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
3 hours ago
A. it's very common for babies having gas problem ...you should recommend your doctor for this
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
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3 hours ago
Q. Hi
what to give 6 months old baby to eat
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Hello dear! Once your baby completes 6 months you can start giving small quantities of semi solids like homemade cerelac, mashed bananas, apple puree, ragi and so on. Continue with breastfeeding. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy
Dr Muhsina has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. now I am in 30 weeks of pregnancy I have vomiting.I couldn't control what the reasons for this vomiting
Dr Muhsina
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
2 hours ago
A. Some women may have vomiting throughout their pregnancy. The most common reason for vomiting during the third trimester may be gastritis. Make sure you eat small frequent meals, preferably every 2 hours. If your baby's weight during checkups are adequate..u needn't worry much about this. You can also consult your doctor and take anti emetics and PPIs if the vomiting is bothering you or interfering with your daily activities.
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
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Q. Is it okay is the baby does not pass stool for one day?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
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A. Constipation in Babies less than 1 year is very common and more in formula fed babies and also when initially the semi solid food has been started after 6 months .
you can givfhe bonnisan drops and some enzyme preparations in proper dose suggested by doctor and cow's milk should be avoided before 1 year of age . Medications are required but it should be given only in medical supervision .
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
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Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
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A. no need to worry about the frequency and colour of the stool if the consistency of the stool is semi solid to solid.
also there is no need to worry about the smell of the stool if the consistency is normal.
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Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
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