A few weeks ago we told you what a birth plan is and the importance of preparing it calmly during pregnancy, since this will allow us to face the arrival of our baby in the most relaxed and confident way possible.
But there are women who for different reasons have to deliver by cesarean section, and in that case, they may wonder if they can also develop a personalized birth plan . The answer is yes, and today we tell you what you should take into account and how to prepare it.
I will deliver by cesarean section, can I make a birth plan?
Unnecessary cesarean sections performed without any justification aside, there are several compelling reasons why a doctor will recommend a cesarean section. But giving birth by cesarean section should not be at odds with a humanized labor and delivery , as well as an early bond between mother and child.
Although in many cases the news of the cesarean section comes suddenly at the time of delivery , on other occasions there may be certain medical circumstances -both at the beginning of pregnancy, and during it- that make the woman know in advance the circumstances that They will surround the birth of your child.
Likewise, and even when the pregnancy progresses without any problem and there is no medical criterion that indicates, a priori, a cesarean delivery, you may also want to prepare it in case any problem arises when the time comes.
Whether you are in one situation or another, we will tell you everything you need to know to develop a perfect cesarean delivery plan.
When to prepare it?
As we can read in the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, Social Policy and Equality, the best time to prepare a delivery and birth plan is between weeks 28 and 32 , so that we have time to consult with the midwife or gynecologist. doubts that we have, as well as to share our expectations with them.
In any case, the document may be modified at any time during pregnancy , and even during delivery, as events unfold.
Where to deliver it?
From the El Parto es Nuestro Association, they advise us to deliver three copies (with acknowledgment of receipt) of our birth plan:
- One in the User Attention Service of the hospital or maternity hospital where we are going to give birth.
- Another in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of the hospital, or directly to the gynecologist who is going to treat us.
- And another in the Neonatology Service.
In addition, we should keep a copy for ourselves that we will take to the hospital the day we deliver.
What to include in the cesarean delivery plan?
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First of all, your personal data must appear: name, surname and ID.
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If there is no medical justification that advises scheduling a cesarean section, indicate that you want it to be performed once the delivery has been triggered naturally, due to the benefits it brings to mother and baby.
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Accompaniment: although more and more hospitals allow a companion to enter the operating room , it is advisable that you inform yourself of this in advance at your hospital and include this point in your cesarean delivery plan if you wish to remain accompanied during the intervention.
It must be borne in mind, however, that cesarean section is an operation performed in an operating room and cannot always be accompanied , but if there is no medical cause that prevents it, the fact that the woman remains accompanied by her partner has multiple benefits for her.
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Another important aspect to take into account is where you want the route to administer medication (right or left arm depending on whether you are right or left handed), as well as the desire to remain with your arms free and untied during the intervention.
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If you want to see your baby at the time of birth , include in your birth plan that you want the sheet removed or lowered, or even the possibility of helping the doctor to remove your child with your own hands.
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Early skin-to-skin contact: express your desire to remain skin-to-skin with your baby while you are being sutured and the first tests performed Likewise, and as long as there is no medical cause that prevents it, request that your baby be left with you while you recover in the resuscitation room , or, failing that, that they give it to your partner to make skin-to-skin.
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If you have chosen to breastfeed your baby and there is no medical justification that prevents it, request to start breastfeeding as soon as possible (even in the operating room), as the first hour of life is sacred. It is also important to have specialized help if problems or questions arise with breastfeeding.
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Regardless of whether the delivery is vaginal or by cesarean section, do not forget to express any other wishes or preferences you have , both related to you and your newborn.
For example: the waiting time for cutting the cord; not administering bottles without your consent or that of your partner; warm, respectful and tender environment to receive your baby; wait at least 24 hours to give it a bath; Accompanying wishes in case the baby needs to go to an incubator …
It is important to keep in mind that the objective of developing a cesarean delivery plan is to show our ** needs, wishes and expectations about the process and the birth of our child **. But in the face of unforeseeable circumstances, the health personnel will be able to advise the mother on other procedures and more appropriate interventions than those stated in the document.
Photos | iStock
More information | Delivery is Ours
In Babies and More | Vaginal delivery or cesarean section ?: Immunological differences, The Birth Plan: that document that should be considered sacred and seems to be the role of the toilet, Only 1 in 10 women would have to give birth by cesarean section, Caesarean section: a pioneering initiative of the Vall d’Hebron Hospital
