In my last post, I wrote about giving some thought to who you want to be in the delivery room with you when you are in labor. But another issue that will arise during your hospital stay is who you want or do not want to visit you in the hospital.

Typically most new mothers will have anywhere from one to three days in the hospital after giving birth. It depends on your health, hospital policy, what type of delivery you have, etc… Unless you take your baby home... more

Have you given any thought as to who you would like to be in the delivery room with you when you give birth? As your due date draws near this is something that you will want to give some thought to.

If you are still involved with your baby’s father, have a boyfriend or spouse, then they are an obvious choice. If you are still friendly with your child’s father but not “together” then you may still wish to ask him to be in the delivery room with you since this is his child too, but also don’t do anything or ask anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.

If... more

I’m a planner by nature. I like to plan things out ahead of time so I can have some of idea of how things will flow. I think it’s inbred in my genes. My dad used to even plan the potty breaks in our vacation itineraries as a child! So it wasn’t surprising to me or to anyone who knew me very well that during my pregnancy with Charlie I would be planning how his birth would go.

Unfortunately, no amount of planning can prepare you for the unexpected. While pregnancies and giving birth occurs daily, no two pregnancies are the same. No matter how routine or normal... more

At some point in your pregnancy you may wish to make a birth plan. A birth plan is a written outline of your wishes and desires for your child birthing experience. It also can cover what you would like to happen if common complications (like needing a c-section) arise. It can be as detailed or as un-detailed as you wish. Many women are deciding that they want a say in what goes on and have created birth plans for that purpose. It’s a simple and non-confrontational way for you to make your wishes and desires known. A birth plan is just a statement of preferences... more

You will need a labor coach or labor support person (sometimes called a labor coach) there with you to assist you and cheer you on during the labor and delivery process. Have you given any thought to who you might choose?

Your labor support person’s role is to provide emotional support and physical support during the labor and delivery. You should choose someone you trust and someone you feel comfortable bearing it all with. If you are still involved with your baby’s father, then he may be an obvious choice for a support person. But if you are... more

Ask anyone who has given birth before and I am sure that they will tell you that labor is not fun or easy! As much as you may not want to admit it, you need and depend on the support of others during labor. Of course, you will have doctors and nurses around, but you need people who know and love you there with you as well. As you begin to think about your upcoming labor and delivery, have you thought about who you’d like there with you? Who would make a good support person?

Of course, you have doctors and nurses available when needed while in the hospital,... more

I have been busy packing and preparing to go on vacation during my son’s spring break. We are heading to Atlanta, Georgia but I will do my best to post a little bit while away as long as the hotel has high speed internet!

Packing my suitcase reminded me of something everyone who is preparing to go to the hospital and give birth in the near future should think about: Packing your suitcase!

Somewhere in the third trimester (earlier if you are at high risk for early labor) of your pregnancy you probably should go ahead and think about packing a... more

You’ve written a birth plan, asked your support person to be on call, packed a hospital bag, followed all your doctors orders; things just seem to be going perfectly, so why shouldn’t the rest of your pregnancy and the labor and delivery?

Unfortunately, no amount of planning can prepare you for the unexpected. While pregnancies and giving birth occurs daily, no two pregnancies are the same. No matter how routine or normal your pregnancy may appear to be, sometimes the unexpected may happen, throwing a kink into all you have so meticulously planned.... more

As you begin to think about your upcoming labor and delivery, you should begin to think about writing a birth plan. I’m not talking about an adoption involved birth plan here, but a regular birth plan any expectant mother would use whether she is considering adoption for her baby or not.

You can begin writing a birth plan at any point in your pregnancy. It’s a good idea to have your birth plan completed at least by your 34th week of pregnancy. Your birth plan is basically just an outline of your wishes and desires for your labor and delivery and... more

As your due date draws near, you undoubtedly will begin to think about your upcoming labor and delivery. Have you chosen a support person yet?

Having a support person in the labor and delivery room is a great idea. He or she can focus on you and your needs. He or she is there to provide emotional and physical support during your labor and delivery process. You should choose someone you trust and someone you feel comfortable bearing it all with.

Some expectant moms considering adoption may choose the prospective adoptive mother as a support person.... more