Print

Labor and Childbirth: Thinking About Your Birth Experience

A birth plan helps your healthcare providers know what you want and expect. But be aware that labor is a series of changing conditions and your birth plan may need to change at the last minute. Work with your healthcare provider to create a plan that leaves room for the unexpected.

Your support team

The team that helps you plan your childbirth may include:

  • Healthcare provider/certified nurse-midwife. He or she gives prenatal care (care during your pregnancy) and delivers your baby.

  • Labor nurse. This is a nurse who assists during labor and birth.

  • Anesthesiologist. This healthcare provider can provide medicine for pain control if you need it.

  • Support person. This is a person who helps with your emotional and physical comfort during labor. It might be your partner, a family member, or a friend.

  • Labor coach or doula. This person provides nonmedical advice and support

Your Experience at NYU Langone Health

At NYU Langone Health we understand you baby's birth is a unique and personal experience.  We want to know about any birth goals, preferences, beliefs or practices that will make your baby's birth and experience more meaningful to you. On the reverse side, you will find My Personal Birth Experience. We encourage you to review this form and discuss it with your partner/support person and healthcare provider during your pregnancy. Bring a completed copy with you to the hospital. Your nurse will review your preferences and work with you to develop a plan to meet your needs. It is important to remember that birth is active and unpredictable. You may need to be flexible as can circumstances change without notice.

We are committed to making sure you, your birth partner, family and loved ones:

  • understand what is happening
  • participate in all decision making through each step of your labor and delivery

After delivery, your baby will be placed on your chest with his/her skin touching yours, unless there are medical complications. Skin to skin is the best place for your baby after delivery. 

We also encourage:

  • your partner, a family member or loved one stay overnight with you
  • you keep your baby by your bedside for most of your hospital stay 

 

Breastfeeding may be easier when mothers have support and when the baby remains close to their mothers during these early days.  As a designated Baby Friendly hospital, we are committed to support your choice to breastfeed and will help guide you to a successful start.

 

To better prepare you for what to expect during and after childbirth, we suggest you attend childbirth education classes and attend the information session Ready, Set, Baby where you will learn that to expect when you have your baby with us. To learn more about classes and sessions offered by NYULH, visit our website www.nyubaby.org or call 212.263.7201. We look forward to working with you during this very special time. 

 

 

© 2000-2018 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.