3.2d Perinatal Education and Birth Plans

Question 1

Early Pregnancy Classes

Answer 1

• Information about early fetal development
• Physiologic and emotional changes
• Nutritional needs
• Environment and workplace hazards
• Exercises
• Warning signs
• Self-medication/drugs

Question 2

Mid Pregnancy Classes

Answer 2

• Self management
• Preparation for breast or formula feeding
• Infant care/health
• Basic hygiene
• Common discomforts
• Simple and safe remedies
• Parenting
• Labor and birth planning

Question 3

Late Pregnancy Classes

Answer 3

• Coping with labor and birth
• Management of discomfort during labor
• Tour of birth facility
• Methods to reduce discomfort during labor
• Pharmacological interventions

Question 4

Doulas

Answer 4

• Trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support during labor and birth

Question 5

Birth Plans

Answer 5

• Explore and choose child birth plans most important to them
• Reality of what is feasible may change (tentative)

Question 6

Birth Settings

Answer 6

• Hospital
• Free standing birth center
• At home

Question 7

BIRTH PLAN CONSIDERATIONS

Question 8

Partner Participation

Answer 8

• Will they attend prenatal visits and education classes

- Will they be present during the birth

Question 9

Birth Setting

Answer 9

• What setting would they prefer

Question 10

Labor Management

Answer 10

• What amenities will you need during labor
• Music/dimmed lights
• Do you want your children present
• Telemetry monitoring
• Medications you want

Question 11

Birth

Answer 11

• Do you prefer side lying
• Birthing bed
• Will you be photographing or recording
• Who would you like present
• Will your partner cut the umbilical cord

Question 12

Immediately After Birth

Answer 12

• Do you want skin to skin contact with baby right away

- How soon do you want to breast feed

Question 13

Postpartum Care

Answer 13

• What type of care would you like to receive
• How long does your insurance cover stay in hospital
• Would you attend self-management classes
• Where do you prefer to get your information

Question 14

BIRTH SETTING CONSIDERATIONS

Answer 14

• Offer advantages and disadvantages of each type of setting
• Onsite visit and interactions with HCP responsible for care at each site
• Speak with other couples who gave birth in these settings on their opinion
• Emphasis on the decision being theirs
• Their HCP will need support and privileges at their selected site
• Their decision should be based on full understanding of each option