pregnancy
Immediately after delivery:
• First contact: See your baby right away
• Skin-to-skin: Immediate bonding on your chest
• Breast crawl: Allow baby to self-attach
• Cord cutting: Who will cut the cord?
• Cord clamping: Delayed clamping, if desired
• Newborn checks: Delay assessment if baby is stable
• Preventive care: Vitamin K and antibacterial eye ointment
Post-delivery and neonatal period:
• Feeding choice: Breastmilk, formula, or both?
• Rooming in: Resting with baby, or separate nursery care?
• Bathing: Delay until after 24 hours
• Vaccinations: Which ones, and when?
If baby needs NICU admission:
• Companion: Who accompanies baby to NICU?( Partner, family member?)
• Feeding in NICU: Expressed breastmilk, donor milk, or formula?
• First contact: See baby as soon as possible
• Keepsakes: Partner to take photos or videos if you cannot be present
www. babysandbeyond. co. za
Labour is unpredictable, and not every request in a birth plan will be possible.“ Some choices may not be the best-suited action for mom and baby in certain situations,” cautions Dr Makgamatha. The best birth plan leaves room for flexibility. Its real value lies in reducing the number of decisions you’ ll need to make mid- contraction by communicating your wishes ahead of time.
So – when to talk to your OB-GYN about your birth plan?“ These discussions are an opportunity for mom to understand that the healthcare professionals are her birthing team, and for everyone to navigate the process together,” she says. In other words, don’ t hand over your plan once labour has already started.
“ It’ s important to start the discussions early in antenatal care,” adds Dr Makgamatha.“ This gives the mother time to research the medical advice she’ s received, reflect, and return with feedback later.”
Early conversations also help you understand hospital policies before baby arrives, giving you time to adjust your plan. And don’ t forget to keep your partner and / or doula in the loop – they’ ll be your voice when you’ re busy with the main event – having a baby. �
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