PREPARING FOR LABOR AND DELIVERY
My UABaby Journey and Birth Experience Plan
For expectant parents , navigating the pregnancy , delivery , and postpartum journey can create a wide range of emotions . There are so many things to think about and prepare for , and knowing where to start can feel daunting .
Many women want to create a personal birthing plan , which lets your team know how you feel about things like :
• Whom you want with you during labor
• What you want to do during labor
• Your pain management preferences
• Any special religious or cultural practices that you want your team to know about and support
The health and safety of you and your baby are the top priority for us , and we will strive to personalize your care and honor your wishes . We ask that you talk with your provider and health care team about your birth plan during your prenatal visits .
Scan this QR code to download the My UABaby Journey birth plan guide , which you can print if you wish .
Scan this QR code to download the My UABaby Journey checklist , which you can print if you wish .
Labor & Delivery – What Should I Expect ?
It is quite normal for you to be anxious about what will happen when you arrive in Labor and Delivery ( L & D ). We believe that childbirth should be a time of joy . Our goal is to provide personalized care that results in a healthy mother and baby .
Labor and Delivery is located on the 3rd floor of the UAB Women and Infants Center . Almost all vaginal deliveries are performed in the labor birthing rooms . However , in certain unique situations – such as premature babies , multiple babies , or a very large baby ( large for gestational age , or LGA ) – we may take the precaution of performing your delivery in an operative delivery room located within Labor and Delivery . The newborn nursery is located on the 6th floor , and the Regional Newborn Intensive Care Unit ( RNICU ) is located on the 3rd floor near Labor and Delivery . The postpartum Mother-Baby Unit is located on the 6th floor .
24 / 7 access to expert high-risk maternal and fetal providers
At UAB , you have 24 / 7 access to specialists in maternal-fetal medicine and neonatology , should your pregnancy or delivery require it . These specialists may be called to your delivery to aid our nurses in the immediate care of you and your newborn , if high-risk care and evaluation is needed . The list of indications for pediatric assistance for the safety of your newborn is extensive . Do not be alarmed if pediatricians are called to your delivery .
18 My Prenatal Care Book