Preparing for birth/

Don’t want a birth plan? At least do these 4 things

If you choose not to have a birth plan at least do these 4 things

 I’ll be honest, if you don’t want to write a birth plan down due to superstition, I totally get it. Unfortunately, there is a lot of negative talk about birth plans between other nurses and providers (not all but some).

There are so many good reasons to support creating one but if you don’t want one because it’s too overwhelming or you don’t really have much to write down you should at least consider these 4 things that I think are critical.

  1. Pain management– know your options for pain management. If you do not want any pain meds through your IV or an epidural than you should have tools to help you work through the discomfort.
  2. Different Labor positions– knowing what different movement and positions to use when in labor to help position baby in the right way. Changing positions often can also help with pain relief along with helping your labor to progress. You can read about the miles circuit here.
  3. Medications (for mama and baby)- I think its super important to have an overview to be aware of what type of medications that you may come across when you are in labor and delivery. Some are for induction/augmentation, some medications can be given after baby is born to help stop bleeding. Then there are also two medications and one vaccination that is offered in the hospital. Usually, hospitals give those medications within one hour of baby’s life. I think it’s important to know about these medications before having your baby so that way you can make an informed decision rather than just making one last minute because the nurses are asking you.
  4. B.R.A.I.N. Tool-This is useful when having to make a medical decision or when presented with a medical intervention. It is important to use this tool to help you make a clear decision.

B.R.A.I.N. is short for:

 

Benefits -What are the benefits?

Risks -What are the risks involved?

Alternatives– Are there any alternatives?

Intuition– What does my gut say to do?

Nothing– What if we do nothing (or wait it out)?

These 4 simple topics can help prepare you for the big day. Congratulations in advance! You can rock your birth!

 

Preparing for birth/

Hello world!

My very first post for project mama bear

Hello, I’m Ashley and I am a wife, mama bear and labor and delivery nurse. I have been a nurse for about 8 years now and I am one of the lucky ones to say that I love my job.

I enjoy the excitement of being part of bringing new life into this world

There is something so special about providing a woman and her family, support through one of the most life changing moments of their lives.

During my experience as a nurse, I have learned a lot and I have learned even more now that I have experienced travel nursing. It is so interesting to do the same job but with different people, at different hospitals that have different policies and different cultures. 

One of the most important things for me when I am at bedside as a labor nurse is providing patient education and giving informed consent when it comes to procedures, medications and interventions. I would want the same as a patient and I would want the same for a family member or friend. So, I keep that in my mind each time I go over things with new parents in the labor room.

I saw a need

Not every mama and partner come in prepared for birth and that’s okay because we do give a “crash course” on what to expect. But unfortunately, not every mama and partner will get the same info-it will just depend on your nurse/provider. I created this blog to create a space for other mama bears to seek free information (not medical advice) and to get guidance to prepare for birth. 

I want to bring what I help teach at bedside directly to other mama bears who want to prepare before their big day. 

 Being a mama bear myself and getting support post-partum I learned that there are other mama’s out there that have experienced a traumatic birth. Mama’s have reached out to me and shared their traumatic birth stories. This happens far too much and needs to change.

It doesn’t have to be this way

I want to help educate and prepare mamas for a positive and empowered birthing experience no matter how you birth your baby. You have rights, you can make choices, and if things are safe with you and baby you can wait things out. Take time to make a decision when it comes to any interventions. 

 

Best wishes to you and your sweet family during your birthing journey.

 

❤ Ashley