The Hospital "Birth Plan"

Molly Remer, MSW, ICCE

Original Article Published in Pathways Winter 2009 Issue more info available at http://www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org

There is a fairly normal course of events for women giving birth in a hospital setting. In order to be truly prepared to give birth in the hospital, it is important to be aware of today’s standard hospital procedures. All hospital procedures and interventions can be refused under your right to informed consent, but doing so requires knowledge, strength and attentiveness. I hope the following list of things you may encounter in the birthing room will encourage you to talk with your medical care provider in advance about hospital routines and your own personal choices, as well as help prevent unpleasant surprises during your baby’s birth.

This list has been modified from content in Woman-Centered Pregnancy and Birth. These points might not necessarily reflect how your own hospital operates; that’s something for you to investigate and discuss with your medical care provider...

About the Author:

Molly Remer, MSW, ICCE is a certified birth educator, writer, and activist. She is an LLL Leader and editor of the Friends of Missouri Midwives newsletter. She has two wonderful sons, Lann (6) and Zander (3) and lives in a straw bale house in central Missouri. She blogs about birth at www.talkbirth.wordpress.com and midwifery at www.cfmidwifery.blogspot.com