Courtesy of Cy-Fair Hospital

Baby name picked out. Check. Bag packed for the hospital. Check. Baby’s room ready. Check. You are looking forward to the birth of your baby and holding your new little bundle of joy in your arms. But there may be one more thing to do before the big day. Like many expectant mothers, you might want to create a birth plan so everyone involved in the labor and delivery will be familiar with your preferences for the birth of your baby.

A birth plan is a communication tool that summarizes how you want different aspects of your baby’s birth to be handled. It is not a contract, but rather a simple, clear, one- to two-page statement that outlines your choices. The birth plan is a guideline that can be changed at any time and should be flexible in case something comes up at the hospital or you change your mind after labor begins. 

It is probably best not to wait until the last minute to create your birth plan. You might want to discuss your choices with your health care provider and ask for feedback or suggestions. Once you have completed your birth plan, give a copy to your doctor, send one to the hospital where you plan to give birth, and pack one to take with you on the day you give birth. Some topics you might want to address in the birth plan include the following:

• Who do you want in the delivery room? (partner, parents, family, friends, or other siblings)
• How do you want to manage your labor? (walk around, change positions, or labor in a birthing tub or shower)
• Do you want to wear your glasses or contact lenses (if possible)?
• Do you want to avoid induction or an episiotomy unless medically necessary?
• How often do you want fetal monitoring?
• Is videotaping or photography allowed in the delivery room?
• Who will cut the umbilical cord?
• Will you bank the umbilical cord blood?
• Do you want your baby immediately placed on your stomach/chest after delivery?
• Do you want to breastfeed?
• Can your baby have a pacifier?
• If you have a boy, do you want him to be circumcised?

Choosing a health care provider is an important decision, especially for your pregnancy and the birth of your child. Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital is ranked among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide by for maternity care by HealthGrades,a leading source for independent health care quality information. We also are the only hospital in northwest Houston to be recognized with a 5-star rating for clinical excellence in maternity care for eight consecutive years from HealthGrades.

Pre-registering to deliver your baby at Cy-Fair Hospital is quick and easy. Just visit www.CyFairHospital.com/MaternityPreregister to pre-register so you can save time when you visit the hospital.