Create Your Birth Plan
Step 1: Learn About the Birthing Center

Every pregnancy and birth is a unique, life-changing event. That is why we are committed to providing you with the information you need, the best possible care, and a comfortable environment where you are treated with warmth and respect. We invite you to create your own personalized birth plan as you prepare for the delivery of your baby. At the end of this page, you will find a link to a birth plan you can customize. Before you start your birth plan, however, we would like you to learn more about what a birth plan is and what to consider when writing one. You will find this information below. We have also included information about support, care and options available at Meriter's Birthing Center. This information will help you as you prepare your birth plan.

What is a Birth Plan?

Writing a birth plan helps you to consider the many decisions you will make during your labor and postpartum time at Meriter. It also educates you and your support people in options available.
Finally, a birth plan enables you to communicate your ideas and philosophy to your doctor, nurse midwife, the nursing staff and your support people. Meriter's philosophy of care and the options offered will simply add to your birth plan.
 
The foundation of a birth plan comes from the woman who writes it. Confidence in your own abilities, freedom to draw strength from your spirituality, and physical and emotional support from those you gather around you will create the setting for the comfort strategies and medical options you choose.

As you write your birth plan, search for ways to:

• Become and remain confident in the abilities of yourself and your doctor or nurse midwife.
   
• Feel comfortable at Meriter during labor and delivery.
   
• Seek out ways to learn pain-coping practices for your labor.
   
• Be flexible and able to adjust to situations that may arise during the process.
   
• Surround yourself with people who will support your desires.

The Care You Can Expect to Receive at Meriter's Birthing Center

We provide personal, expert care from the moment you arrive. The Meriter nursing staff supports and respects the decisions you make about your birth.

• We will review your birth plan with you when you arrive.
• We will keep you and your family informed about all of your options, and what you might expect during your labor and birth.
• We will offer drinks, ice chips and light foods in early labor.
• We will check your contractions and your baby's heart rate often.
• We will offer support and suggestions for your labor.
• We will listen to your concerns and work to alleviate any anxieties you may have.

Your Labor

• Walking and trying different positions to promote labor progression.
• Using whirlpool baths and showers to promote relaxation.
• Using birth balls to help relieve discomfort.
• Dressing comfortably in your own clothes or in the gowns we provide.
• Using the CD/tape player and videocassette player (VCR) provided to help you learn, relax and feel more at home (bring your favorite CDs and tapes).
• Using the squatting bar for pushing.

Your Medical Care

• Meriter is a teaching hospital, so resident physicians may be involved in your care.
• With your permission, medical students and nursing students may also be involved in your care.
• Anesthesiologists are available around-the-clock for emergencies and epidural anesthesia administration.

Your Family

• Family and friends who will be a source of support to you are encouraged to be present throughout your labor and birth.
• A family lounge is available nearby for friends and family to gather, relax and wait.
• Siblings may be present for your labor and birth (adult supervision is required for any children in the Birthing Center).
• Family members can spend the night; there is a sofa bed in every room.
• Snacks and beverages are available while you are in labor. Food and beverages from home can be brought in as well and kept in our patient refrigerator. The hospital does have a cafeteria and coffee shop; food items purchased there may be brought into birthing suites. Many restaurants will deliver food orders right to your birthing suite.

Cesarean Births

Newborn Care

• Listen to your baby's heart and lungs, and check his or her temperature and general wellbeing.
• Weigh and measure your baby.
• Place identification bands on your baby.
• Apply eye ointment (Erythromycin) to prevent infection.
• Give your baby a shot of Vitamin K.

Your baby will also get his or her first bath right in your room. When you are ready and your baby's temperature is stable we will get ready for the bath. Mom, dad or even grandma can give the bath. Your nurse can talk you through the bath or bathe your baby while you rest and watch. Pictures can be taken by family members to capture those special first moments.

Nursery / Rooming In

Immediate Postpartum Care

Next Step: Create Your Birth Plan

Now that you know more about Meriter's Birthing Center, you can create your own birth plan by clicking the button below.