Birth Plans

At MidSouth OB/GYN we understand that preparing for delivery can be both exciting and stressful for the patient. The following information is provided to address some of the common concerns our patients have regarding the laboring process. If you should choose to prepare a birth plan, please present it to your OB by 25 weeks for review and discussion. The ultimate goal in the hospital is the delivery of a healthy baby to a healthy mother.

• Unless previously discussed or medically contraindicated, our assumption is that the preferred mode of delivery is a vaginal delivery.
• During your hospital stay your baby’s heart rate will be continuously monitored. Allowance can be made for intermittent monitoring on a case-by-case basis. Continuous monitoring is required for a Trial of Labor after Cesarean and also in cases where Pitocin is required for induction or augmentation.
• For your safety, you will be given an IV, if you desire the ability to ambulate, saline lock can be considered.
• You will be allowed ice chips only during labor to decrease risk of aspiration
• You will be asked your preferences for pain management upon admission, you will be supported in your decision regardless of whether you chose epidural, natural labor or IV pain management.
• Artificial rupture of membranes (when the doctor breaks your water) may be performed to help labor along.
• Hospital policy prohibits filming of delivery or any medical procedures.
• If there are no complications during delivery, delayed cord clamping will be performed and we will ask your support person if they would like to cut the cord if delivery is vaginal.
• The support person does not cut the cord during a Cesarean because the cord is in the sterile surgical field.
• Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin is encouraged in the labor room or in recovery if a Cesarean is required.
• Baptist Women’s Hospital and Methodist Pavilion do not have birthing tubs.