Preparing for Your Delivery
Your baby is coming whether you’re ready or not, and millions of women throughout history have delivered babies successfully without any formal training. However, the better prepared you are, the greater your chances of having a smooth delivery.
Dr. Kevin Hooker at Lake Havasu OB/GYN Care specializes in preparing women for the miracle of childbirth from conception to delivery. Mothers-to-be throughout western Arizona trust him to develop a personalized birthing plan and guide them and their babies through every stage of the journey.
Of course, the end goal is a smooth delivery. And believe it or not, you have a great deal of control over the process. Here’s how you can prepare for delivery on your terms.
Prenatal care
The old adage is true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. One of the best things you can do to ensure a safe and positive birthing experience is to take care of your body throughout your pregnancy.
Prenatal care begins as soon as you know you’re pregnant. If you are not yet pregnant, but planning to conceive, your prenatal care can begin even earlier.
Nutrition is key to prepping your body for pregnancy. Dr. Hooker monitors your health and makes sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals and other nutrients to keep you and your growing baby in good health.
Most tests and procedures are routine and simply track the changes you and your baby go through. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy, prenatal care is critical to your health and safety.
Exercises
One of the best ways to keep yourself strong and healthy, whether you’re pregnant or not, is to maintain a regular exercise routine. When you’re pregnant and getting ready for delivery, you may need to change things up a bit. Check with Dr. Hooker before engaging in any new or strenuous activity, but as a general rule, if you’re in good overall health, you should be able to keep your workout schedule.
There are several exercises that are especially helpful for prepping your pre-delivery body by strengthening the specific muscles called into play during childbirth.
- Kegel exercises contract and strengthen your pelvic floor
- Squatting opens the pelvic outlet
- Pelvic tilts strengthen your abs and make your back more flexible
- Butterfly stretch loosens up your joints
Remember to get Dr. Hooker’s clearance before starting any exercise program and stop if you feel pain.
Birth plan
The best way to maintain control over your birth experience is to have a plan. A little due diligence ahead of time can ensure things go your way in the delivery room, even when things don’t go your way. Think it through, do your research, and talk to your doctor — then make two plans.
Ideal birth plan
Who you want in the delivery room
How you want to manage pain (medication, walking, bathing, etc.)
What you want to wear
Atmosphere (music, light, etc.)
Whether you want delayed cord cutting
Immediate skin-to-skin contact with baby
Feed and care of your new baby
Emergency birth plan
Your emergency birth plan is a way to make your wishes known in the event that you or your baby encounter complications during delivery. For instance, you may need a C-section if your baby is breech (coming out in the wrong position) or if there are problems with the placenta or umbilical cord.
You have the right to ask questions about your delivery and be part of the decision-making process. If complications do arise, Dr. Hooker is right by your side making sure you understand what’s happening and that you receive the best care possible. But don’t be shy about asking questions and letting your thoughts be known.
What to pack
Most women are only away from home for a few days when they have a baby, but it’s best to be prepared for whatever may come. Here are a few things to pack in your hospital bag:
- Birth plan
- Insurance card
- Cord blood kit (if using)
- Toiletries
- Lip balm
- Favorite pillow
- Music playlist
- Camera
- Cell phone and charger
- Books or magazines
- Sugarless candies (moistens your mouth)
- Outfit for you to go home in (loose fitting)
- Outfit for baby to wear home
- Car seat
- Diapers (newborn)
Preparing for childbirth should be fun and joyful. If you’re stressed or concerned, give us a call or request an appointment online. Dr. Hooker can put your mind at ease and make sure you’re ready to go on the day your baby comes.