Women to Women OB GYN Care wants you, as a woman facing labor and the delivery of your baby, to feel empowered and as comfortable as possible with what is happening to you, and to your baby.

In our last blog, we discussed the usefulness of a birth plan, and will continue that topic this week. We will concentrate on what will happen to the baby immediately after birth.

The Umbilical Cord

• Many people want the umbilical cord to be left intact immediately following delivery.
• It is common to leave the umbilical cord uncut until it has stopped pulsating.
• If you have been handed your baby and realize the cord has been cut, don’t get upset.
• Find out why they cut it; they may have a great reason.
• One common reason that obstetricians cut the umbilical cord immediately, is that it was wrapped at least once around the neck of the baby.
• It is not always possible to quickly unwrap the cord from around the neck of the infant.
• Unwrapping it can take more time than cutting it, and when time is of the essence, it is better to err on the side of caution and cut the cord.

Skin to Skin

• Many people want the first thing their baby to feel to be the warm skin of one of their parents.
• This is a lovely option to aim for but it is not always possible.
• If there is any complication the baby may need to be taken to a nearby table to be cared for.
• The important thing is that your baby is healthy and has any pressing medical needs seen to first.
• You can request that your birthing partner accompany the baby at all times (within reason).It’s a great idea to talk to your obstetrician about your birth plan and the doctors at Women to Women are always happy to hear about your birth plan. Call now for an appointment.