Your Birthing Journey

Having a baby is an exciting time, and Southwest General is here to help you every step of the way. Before you deliver your baby at Southwest General, our Birthing Journey team looks forward to speaking with you to develop a customized Birth Plan that reflects your wants and needs and that supports an exceptional experience for Your Birthing Journey.

What Is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a document that lets members of your medical care team know your wishes for things like how to manage labor pain; who to allow in the room with you during delivery; feeding preferences for your baby; and much, much more.

By developing a Birth Plan, you will help our nurses to be aware of your birth experience preferences, and your admission to the hospital will be quicker and easier.

Developing Your Birth Plan

A Birthing Journey team member will speak with you between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. During your meeting, the team member will guide you in a discussion about your labor and delivery preferences. This will include topics such as who may be in the delivery room, how you wish to feed your baby, pain management techniques and more.

Additionally, the following may be covered:

• Answer any questions you have about the Maternity Unit or your care before, during and after the birth of your baby
• Review important medical information, including a list of your medications and allergies
• Explain what to expect when you arrive, what may happen during the course of your labor and delivery, and what to expect during your recovery
• Review what to bring to the hospital when labor starts, visiting policies and how to select a pediatrician
• If you have decided to breastfeed, the team member will answer any questions you may have about the feeding choice you have selected. If necessary, you will be referred to a lactation (breastfeeding) consultant prior to delivery so that breastfeeding starts off optimally for you and your baby.
• Explain classes available to you and your family to better prepare you for your baby’s arrival
• And more!

To learn more about Your Birthing Journey at Southwest General, contact 440-816-6824 to request a call from a Birthing Journey team member.