OBGYN Obstetrics
Practice in Virginia Beach
Do I need classes?
Between your 20th and 28th
week of pregnancy, you should be making phone calls
and enrolling in childbirth education classes –
the earlier you call, the more likely you are to
get the class you want that suits your schedule
and desires. We strongly recommend them for all
first time mothers and if you are a repeat mother
with a first-time dad. Birthworks®
is a great program for everyone regardless of previous
experience. Since birth is affected by basic instincts,
intuition and the subconscious mind, it is extremely
beneficial for each woman to learn how to manipulate
the mind-over-labor process.
“I’m planning to have an epidural!”
While natural childbirth is triumphant, we support
each woman in her right to choose pain
medication during birth because the true victory
lies in having a satisfying experience and a healthy
baby. However, because early labor relies on maternal
effort alone and pain medication provides varying
degrees of relief depending on the individual, we
still recommend preparation for natural childbirth
as these methods can bridge the gap where pain
medication may leave you hanging, thereby preventing
fear on your behalf. Who knows? You may surprise
yourself with your inner strength once you know
how to harness it!
Recommended
providers: Claudia
Souther provides her own eclectic blend of childbirth
preparation including the use of herbal therapies.
She is also available for doula
services. Classes are every Tuesday evening for 6 weeks. Start dates for 2008 are: August 5, September 23, and November 11. Contact her at (757) 547-4451 or cksouther@cox.net
Terri Hewitt teaches the remarkable
method of hypnobirthing
and is available to serve her clients as a doula.
(757) 460-4318
Kathy Hubbard is the only provider
of Birthworks®
classes in the area, which is a wonderful opportunity
for families early in pregnancy or even before
pregnancy. (757) 631-0952 Next class starting September 7th!
Sentara
Women’s Health Source has a variety
of wonderful classes and tours available.
Have you looked through the book we gave you at
your first visit? Visit their web site and check
it out or call (757) 282-4000. Classes
for Dads are also offered at Senatara
Women’s Health Source.
Should I write a
birth plan?
We would prefer you not write a birth plan
since labor and birth follow unpredictable paths
for which no amount of planning can encompass. We
believe that the labor will lead you and the plan
develops along the way. Rest assured you will be
given options throughout your labor to make decisions
in your care depending on the current situation.
If you have specific interventions you strongly
desire to use or avoid, we encourage you to talk
to us about these during your prenatal visits.
What should I pack for the hospital and
when?
You should pack your bag when you are 36-37
weeks pregnant. Remember, you will only be in the
hospital for 1-3 days and basic needs are provided
at the hospital such as: diapers, pads, “underwear”,
gowns, baby t-shirts, blankets, etc… You should
be able to fit all of your things in one small bag:
• Robe
• Gown or pajamas (optional)
• Slippers
• Baby outfit for pictures (this could double
as the going-home outfit)
• Baby book or diary (optional)
• Toiletries – leave a list of necessary
items on your bag until it’s time to do
last-minute packing
• Extra pillows (try not to use white pillowcases)
• Camera - if 35mm, make sure you have film - for digital, make sure you have batteries, charge, enough room to add pictures or extra memory card
You may want to include
the location of last-minute items on your list
as somebody else might be packing them for you.
You are probably sleeping with more than the standard
flat hospital pillow, so plan to bring some of
those extra fluffy cushions with you! It is helpful
if you use non-white pillowcases in order to avoid
accidentally leaving these treasures behind. Feel
free to bring CDs and a portable player or MP3
player system if you’d like to listen to
your own music during labor. If you’ve made
a rice sock, you may wish to bring that, too. |
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