Preparing for Delivery

Your birth plan

Only you know what birth plan is right for you. Our philosophy is to partner with you to help you achieve the birth you envision.

Perceptions of labor pain vary, so do the choices about pain management and comfort. We have many options for non-medicated and medicated labor to help you through the process. Some options include:

• Jacuzzi for comfort during labor (we do not do waterbirths) 
• wireless fetal monitoring
• birth balls
• pain medications
• epidurals
• nitrous oxide (only available if patient has a negative COVID-19 test result)

All babies whether vaginal born or cesarean born, who are transitioning well, are placed skin-to-skin with mom for at least one hour immediately after birth.

Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC)

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital offers people who have previously had cesarean births the opportunity to try for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). For those who are considered good candidates for VBAC, a vaginal birth can have many benefits, including faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, less discomfort and less chance of blood transfusions and postpartum infections.

About 60-80% of people who attempt VBAC are successful in delivering vaginally. Talk to your obstetrician or midwife about the benefits and risks of VBAC based on your medical history.

Cesarean Birth

Should your birth experience include a C-section, rest assured that you won’t need to go far. The C-section surgical room is located right in the Women & Children’s Center. In most cases you will remain fully alert and your support person can remain with you for the birth. Your baby will be placed skin-to-skin with you as soon as possible. You will often be able to touch and get to know your baby while still in the surgical room. Your support partner will also be able to hold the baby as long as the baby is in good health.

Also check out our Seacoast Babies website, with additional information and resources to help you prepare your birth plan.