Every birth mother has the right to create a unique hospital plan that best suites her needs during the delivery process. There are many things to consider, which is why it is important to create a detailed plan before your hospital stay, so that you can be prepared. The delivery can be an emotional and stressful time, so it is important to indicate what you want beforehand so that you can know what to expect. Below is a list of things to consider in order to create the birth plan that works the best for you.
- Who do you want there for the delivery?
This is an important question that has a different answer for each individual. Some birth mothers may want a close family member or friend. Others may allow the adoptive parents to be present. Others may want a combination of both or no one at all. This is completely up to the birth mother to decide if she wants anyone to b present for the birth.
- Can the adoptive family be present at the hospital?
The adoptive family can have as big or small a role in the delivery as the birth mother wants. In some cases, the adoptive parents can be present in the delivery room if the birth mother wants. Other times, the adoptive parents can be present at the hospital and can see both the baby and birth mother after the delivery. If the birth mother does not feel comfortable with this, the adoptive parents do not to be present at all. The birth mother can also indicate if she wants the adoptive parents to visit during the hospital stay.
- Would you like to hold your baby?
A birth mother has the option to spend as much time as she wants with her child. In some cases, the birth mother decides to spend the first 24 hours with her child. She can decide if she wants to be the first one to hold her child, and how she wants to spend her time with her baby.
- Share your adoption plan
Once you create your hospital plan, it is important to share this plan with your adoption counselor, medical staff, nurses, and any family or friends who will help you throughout the delivery. That way everyone can help provide you with the resources and support that best meets your needs during your hospital stay.
Creating a hospital plan can be an emotional experience so it is important to determine what works best for you. A birth mother has the right to decide how she wants her delivery to go, so it is important to know that you can spend as much time or as little time as possible with your child. You can also have as open or as private of a delivery as you want. Once you decide how you want your hospital stay to go, the process will feel a lot more manageable.
References:
Rosenhaus, N. (2019, July 29). Making an adoption hospital plan. Retrieved November 7, 2019 from https://adoptionswithlove.org/birth-parents/adoption-hospital-plan.