Add This One Thing to Your Birth Plan

Add This To Your Birth Plan

Making a birth plan is always kind of a gamble. Things happen. Your doctor might not be on duty. Your partner (as wonderful as they are!) might forget to bring the silk pillowcase you wanted to use—or even forget to load up that birthing playlist you guys created together for the big moment. Heck, a medical emergency could arise, leaving you with only one wish left from your birth plan: a healthy baby. That said, there’s one thing that I think more and more moms should be adding to their birth plans—and it’s something that only takes about 60 seconds.

The World Health Organization says that waiting one to three minutes before clamping baby’s umbilical cord can help boost your little one’s iron levels for up to the first six months of life and help deliver extra oxygen to her muscles and organs. All of this is amazing, and definitely something worth asking for. Still, know that it may not be an option for all moms. If you’re at risk for postpartum hemorrhage this probably isn’t for you.

But talk to your doctor and definitely ask about it. When you think about the benefits your sweet babe can get from just a minute or two of patience, it seems well worth it.

What are or were some of the most important things on your birth plan? Tell me about your list in the comments!