By Yvette O'Dowd
PLANNING FOR
T
he time to plan for your 4th trimester is while you are still in the 3rd. There are options you might like to consider in both your birth plan and breastfeeding plan, which can help things go more smoothly during the first 12 weeks of the postnatal period.
While things beyond your control will happen during your labour, delivery and hospital stay, researching and discussing options well before your baby arrives means you can approach obstacles knowing you have made informed decisions. Making a Birth Plan The important points in your birth plan have nothing to do with warm socks and lavender oil. The interventions which might be offered during labour and delivery can impact the immediate postnatal period. While some are practiced protecting maternal and infant health, offers may be done routinely and may not be necessary in your situation. The Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) is a joint World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF project that aims to create a healthcare environment where breastfeeding is the norm, and practices known to promote the well-being of all mothers and infants are promoted. The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are the global criteria against which maternity facilities are assessed and accredited. In a Baby Friendly accredited facility, breastfeeding is encouraged, supported, and promoted. Breastfed babies are not given breastmilk substitutes (infant formula) unless medically indicated or it is the parents’ informed decision. Regardless of feeding choices and circumstances, every woman is supported to care for her baby in the best and safest way possible. Baby Friendly accreditation is a quality assurance measure that demonstrates a facility’s commitment to offer the highest standard of maternity care to mothers and babies. Attaining accreditation signifies that the facility is committed to evidence-based, best-practice maternity care and ensuring that every mother is supported with her informed choice of infant feeding during her transition to motherhood.
60 Peninsula Kids – Autumn 2023