Planning for childbirth

It is important for you to remember that labor and delivery are not always smooth and predictable. 

Writing down your birth preferences will help you to consider, ahead of time, the many decisions you will make during your labor and delivery. It also will allow you to communicate your ideas to your women’s health provider or midwife and nursing staff so we can better support you.

Download and complete your Birth Plan.

You may need certain types of medication or monitoring to ensure the safety of you and your baby. Your provider and nursing staff will try to accommodate your wishes as much as possible, based on your needs and the needs of your baby.

Things to consider before giving birth:

• Have you chosen your baby's doctor? Your OB provider, your friends and family are good resources to help you with your choice. View our Pediatric providers here.
• How do you plan on feeding your baby? View our lactation services webpage for support. 
• We offer the Hepatitis B vaccine within the first 24 hours for your baby. If you have questions about this vaccine, please feel free to talk with your provider or nurse.
• If you have a boy, will you have him circumcised?
• Don't forget to bring the baby's car seat and a "going home outfit" with you to the hospital. Here is a checklist for you and your baby - what you should bring to the hospital
  

Childbirth education classes

Marshfield Clinic Health System offers a variety of childbirth education classes to help you prepare for the arrival of your baby. 

We welcome all patients and families to our classes, including those who see physicians outside of Marshfield Clinic Health System. You do not have to deliver in the Health System to participate in any of our classes.

Learn more about our childbirth education classes >

Talk to your women's health provider

It is important that you discuss your questions and concerns about labor and delivery with your provider before you enter the hospital. If you have a preference about the type of delivery setting, let your provider know. We want to make you feel comfortable and provide a safe and positive birth experience for you and your family.