Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/103743
Your labor and delivery experience Waiting for the arrival of a new baby is exciting, but there also may be some anxiety. Dr. Rachelle Derrough, OB/Gyn, tells her patients to have a general idea of what they would like to happen during childbirth, such as having their baby placed on their chest after delivery. She says it's important to tell your doctor, nurses and support person your general expectations. Dr. Rachelle Derrough "We, as doctors, and the nurses work together because we want our patients to have a positive experience. Communication is key," she says. Dr. Derrough advises patients to not be too specific in a birth plan because everyone's labor and delivery experience is different. "Sometimes with a very detailed birth plan, there can be disappointment from certain expectations not being met, even with a very good labor and delivery," she says. She emphasizes that CoxHealth has resources available for a routine labor and delivery, or if an emergency occurs. "Emergencies happen and they happen very quickly," she says. "If you are in an emergency labor and delivery situation, you want to be in a facility, such as CoxHealth, where you have resources immediately available." Family Beginnings Expectant moms and dads want to do the right things when preparing for their baby's arrival. They read books, research articles online and talk to other moms and dads for advice. A great way to prepare is to sign up for Family Beginnings classes at CoxHealth. Cox South and Cox Monett have experts to help you through each stage of pregnancy and childbirth with classes, labor preparation resources, breastfeeding assistance and more. Denise Vaughan, nurse educator, encourages expectant parents to register for classes between 20 to 25 weeks, and to take the classes from 34 to 38 weeks. classes include DogSense, Breastfeeding Basics, Infant CPR and more. One of the classes she recommends for first-time parents is BabySense. Dr. Rachelle Derrough, OB/Gyn, also tells her patients about videos and books for new parents available at The Women's Center for check-out. "This class covers diapering, bathing, infant safety, as well as the current safe sleep guidelines," says Denise. Another class, Prepared Childbirth, provides a tour of the labor and delivery area, answers questions and offers tips and advice from labor and delivery nurses. Other For more information, call 269-LADY in Springfield and 354-1COX in Monett, see the calendar of events in this magazine or visit coxhealth.com. Your experts, friends, neighbors. 13