Planning for the Big Day

Baptist Health Lexington: Planning for the Big Day

OB/GYN Randal Owen, MD, talks about the importance of preparing for your baby’s birth by attending prenatal classes and developing a labor and delivery plan.

Planning for the Big Day Health Talks Transcript

Randal W. Owen, MD, Obstetrics/Gynecology
I feel like having a plan for your labor and delivery is very important, but it’s also important to be flexible. I always tell patients if they want to go natural, but end up having pain medicine, or end up having an epidural, they shouldn’t feel guilty about that because labor sometimes is unpredictable. The main goal is for the mom to be healthy and the baby to be healthy. Over the years, I’ve found that when patients take prenatal classes, take tours of the hospital and become familiar with the facilities they’re going to be at, it really reduces the anxiety and kind of that initial stress in the process. The prenatal classes are great because you get to meet other couples who are in the same situation. They’re usually due around the same time. The prenatal classes not only teach you about natural childbirth and relaxation, but also teach you the options for pain control like IV medications, epidurals, etcetera, so I really feel like the prepared couple does the best and has the best experience. Baptist Health Lexington is a new facility, it’s up-to-date, it’s comfortable for the families, it’s comfortable for the mom and the dad, and we have the latest technology to take care of your baby and you, if you did have problems. I feel like there should be no hesitation in your expectations at Baptist Health Lexington.