Your birth experience should feel just as special as the moment itself. From those initial contractions to your baby’s first cuddles, this is your day, and you have more say in it than you might think.
The Baby Place at AdventHealth for Women, and various other locations throughout Central Florida, designs every detail with you in mind so you can prepare for the “Best Birth Day Ever.” From a caring, experienced team to comforting amenities that help you feel supported each step of the way, your every wish is considered.
Carolina Ayala, Senior Manager of the Birth Experience Team, is here to answer some frequently asked questions and describe some of the many ways AdventHealth for Women can help you plan a delivery day that feels calm, personal and truly yours.
What is a Birth Experience Coordinator, and who should have one?
Carolina: A Birth Experience Coordinator is a registered nurse (RN) who partners with expectant families before delivery to help them feel prepared, informed and confident about their birth experience. They provide education, answer questions, offer hospital tours and help families understand what to expect from admission to postpartum recovery.
Anyone expecting a baby can benefit from working with a Birth Experience Coordinator, including those choosing adoption or surrogacy. Birth Experience Coordinators are especially valuable for first time parents, families with anxiety or prior birth trauma, high risk pregnancies needing extra guidance and anyone seeking a more personalized birth experience.
What is “Birth Wishes,” and why is it important to prepare a Birth Wishes plan?
Carolina: “Birth Wishes” is a simple way for families to communicate preferences for labor and delivery and postpartum care. Birth Wishes are important because they help care teams understand what matters most to the patient, encourage meaningful conversation before labor begins, reduce anxiety by helping moms feel more prepared and heard and create alignment between the family and clinical team.
What items do you recommend for a hospital go-bag so that moms can feel as comfortable as possible?
Carolina: Whatever makes every unique mother feel comfortable is a good idea for that mom. Ideas include a favorite pillow, a warm blanket, comfortable pajamas for after delivery, nursing bras, loose-fitting clothing and even a cherished comfort item.
What’s one thing you wish every mom knew before going into delivery day?
Carolina: Remember that there is no perfect delivery. Childbirth rarely goes exactly as planned, or quickly. What matters most is that you feel supported and informed. Ask questions, speak up about your needs and lean into your care team. They’re here not just to deliver your baby, but to care for you as a mother and a whole person.
The Best Birth Day Ever
A more personal delivery day begins with a conversation and the right support. You don’t have to plan it alone, and you won’t be alone either. You’ll have us to guide you through every moment.
Visit us here at AdventHealth for Women to connect with a Birth Experience Coordinator. Remember to talk through your Birth Wishes with your provider to help bring your vision of the “Best Birth Day Ever” to life.
