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A BIRTH PLAN spells out an expectant mother's delivery preferences, covering everything from how to manage labor pain to the type of music playing. "Flexibility is the key to having a birth plan that works," says Tami Johnson, RN, clinical obstetrics lead at Kishwaukee Hospital. "What's best might change as pregnancy progresses or delivery starts. We work with families to help make birth plans a reality and offer solutions if things don't go as intended." A birth plan review is a great way to start an in-depth conversation about the big day with your doctor, who can provide input about realistic expectations and factors you may not have considered. Things to Keep in Mind Jennifer Kleckner, RN, maternal child educator on staff at Kishwaukee Hospital, helps families start the process as part of KishHealth System's Prepared Childbirth class. She recommends writing a plan that will fit on one page and showing it to your doctor early during pregnancy. "Families need to be thoughtful and knowledgeable when making choices about giving birth," Kleckner says. "Learn the benefits and risks of each preference, and listen to your intuition and your doctor." KISHMATERNITYSUITES.ORG Kish Health System offers a wide variety of childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care classes taught by certified childbirth nurse educators. Register online and learn more about the maternity suites at Kishwaukee and Valley West Hospitals at Make the MOST of Your Birth Plan HAVING A FLEXIBLE BIRTH PLAN CAN HELP YOUR SPECIAL DAY GO AS SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE. Look for a list of featured classes and programs on the center spread. Most are free and require registration. Classes with low enrollment are generally canceled three days prior to the start date. Please register early. Register online at kishprograms.org. KishHealth System Cancer Centers provides patients and families with education, support, and resources to deal with the many challenges presented by cancer. Generous donor support helps underwrite the cost of these programs. If you are interested in making a donation to improve the quality of life for those dealing with cancer, please contact the KishHealth System Foundation at 815.748.9954 or visit kishhealthfoundation.org. We are the cornerstone of healthcare for the communities we serve—the first choice for service, comfort, and safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 72 percent of child safety seats are installed improperly, putting children's lives at risk. To help, the DeKalb Police Department offers free installation assistance and safety checks. When It's Time to Install the Car Seat … "My support team helped me stay focused for delivering my daughter the way I wanted. I felt at peace with the labor and delivery because everyone knew my preferences." —Jessica Heck To make an appointment with a child safety seat technician, call 815.748.8400. CANCER CENTERS OUR MISSION WELLNESS CLASSES AND PROGRAMS 2