Delivery in Poland

Preparations for the delivery begin in a birthing school: classes for parents-to-be, allowing them to prepare for the delivery and childcare. Birthing schools exist at hospitals, some are also operated by non-governmental organizations. The classes are addressed both to mothers- and the fathers-to-be. During the classes, the participants discover what is happening with the child in the mother’s womb and prepare for the delivery, by learning labour positions and breathing techniques. Newborn care is also discussed.
Specific information on birthing schools in a given city or region may be obtained at the healthcare centre where the pregnancy is managed.

Most birthing schools are paid, but the costs are often covered by the National Health Fund.
A free birthing school for the women who have registered domicile in Warsaw or pay their taxes there is operated by Szkoła Rodzenia Przy Inflanckiej.
Mums-to-be in Poland may choose a home or hospital delivery, depending on their preferences.

Delivery Plan

Delivery Plan is a document elaborated with the pregnant woman together with her doctor or midwife (or by herself), in which she describes the expected course of the delivery and the individual needs. The Delivery Plan should include the presence of the accompanying person, the consent to possible medical interventions and the use of anaesthetics. It may underline the cultural and religious issues which the doctors should respect. The Delivery Plan covers all the stages of delivery. The Childbirth with Dignity Foundation has elaborated a De;overu Plan Creator, available online at tutaj. Talking things through with a doctor or a midwife may also be helpful. However, it needs to be remembered that what the Delivery Plan presents the woman’s preferences and expectations with regard to the childbirth, but if the life or the health of the child or of the mum-to-be is in danger, the plan will cease to matter. Saving them will be the most important thing.

What happens at the hospital?

The pregnant woman reports at the hospital and is referred to the reception unit, where she presents her documents and test results, she also discusses her general health with a midwife. A gynecological examination and a CTG are performed in order to establish the stage of the labour. That is the best moment for presenting the delivery plan, as there may be no time for that later on. Then, after it is established that the relevant stage of labour, the woman is directed to the delivery room. She may also be sent back home if she appeared at the hospital too early on or if the labour has not started at all. Delivery rooms are usually double, sometimes single. Specific information on the respective stages of the labour may be obtained from a doctor or a midwife. After the delivery, the child’s Apgar score is measured, usually on his or her mother’s tummy.
After the childbirth, the mother and the child spend about three days at the hospital.
At the moment of the discharge, the parents are provided with a document entitled the Written Notification of Birth. It is an important document which absolutely mustn’t be lost, as it is the basis for issuing the birth certificate later on.