Developing A Birth Plan
Developing a birth plan is a great way to get prepared for the birth of your baby. Birth plans can be written on an official template or even on a receipt. Regardless of where it is written, it is important that you share your wishes with your support team as well as your medical providers. A copy can be placed in your chart as well as your hospital bag, so that every member of your team has access to it.
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is a tool that you can use during labor and delivery. It details all of your wishes for yourself, your environment, and the care of your baby. A birth plan is usually created before the birth of your baby, however it is never too late to communicate your wants and needs. Additionally, a birth plan is a roadmap and communication tool between you and your healthcare team. It lets them know your wishes when planning for potential interventions, delivery accommodations, and care of your baby. It is important to discuss your birth plan with your provider prior to birth to make sure they support and are onboard with your wishes. Reviewing your birth plan with your care team ahead of time is also helpful in assessing any potential risk factors. It can also be a reference guide for your support team when they are advocating for you during labor and delivery.
What to include in your birth plan
There are many different templates for birth plans out there and they are all great! Your doctor or midwife’s office may even have a standard one that they use, but if not here are some of the things that you should consider including in your birth plan:
- Your name and any important health information that you would like your team to know.
- Who would you like to take you to the hospital?
- Who would you like notified when you are in labor or when your baby is born?
- Who would you like in the delivery room? Do you have a doula?
- What accommodations would you like for labor? (Do you want a ball, chair, squatting bar, bathtub or shower?)
- How do you plan to labor? Would you like to lay down, be able to walk, be in a bathtub, etc?
- Are you interested in pain relief medications? If so, which ones?
- What interventions are you okay with? How do you feel about medications that induce labor like pitocin and others? What about the use of forceps or vacuum to help get the baby out?
- How do you hope to deliver your baby? Vaginally? Cesarean? Water birth? What positions would you like to give birth in?
- How would you like the environment during labor? (Music, lights, etc.)
- What is your preference for monitoring? Would you like to stay on the fetal monitor? How often would you prefer to be checked?
- Once your baby is born, would you like to have skin to skin contact right away? Do you want your baby to go to the nursery or to have a bath? What are your wishes for the umbilical cord and would you like the baby to receive vaccines?
- Are you planning on breastfeeding and would you like support?
- Who would you like to visit you after the baby is born?
- What would you like for pain management after birth?
Note that your birth plan can be as simple or as detailed as you would like. This is tailored for you to have the experience that you want and deserve! Make sure that you are clear with your wishes as well as options in case changes to your plan are medically necessary. Know that your birth plan may change and it is okay if it doesn't go exactly as planned. The ultimate goal is for you and your baby to be healthy, so it is important to remain flexible along the way!
