Creating a birth plan is a helpful way to outline your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care, making it easier for you and your healthcare team to ensure your needs are met. Here’s a guide on what to include and how to create a thorough yet flexible birth plan:
1. Research Your Options
Before writing the plan, research birth options available in your hospital, birth center, or home setting. Talk to your healthcare provider about standard practices and any restrictions or options you should consider.
2. Begin with a Simple Introduction
Start with a brief statement introducing yourself and the type of birth you’re hoping to have. Mention that you understand birth is unpredictable and you’re open to flexibility.
3. Key Sections of a Birth Plan
Here’s what you might want to include in each section:
a. Labor Preferences
- Environment: Describe your ideal setting (dimmed lights, music, aromatherapy, etc.).
- Mobility and Positioning: Specify if you want to move freely or try different labor positions, such as walking, using a birthing ball, or squatting.
- Pain Relief: State your preference for pain management, whether you want to avoid medication, use natural methods, or request specific options like an epidural.
b. Support People
- Birth Partner(s): List the people you want to be present, like your partner, family members, or doula.
- Photography: Indicate whether you’d like photos or videos taken and under what circumstances.
c. Medical Interventions
- IV or Monitoring: State if you want minimal monitoring or are open to continuous monitoring.
- Labor Augmentation: Express your preferences regarding induction or augmentation methods, like Pitocin, if needed.
- Episiotomy: Note if you’d prefer natural tearing over an episiotomy if it’s safe.
d. Delivery Preferences
- Pushing Preferences: Specify if you’d like to push instinctively or wait for guidance.
- Delivery Positions: Mention any preferences, like delivering on hands and knees, squatting, or semi-reclined.
- Vacuum or Forceps Use: Indicate if you’re open to assisted delivery if necessary.
e. Cesarean Section
- Preferences During Surgery: If a C-section is needed, specify any preferences (like a clear drape to see the baby being born or immediate skin-to-skin contact).
- Partner Presence: State if you want your partner or support person present during the surgery.
f. After Delivery (Postpartum)
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: Mention if you’d like immediate skin-to-skin contact.
- Cord Clamping: Specify if you want delayed cord clamping.
- Feeding Preferences: Indicate if you’re planning to breastfeed, formula feed, or a combination.
- Newborn Procedures: State any preferences about newborn exams, vaccinations, or eye ointment.
g. Unexpected Situations
- Acknowledge that some situations may require flexibility. State your desire to be informed and involved in decisions if plans need to change.
4. Review with Your Provider
Go over the birth plan with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s realistic and aligns with your facility’s policies.
5. Keep it Clear and Concise
Try to keep it to one or two pages, using bullet points for clarity. Many hospitals and birth centers appreciate simple, straightforward birth plans.
6. Share Your Plan
Bring multiple copies for your healthcare team and discuss it with them in advance so that they’re aware of your wishes before labor begins.
