As women become more educated about the process of giving birth and decide to take a more active role in planning details of their birthing experience, birth plans have become increasingly popular. A birth plan is a set of basic guidelines, hopes, and desires for when a woman goes into labor. It allows a woman to have a framework set up with her partner, her doctor, and the hospital staff present during labor. Some women have very basic birth plans while others can develop birth plans that span several pages. The most important aspect of a birth plan is that it allows for flexibility. There is no way we can control all aspects of labor, no matter how much we want to or how hard we try, so being flexible in your birth plan is key to a less stressful experience.
Common Aspects of Birth Plans:
- Who you want present at the birth (your spouse, mother, siblings, etc.).
- What activities you would like to do during labor such as walking around the halls, sitting on a birthing ball, sitting in the tub, etc.
- Are there certain things you would like to bring to the hospital with you such as music, your own clothing to labor in, or pictures and video equipment.
- What positions you would like to try during the pushing stage (semi-reclining, side laying, hands and knees, squatting).
- Pain relief preferences-whether you would like to go all natural (such as using massage, self-hypnosis, breathing, or other medication-free methods) or whether you want to avoid certain kinds of pain medications while you are willing to consider others.
- Your preferences for fetal monitoring.
- If you would like to eat or drink some things during labor-keep in mind that some hospitals may not allow you to eat in case there is a need to a C-section.
- If you are willing to consider an episiotomy and what methods you would like to try if you want to avoid it.
- Your preferences during a vaginal delivery such as having a mirror to watch your baby being born, or reaching down to feel his/her head, or having your partner help "catch" the baby.
- Your preferences right after delivery like holding your baby right away if he/she is not in need of immediate medical intervention, breastfeeding as soon as possible, or if you want your spouse to cut the cord.
- What your preferences are in the case of a C-section.
- If you would like to room-in with your baby or have your baby taken to the nursery during specific times.
- Your plans for feeding, whether you plan to breastfeed or formula feed, or if you don't want your baby to be given formula unless absolutely necessary.
- If you plan on circumsizing your son or not and where you plan on having the procedure done (in the hospital or later at a clinic or doctors office).
- Plans for Discharge from the hospital.
You can create your own birth plan or look up birth plan templates online. Baby Center has a birth plan that you can print out and check the boxes that apply to you. It is wise to print out a copy for yourself, provide one for your primary care provider (family physician, OB/GYN, or midwife), then bring a copy to the hospital with you to be added to your file there.
Remember, the key is to allow for flexibility in your birth plan because it does not always go according to plan. When it comes down to the decisions regarding your birthing experiences, honor your own preferences, but trust your doctors, nurses, and other professionals to use their best judgment during delivery. If they ask or encourage you to do something that you may not want, ask them to explain to you why they are suggesting it and what your other options may be. The most important thing, regardless of the method of delivery, is that both you and your baby are healthy and well-cared for.
Disclaimer: The Pregnancy, Babies, and Birth blog series is meant as a source of general information only. Its intended use is to encourage women to further consider and discuss reproductive and birthing decisions themselves with their partners and with their medical care providers. Information included in this series is not intended to be professional medical advice or a substitution for a relationship with a licensed physician or practitioner. Any serious questions or concerns about reproductive, prenatal, and/or perinatal health should be directed to your primary care physician or other licensed specialist. Women's Services and Resources does not promote any particular brand, medical provider, birthing location, or any other specific birthing decisions. We strongly encourage women to become as educated about their choices as possible so they are empowered to make educated decisions for themselves and their babies.
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