Having a baby is one of the most memorable and momentous events in a woman’s life. Throughout pregnancy, most women develop a fairly clear picture of what would be her ideal birth experience. Writing a birth plan will help in thinking through exactly what you desire to take place on that day, as much as you or the medical staff can control, and will express those wishes to those at the hospital assisting you.
A birth plan is a document outlining your preferences and hopes for labor and delivery. It does not need to be long and complicated; rather, the more simple and easy to read the better. Think about what your ultimate birth experience would entail and what it would take to achieve that experience. Birth is inherently an unknown process so be willing to accept that some of your desires might not be met, but before going into labor it is beneficial to spend time with your spouse or labor partner to discuss your desires for the birth of your baby.
Important Points to Think Through When Writing Your Birth Plan
This is a document that your doctor and nurses will be reading as they are coming in and out of your hospital room so it shouldn’t be too long or difficult to read. Keep your birth plan to one page and easy to look through. Break your birth plan up into sections and what you want done during each part of labor: First stage of labor, second stage of labor, and after delivery. Lastly, make sure that the information you include in the birth plan is directly relevant to the doctors. For example, lighting in the room is something your spouse can take care of himself and doesn’t necessarily need to be included, but your preferences with pain management should absolutely be outlined on the birth plan.
What Should Be Included On the Birth Plan?
There are many aspects of labor and delivery to think about and mom should know her preferences before going into the hospital. Discussing these wishes with your spouse also opens up communication about what is expected and hoped for during labor and delivery. While writing your birth plan, keep in mind that it might not go exactly as you picture and that is alright, but knowing your desires will help the hospital staff to do everything they can to deliver your baby safely and most closely aligned with your wishes. The following list contains important issues to think through when composing your birth plan:
- Unmedicated birth vs. Epidural
- One support person vs. Family and friends in the room
- Vaginal delivery vs. Cesarean Section
- Labor at own pace vs. Induction
- Risk a tear vs. Episiotomy
- Freedom to move around vs. Stay in bed
- Wear own clothes vs. Wear hospital gown
- Eat and drink as desired vs. IV, ice chips, clear liquid only
- Push in a variety of positions vs. Lay on back in hospital
- Intermittent fetal monitoring vs. Continuous monitoring
Thinking Through Your Birth Plan is Important as You Prepare for the Birth of Baby
The birth experience of her baby is one that a woman will remember for the rest of her life. Writing a birth plan will help guide a woman and her medical team towards the birth that will be most fulfilling for her. When writing a birth plan, keep it positive and more of a wish list than a ‘please don’t do’ list. The power of positive thinking holds true with birth and many times focusing on fears and what you do not want to happen becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Thinking through your preferences for labor and the delivery of your baby helps everyone involved. It allows for open communication between the mother and father and ultimately a better understanding of how he can support her. It also, and importantly, expresses those wishes to the hospital staff who will be directly carrying out those desires as long as it is safe for mother and baby. Education, dedicated thinking, and preparation will all help contribute to a fulfilling birth plan for you personally and ultimately help reach the goal of welcoming a healthy baby into your home.
Sources:
- American Pregnancy Association. "Creating Your Birth Plan" (Accessed April 13, 2011)
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sarah Sandifer - Sarah Sandifer is a freelance writer, a teacher, an Army Wife, a home decorator, an avid cook, and an athlete. She loves teaching high ...
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