Developing a birth plan

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Developing a birth plan

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

Developing a birth plan

A birth plan is a simple one-page statement that clearly lays out for hospital staff you and your partner's wishes, hopes, and expectations for the birth of your child. However, be prepared to be as flexible as possible, as the best laid plans for birthing often get altered. By laying out a realistic plan that can be discussed with the nurses and doctor(s) ahead of time, they will know what your expectations are and can explain if and when things need to be changed. This is an important activity to complete together with your partner, as both of you will be part of this significant process and want to feel confident that you played a role in the decision making.

Things to consider

When creating your birth plan, attempt to highlight what you do want to do and try during labor, not on what you don't want. For example, phrases such as "We hope to..." and "We would like to..." sound more positive than "We will not..." and "We don't want...". You may want to consider adding any of the following components to clearly state your desired wishes:

List anyone you would like to be in the delivery room.
List any activities and positions you would like to try during labor. (i.e., walking, lying on back, squatting, hands and knees, use of a birthing ball)
List any relaxation exercises you would like to try during labor. (i.e., showering, music, TV, massage)
State if you want to use an enema.
State if and when you want to use an IV.
State if you want to use medicine for pain relief. (i.e., epidural)
State if you want to use pitocin for induction of labor, if necessary.
State if you want to use a mirror during delivery.
State if you want an episiotomy, if necessary.
State your preferences about the use of forceps and vacuum extraction.
State your preferences about the use of a camera and/or video camera in the delivery room.
State your preferences about umbilical cord cutting.
State your preferences about cord blood banking.
State your preferences about holding your baby after giving birth.
State your preferences about bathing your baby after giving birth.
State your preferences about breastfeeding after giving birth.
State your preferences about using formula after giving birth. (either for supplement or whole nutrition)
State your preferences about using pacifiers.
For a scheduled or unplanned cesarean birth you may want to state your preferences on the presence of your partner, the use of anesthesia, holding your baby, and breastfeeding.

Once your birth plan is written, take it to a regularly scheduled doctor's appointment to be discussed prior to labor. Additionally, remember to place several copies of your final birth plan in your hospital bag to have ready for the hospital staff when you go into labor.

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