Putting Together a Birth Plan
Many first time parents may wonder what a Birth Plan is and may question if it is important for them.
A birth plan is a tool for you to use as a written record of your wishes of what you and your partner would ideally expect for your labor and delivery. It is important for you to develop your plan together with your health care provider. This can be utilized as a tool to communicate with both your doctor and the place of delivery your wishes in advance so they can best meet your individual expectations.
You may find many websites that offer on-line outlines to help you develop your birth birth plan. Your caregiver and childbirth educator can be a resource to help you develop your wish list. You may choose to research the literature, or may already know just what you want.
Begin discussion with your partner to establish an overview. Who do you want present with you at the birth? Today some women are using a type of hired support person called a doula. Doulas are people who are educated in pregnancy, birth and aftercare issues such as breastfeeding. You may choose to have both your partner and a doula present at your birth experience, or you may feel comfortable having your partner be your solo support person. How do you plan to manage your labor? Do you have specific wishes concerning methods of pain management, fetal monitoring, or episiotomy? The atmosphere of the labor area such as lighting or music may be important to your ability to relax during and between labor contractions. You may expect to photograph your birth, or your partner may expect to participate by cutting the umbilical cord. It may be important to you to breastfeed your infant shortly after birth. Do you expect to have your infant “room-in” with you? Does your partner expect to have access to a phone to notify family members immediately after birth? You may want other family members to visit you and your baby shortly after birth.
Once you have decided on the issues that are important to you, it is time to openly discuss your wishes with your health care provider. It is important for you to know in advance if your doctor is in agreement or will suggest modifications to your plan.
Determine where your delivery will take place. Schedule a tour of the facility. This is a perfect time to review your birth plan to ensure that the hospital/birthing center is able to meet your expectations.
Give your labor coach, doctor or midwife, and the facility in which you plan to deliver a written copy of your wishes in advance so you will have the best opportunity for all to work together as a team toward common goals for your birth. Each birth experience is unique, and safety for you and your infant may necessitate deviations from your plan. Success in the end is measured by a happy and healthy outcome for both mother and child.