Your Birth Plan
What To Consider Before Labor
Giving birth is a miraculous experience, but it can also be a time of last-minute decisions because of all that is happening around you. Talking to your doctor about your birthing preferences is always helpful but sometimes isn’t enough. When it comes time to deliver, your doctor may not be available, and the person on call may not be aware of your wishes.
What is a birth plan?
More than ever, pregnant women are educating themselves about their choices
for childbirth and writing them down in a birth plan. A birth plan is
a simple and clear way to let your healthcare providers and labor coach
know what you would like during labor and delivery. Your birth plan can
be as simple as a letter stating your preferences or as detailed as some
forms that can be found on the Internet.
When to write a birth plan
You should discuss your birth plan with your doctor between 32 to 36 weeks
into your pregnancy. Your doctor should be able to tell you how much flexibility
the hospital will allow when you make choices for your labor and delivery.
Who should see it
Once you have finalized your birth plan with your doctor, make sure to
give copies to:
your doctor (one for your office chart and one to send with your records to the birthing site)
your support people (i.e. labor coach, family), and
the birthing site (pack four copies in your suitcase and give one to the admitting staff, one to keep in the birthing room, one to your labor coach, and one for yourself.)
If you change your mind during delivery about the information on your birth plan, don’t worry. It’s merely a statement of preferences, not a legal contract. However, remember that a birth plan will never override medically necessary procedures.
Go to your local library or bookstore and talk with your healthcare provider about formulating a birth plan. The Internet also has a wealth of information on birth plans, including sample ones and step-by-step instructions on how to make your own.
Keep in mind that the most thought-out, detailed birth plan won’t take the place of clear communication with your doctor. However, your birth plan should prepare you for the choices that you and your doctor will have to make when you welcome your new baby into the world.