Flexibility. That’s the key to a good birth plan. A birth plan is a list of preferences that you have regarding different aspects of your labour and delivery. Because events can unfold quickly and unexpectedly, putting together a birth plan when you’re relaxed and have time to think is better than making choices while under pressure or rushed.
It is also important to recognize that things will probably not go 100% according to any plan that you set out and that’s alright. A birth plan should be considered more of a guideline rather than a statement of fact. Below are different factors to consider when putting together your birth plan.
Type of delivery
Depending on your personal circumstances you might be considering a home birth, a water birth or a caesarian section. Whatever your preference may be, speak to your doctor to first determine the feasibility of your delivery preference. Your provider can discuss all options that are available to you and what the safest choices would be.
In the event that your team needs to use an alternative delivery method, it is also a good idea to list backup options that you’re comfortable having if delivery becomes difficult. For example, if you need to be induced or suddenly need to have a c-section.
Pain relief options
This is an important one -and it is also one that might change. Consider what pain relief options you are going to use. Are you considering an epidural, laughing gas (nitrous oxide) or have you decided to try it without any pain relief options?
Examples of unmedicated delivery options that can help with pain management include:
- Hydrotherapy with birthing tubs or showers.
- Warm or cold water compresses.
As above, think about back up pain relief options. For example, epidurals are time-sensitive events which means that you can only be administered during a specific window of time during labour. If for any reason you are not in the hospital during that window then an epidural cannot be used. Therefore, think about backup options.
Additionally, if you’ve changed your mind about your pain relief option, discuss this with your doctor now so they can make note of your preferences.
Do you know who will be in the delivery room with you?
Have you thought about who you want present during the delivery e.g. your partner, Mother, doula? There may be a limit to the number of people allowed in the delivery room.
Go over your birthing plan again and again!
During the first half of your pregnancy, you may have sat down with your OBGYN to discuss a birthing plan. If so, now that you are further along in your pregnancy, consider if you’re still happy with the original plan. Perhaps your circumstances have changed and you want to make a few adjustments to it. Alternatively, it’s nice just to remind yourself of details you may have forgotten.
Sharing your birth plan
Once you have an outline in place, share your birth plan with your provider. This will help to ensure that you are both on the same page when it comes to your preferences.
Other items to consider
- Keep it short – your birth plan should be no longer than one page. The idea is to keep it short and easy to read.
- Do some homework – For example, if you’ll need to have a c-section, do you know what to expect? If you don’t really know what a c-section involves, do a little online reading to get a general idea of the process. And if you have any questions, speak to your doctor.
- Birth plan template
There’s no shortage of birth plan templates out there on the internet, but this one from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists covers all the bases in a downloadable and printable PDF.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/health-tools/sample-birth-plan
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