Creating A Birthing Plan

A birthing plan - also simply called a birth plan - can be a wonderful communication tool.

But what exactly is a birth plan?

A birth plan lets everyone in your support system - doctor, midwife, doula, etc. - know in detail what you want - and don't want - for your birth.

Birth plans are a custom made communication tool made to fit your needs, wants and desires.

Please remember that birth plans only set guidelines. If your doctor - or midwife - feels that there is a problem - i.e., you or your baby's life is in danger - your care provider may not follow your birth plan.
But then again, your birth plan should have directions for such unexpected events as well.

However, a good caregiver should always have the courtesy to talk to you about the change instead of just doing it. Keep in mind that there is ALWAYS time - even if just a few minutes - for your birth attendant to inform you of what's going on...for ultimately everything that is done during your birth should be up to you.

How Do You Write a Birth Plan?

They are many aspects to consider, for example:

For labor:

Do you want an IV?

Do you want to move around?

Who is allowed in the room with you?

For the birth:

Do you want an episiotomy?

Do you want anyone to take your baby or do you want her to be placed in your arms?

Do you want your husband to deliver your baby?

Do you want your baby to receive eye drops?

In case of an emergency, who will accompany your baby?

Do you want to breastfeed?

These are but a few of the questions to ponder.

In order to create a birthing plan which encompasses all your wishes and desires, you may need to do some research into all the procedures that are performed as part of the "routine."

Are they necessary?

Are they beneficial?

Can you refuse them?

The answer to the last question is "YES." Most of the time, you can refuse any interventions. Granted, you may step on some toes but ultimately the decisions are yours...unless you abdicate your rights.

We would also suggest that you talk to some moms who are like minded and have given birth before. They may be able to help you muddle through all the questions and options.

Where Will You Give Birth?

You may wonder: "what does this have to do with creating a birthing plan?"

Well, actually a lot!

If you plan a hospital birth, you will want to create a birth plan which is very detailed.

You will want your doctor to sign off on it and we would suggest you make lots of copies:

Have one - or two - with you

One in your file with your doctor

One filed at the hospital

Note: Hospital policies usually override your doctor's - and therefore your - wishes. He may agree to your desires BUT he more than likely will NOT be with you during labor. You will be at the mercy of hospital staff, and you must be ready to battle for your rights if need be.

If you plan to give birth at a free-standing birth center, you more than likely will be dealing with midwives. However, be aware that they may still need to answer to doctors. Moreover, not all midwives are created equal. Ask questions, and lots of them. It is not during your birthing time that you want to discover that there are issues.

A good birth center should have some time set aside during a visit to talk specifically about your birthing plan.

To create a birth plan for a birth center, the most important part will be what you want to happen in case of a transfer. Even though transfers are very unlikely, preparation is important.

If you choose to birth at home, a birth plan is still a good idea.

However, you will have spent a lot of time with your midwife at prenatal appointments discussing a lot of your likes and dislikes, wishes etc. so nothing on your birth plan should surprise her.

Further Information On How to Write A Birth Plan

Dr. Marsden Wagner has written a wonderful book on how to create a birthing plan.

Because of his impeccable international reputation as an OBGYN in favor of homebirth as well as fewer interventions, and his thorough knowledge on birth, we highly recommend this book.

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