New parents naturally assume that their delivery will follow a normal trajectory, but your little one might have other ideas. Experienced parents understand that things rarely go as planned in the delivery room. The best birth plan tips can help parents-to-be learn to expect the unexpected, creating peace of mind on the big day.
We've compiled this guide to help you think beyond playlists when it's time to create a birth plan. We'll discuss the questions and preferences that first-time parents rarely consider. When you have a plan in place for every eventuality, you'll be able to focus on the tunes when it's time for the big push.
Read on to learn our best delivery tips, as well as what questions to consider when you're planning for the ideal labor.
Your Body, Your Choice
You're excited to welcome your sweet baby, so it's natural for your birth plan to focus on your little one and their comfort. Don't lose sight of the fact that you're the one who is going to be doing the work. Your body is an essential part of this process, and your preferences belong on your birth plan.
These preferences can be as simple as indicating how often you'd like nurses to touch you. If you have sensory concerns, it's appropriate to note these in your birth plan. Likewise, if you are touchy-feely and want to encourage a hands-on approach, say so.
Some preferences might have longer-term implications if you do not speak up. For example, many labor and delivery doctors will automatically perform an episiotomy. While it is occasionally necessary, it's completely valid to refuse the procedure outside of an emergency scenario.
What Happens After Birth
Once you hear your baby's first cries, everything will begin to move very fast. Without instructions, a team will swoop in and get to work like a well-oiled machine. They will clean your baby and administer medications and supplements unless told otherwise.
Recently, researchers have suggested that there are benefits to waiting for 24 hours after birth to bathe a baby for the first time. Your baby will be born covered in vernix caseosa, which is harmless, natural, and can boost the immune system. You might choose to decline a bath after delivery.
Some parents prefer to decline erythromycin ointment after birth. Others refuse Vitamin K because they hope to remain all-natural. If you have a strong opinion about these treatments, you should highlight them in your birth plan.
Often, parents make these decisions because they're concerned about bonding with their newborn. Consider requesting immediate skin-to-skin contact after delivery. This can comfort your baby, regulate their body temperature, and help new parents begin bonding immediately.
Medication Matters
Birth is hard on the body, and your medical team will do all they can to make it as painless and comfortable as possible. That often involves administering medication. If you have concerns about receiving certain medications before or after birth, include a section about this on your birth plan.
If you prefer an all-natural birth, you might choose to forego pain medications. Some mothers choose not to have an epidural or to receive an epidural only after meeting a certain pain threshold. Likewise, you may be more comfortable with some pain medications than others, and it's fine to indicate a preference or refuse a certain drug.
Your delivery team might also offer you stool softeners or laxatives. You can also decline these. Speak to your doctor and make an informed decision based on what is best for your body.
Plan for Every Scenario
Do you have a plan in place in the case of an emergency c-section? While this situation can be stressful, you can make decisions in advance so you won't need to scramble. Many parents-to-be include a section that outlines their preferences if a natural delivery becomes impossible.
Here are a few preferences you might include in this section:
- Whether you want your partner present
- Who will cut the cord
- Medication preferences before the procedure
- Preferences for infant/mother separation
- Whether you'd like skin-to-skin in the operating room
- Photos allowed (or not allowed)
Thinking through and communicating these things in advance will eliminate stress if things change. Many new moms agree that it's better to create a plan for an emergency c-section than fail to plan and need one.
Furthermore, you may want to think through your preferences if your sweet baby needs to spend time in the NICU. This can be comforting for women who are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. Have a conversation with your OBGYN regarding concerns and preferences.
In conclusion
Remember that your birth plan is not a contract. It is a tool that can help you start a conversation. Share it with those who will respect your wishes and advocate for you during labor, such as your family, friends, and spouse.
Be clear, be specific, and don't let yourself believe you're "jinxing" yourself by planning for emergency circumstances.
Ultimately, you have a right to informed consent related to your baby and your body. One of our best pregnancy tips is to grant yourself the time and space to research and decide what you need to feel comfortable.
The Perfect Birth Plan
Writing a birth plan is an empowering way for new moms to reclaim their autonomy in the delivery room. The perfect birth plan is about more than aesthetics. With these birth plan tips, you'll create a thoughtful plan so you won't be making stressful choices at the eleventh hour.
You deserve to experience peace of mind in the delivery room and beyond. With the Pixsee smart baby monitor, you'll be able to keep a close eye on your sweet baby from anywhere, even in complete darkness. Visit our online store to discover how the award-winning Pixsee App helps busy parents focus on what matters.
