Whether you're about to have your first baby or your fifth, you've imagined how you want your labor and delivery to go. You can picture the events in your mind, down to what you'll be wearing and how soon you'll get to hold your sweet baby after birth.
Imagining the future can be comforting, but what will you do if there's a hiccup and your plans need to shift on the spot?
That's why so many parents-to-be create a birth plan long before they step foot in the delivery room. In essence, a birth plan is a detailed list of preferences that outline your ideal labor and delivery conditions. It's a way to communicate your needs and desires to the team that will be caring for you during this exciting transition.
We've created this guide to explain the intricacies of a great birth plan and help you prepare to write your own. We'll include the most important considerations, plus tips and tricks that can help you express your non-negotiable wishes in a kind, compassionate manner.
Read on to learn how to write a birth plan that meets your most pressing needs.
What Is a Birth Plan?
You have the right to make choices about what happens to your body, especially in a compromising situation such as while giving birth. While your delivery might be one of the most important days of your life, the staff in the delivery room will see it as just another day of work. Without instructions, even the kindest, most well-meaning team might make assumptions about what you want or need during this vulnerable time—and some choices might have long-term implications.
When you write a birth plan, you are giving yourself the gift of forethought. It's an opportunity to think about questions that you might not consider otherwise. Take the opportunity to discuss your preferences and desires with your partner to ensure you're both on the same page about your needs.
Ultimately, you'll end up with a document that spells out what you want in an ideal birth. You'll also have the opportunity to think through and articulate your preferred interventions if things don't go as planned. A great birth plan includes a list of non-negotiable requests, emergency procedures, and "nice to haves."
As a general rule, your birth plan should include requests related to the following:
- Postpartum procedures
- Pain management and medications
- Newborn care
For example, do you want your baby cleaned immediately after birth or would you prefer to hold her first? Would you like an epidural or an all-natural birth? Do you consent to an episiotomy?
In essence, a birth plan allows you the opportunity to "expect the unexpected" and plan for deviations and inevitabilities long before they occur. You'll go into the process with peace of mind, knowing you've thought through and communicated your desires. The simple acknowledgment that things may not go as planned is often enough to calm nerves on the big day.
How to Create a Birth Plan
No two birth plans are alike because no two parents, babies, or circumstances are alike. Even so, even first-time parents can compile a complete and effective document by following a few simple steps.
Start With the Big Picture
What would your dream delivery look like? Start your birth plan with the end in mind. Answer broad questions, starting with the six W's.
- WHO would you like to be present
- WHAT type of birth do you prefer
- WHERE would you like delivery to happen
- WHEN would you like to give birth (if having a planned C-section or inducing)
- WHY do you feel this way (based on research)
- HOW do you intend to accomplish your goals
It can be helpful to tour hospitals or birthing centers, interview care providers such as doctors, midwives, and doulas, and read broadly. It's not too early to dream up your "second best" scenarios now, too.
Get Specific
Now that you've established a general location for your birth and know who you want in the room, you can dream up the details. Ideally, what song will be playing when your baby makes their first appearance? What will you be wearing?
You can also explicitly state what you do not want. Perhaps you've had a bad experience with medical students in the past and prefer a more intimate birth.
Likewise, if you have strong opinions about medications or pain relief, make them clear. This includes things such as whether or not you'd like to be mobile during contractions. Would you like to hold off on medication until you reach a certain threshold and, if so, what is your limit?
Other Considerations
There is a lot to think about when you're planning for delivery. Many parents-to-be include the following considerations in their plans:
- Preferred birthing position
- Circumcision or no circumcision
- Baby sleep location
- Plan for an unexpected C-section
- NICU plan
It can be scary to dwell on the worst-case scenarios, but it's much scarier to make a spur-of-the-moment decision if labor doesn't go as planned. It's better to have a plan you don't need than to go in empty-handed.
Share Your Plan
Don't wait until you go into labor to share your birth plan with your OBGYN. Bring it to an appointment and initiate a conversation. Ensure that they hear and support you, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Bring your birth plan along when you finally head to the hospital or birthing center. Be sure to highlight any non-negotiable or important considerations.
All the best pregnancy tips involve clear, thoughtful communication. Don't be shy when the time comes to self-advocate.
Plan Ahead With Pixsee
Every birth is unique, and it's impossible to plan for every inevitability. When you create a birth plan, you'll have a set of guidelines to help you communicate your best-case scenario. If your baby has other ideas, your delivery team will be able to move forward with your desires and preferences in mind, so you won't need to make difficult decisions while under duress.
Every part of parenting gets simpler when you plan ahead. This is the perfect time to add the Pixsee smart baby monitor to your registry so you won't have to go a single day without peace of mind. Visit our Amazon online store and Pixsee Shop to learn why new moms trust Pixsee to capture their baby's growth journey from day one.
