A birth plan is a written document that lets your medical team know your preferences for things like how to manage labor pain and what to do during delivery. While not every aspect of labor and delivery can be controlled, a birth plan helps you explore your options and communicate your wishes with your healthcare providers. Here’s a basic guide for expectant parents on creating a birth plan.

Understand Your Options

Before you can decide what to write down in your birth plan, do some research and ask questions to get a good idea of what options are available. This may include details like where you’d like to give birth, preferred labor and/or birth positions, or the people you want in the room during delivery (or people you do not want in the room during delivery). Knowing the options that are available can help you make informed choices about your birth plan.

Choose the Right Setting and Healthcare Provider

Decide where you want to give birth, such as in a hospital, a birthing center, or at home. Each setting offers different experiences and available resources. Also, choose healthcare providers who are open to discussing your birth plan.

Creating a Birth Plan WFMC Health

Outline Your Pain Management Preferences

Pain management is a critical aspect of your birth plan. Consider the possibility of different pain relief methods, including options like epidurals, or more natural methods like breathing exercises, massage, and water therapy.

Specify Labor and Delivery Preferences

Include your preferences for the labor process in your plan. Would you like to be able to move around, use a birthing ball, or have a water birth? Also, consider what kind of monitoring you’re comfortable with and how you feel about various types of medical interventions in case of an emergency.

Plan for After the Birth

Your birth plan should also include your preferences for after the delivery. This can include things like immediate skin-to-skin contact, whether you’d like to breastfeed right away, or if you’d like to do delayed umbilical cord clamping.

Newborn Procedures

Be informed about common newborn procedures like vitamin K and hepatitis B shots, eye drops to reduce infection, and newborn screening tests. Knowing what to expect during your newborn’s first few hours of life can help you have peace of mind while you rest and recover from giving birth.

Be Flexible

It’s important to remember that birth is unpredictable. While a written birth plan is a great way to communicate your wishes, it’s essential to remain flexible and open to changes for the safety of you and your baby.

Communicate with Your Healthcare Team

Be sure to discuss your birth plan in depth with your healthcare provider(s) ahead of time. They can provide feedback and help set realistic expectations. Make sure your plan is added to your medical records and bring extra copies with you to the hospital or birthing center.

Review and Revise as Needed

As your due date approaches, review your birth plan and make any necessary adjustments. Your preferences might change as you learn more about your pregnancy or the birthing process.

A birth plan is a valuable tool for expectant parents to communicate their wishes and make informed decisions about labor and delivery. By understanding your options, communicating with your healthcare team, and staying flexible, you can create a birth plan that aligns with your preferences and provides a guide for your birthing journey.

This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. If you have further questions about creating a birth plan or are unsure where to start, schedule an appointment with your provider.

This blog post was first published on WFMCHealth.org.