Birth Plan
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is a written plan that includes your preferences for labor, birth, and postpartum in the hospital or birth space. You have options, and a birth plan can help you understand them. It can also help your birth team know how to support you, so that you feel included in the decision-making. This is your birth, after all.
Your birth plan may change over the course of your pregnancy. It is fine to change your mind about what you would like to happen when you are having your baby. Even when you are in labor and your baby is close to being born, you have a right to change the plan. Your birth plan is not a set-in-stone contract, but simply an outline of your wishes. Anyone can change their mind at any time.
Do I need to have a birth plan?
Nobody needs a birth plan, but they are helpful because they communicate what you want! That being said, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Birth plans shouldn’t be a firm thing that you refuse to negotiate. They should be an educational tool, so you can learn the risks/benefits of your options and figure out if you have preferences. They’re important so you have time to consider what you want before labor starts, so when you’re in the middle of contractions, you’re not being drilled with questions.
Birth plans make things easier for everyone when done properly. It can protect you from birth trauma, help you make informed decisions, and can help guide your team and your support person.
When should I think about making a birth plan?
There is no specific time to make a birth plan. For me, I started almost as soon as I found out I was pregnant, because my personality tells me to take in ALL of the information.
As long as you have enough time to think about it and discuss it with relevant people, your partner and care team, you’re good!
Speak with your healthcare provider about what is useful to include in your birth plan. It might depend on your birthing location, and if you or your baby have any specific health conditions.
How should I get started making a birth plan?
Start by thinking about what is important to you! Do you typically like to avoid medications and take a more natural, holisic route? Or are you team modern medicine?
Note the things you'd like to happen and any things you'd like to avoid. If you're not sure, ask your friends or family members who have babies. You may find a birth class helpful! If you have a partner, ask them if they'd like to join you. You can join birthing classes such as Lamaze, or find a technique that suits you such as hypnobirthing.
Keep it simple and clear! You might prefer to use an app or keep a digital copy, which would be easy to share with others. Keep a spare, physical copy with you during labor and ask your healthcare provider to include this in your notes.
What should I include in my birth plan?
Think about your preferences and what is important to you. Remember that your labor and birth are subject to change at any time. There needs to be room for flexibility in case things happen that you didn't plan for. Sometimes medical interventions are needed for your wellbeing or your baby's health. You may have cultural practices or preferences, and it's a good idea to include these in your birth plan.
Making a birth plan
Here are some ideas on what to include in your birth plan:
Who are your support people? (Spouse, mom, doula etc)
Are there any cultural factors you want to list?
Do you want to stay active during labor?
Would you like your health team to offer medication, or wait until you ask them first? Do you prefer a specific type of pain relief?
Would you prefer medical intervention over laboring for too long?
You can also include your ideas for what will happen after your baby is born. Do you prefer…
Immediate skin-to-skin?
Breast feeding or bottle feeding?
Nursery or in-room?
