What is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan is a document created by the pregnant family in regards to their desires surrounding their birth. Birth plans are a communication tool between the families and the medical staff, including their Doctor/Midwife and Hospital personnel. A birth plan is NOT a contract or legally binding. It should be used a sort of “birth wish list” of the available options during labor, birth, postpartum and to your newborn baby.
Birth plans are helpful tools to:
- Help define what kind of birth you want
- How committed you are to that birth
- Open communication with your caregiver
- Help communicate with hospital staff
Writing a Birth Plan
Birth plans have become very controversial. When birth plans are used inappropriately they can send a negative signal to the medical community. However, birth plans are designed to help the parents communicate with the caregiver & birthplace what their preferences are regarding the birth experience. Birth plans should be no longer than 1 page (front-side only).
Here are some steps to help you get started in creating a birth plan.
Step 1. Know your options
Step 2. Examine your feelings
Step 3. Prioritize
Step 4. Take a look at your situation
Step 5. Discuss it with your caregiver
Step 6. Be Flexible ~ Realize that birth plans change
Step 7. Write your Birth plan (limit the birth plan to 1 page)
Sample Birth Plan
We have the following preferences regarding the birth of our first child. We have taken time to become prepared and educated and taken all precautions to stay healthy and low risk during the pregnancy. We also understand that complications could always arise and we will of course be flexible if that occurs. However, we anticipate a normal non-medicated labor and birth and one that is handled with minimal unnecessary interventions. Below is a list of our preferences in the case of an uncomplicated labor.
- We have attended classes on and are looking forward to using the many relaxation techniques we have been practicing. Please do not offer us pain medication.
- We would like to have the option to use the tub (Jacuzzi) as a possible pain relief.
- We are hoping to avoid needing an episiotomy and if one is necessary for it to be performed as a pressure episiotomy, eliminating the need for any medication.
- Only my husband and doula will be present to see the birth.
- It is very important to us that I can begin nursing as soon as possible after the baby is born.
- We would like to keep the baby in the room after birth until discharge.
- As we understand the need for quick access to a vein for emergencies, we would prefer to have a hep-lock without IV fluids while orally hydrating during labor.
- We would like to be able to walk and move around freely during labor.
- We are not planning to circumcise the baby.
- Although we realize external fetal monitors are standard hospital procedures we plan to try intermittent fetal monitoring allowing more freedom of movement.
- We would prefer to leave the umbilical cord attached for several minutes (until it quits pulsating) after the birth before cutting.
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Writing your Birth Plan Positively
Remember that the nurses are there to help you and to discuss your birth plan in a positive way, will most likely bring you a happier birth experience.
“It is very important to us…” “We are hoping to avoid...” “We would like to …”
Always thank your doctor, midwife or nurse for taking the time to listen. Also remember that sometimes, couples get a nurse who just doesn’t seem to fit. Let’s discuss ways you could handle this.
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