How to Write a Birth Plan

In order to have the birth you desire, a written birth plan is essential. Birth plans let the hospital, doctors and nurses know how you visualize your labor and birth. It is important to think about this ahead of time because during labor, the last thing you want to be doing is talking about logistics. Since a birth plan is a legal document, it is necessary to know how to write one. Here are the steps to take for you to create your own birth plan.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Printer

1. Write down the three things that are most important to you during labor and delivery. This could be anything from dim lights, to no pain medication.
2. List the objects you would like present during your labor. This would include people as well as comfort items. Some people like doulas present. Other people prefer massage balls
3. Write a paragraph explaining how much, if any, medical intervention you will want during labor and delivery. Medical interventions include the breaking of water, fetal monitoring, episiotomy, directed pushing and forceps.
4. Describe the positions you would like to dry during the pushing stage. Some examples include: squatting, side lying, standing and sitting.
5. Decide what you would like to happen to your baby after delivery. Write a paragraph or two discussing your desires. This would include any shots or ointment, circumcision, cutting of the cord and sleeping arrangements.
6. Make at least three copies of your birth plan. You keep one, one goes to your doctor, and one goes to the hospital or birth center.

Tips & Warnings

• Save the birth plan to your computer in case you need to make more copies
• Write anything and everything you desire. Nothing is silly in a birth plan
• Don't close your mind to change. Things can occur during labor that make it necessary to alter your plan
• Don't let hospital staff members bully you into doing something you don't want. Just keep refering them to your birth plan.