How to Create a Detailed Birth Plan

It's a good decision for every woman giving birth to think through a birth plan. Partnered with childbirth classes and education, childbirth preparation is a good thing to have in mind when thinking about your upcoming labor and the birth of your baby.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen and paper
• Knowledge of hospital or birthing center

1. Understand why you create a birth plan.
   
   A birth plan helps you prepare for the event of childbirth. There are many stages of childbirth and a number of complications that can happen, but if you can think ahead and have an idea of your ideal birthing experience as well as what you would prefer to happen if complications occur, you will be more at ease.
   
   Creating a birth plan also helps your doctor or midwife to have a better understanding of what is important to you. It is also helpful to the nurses and other hospital staff that you will come in contact with during your time at the hospital. Most likely, you won't have met them before and it will be beneficial for them to quickly look over your birth plan at a time you may not be able to explain what you want.

2. 
    

   Get a pen and paper and start thinking through situations and questions. Start gathering information as you read and gain knowledge through childbirth classes. As you learn about the stages of labor, complications, and preparation, you will decide what you would like for your own labor.

3. 
    

   With the information you have gathered start asking questions whose answers will essentially create your birth plan. See questions below to get you started.
   
   Do you want to birth at a hospital, home or birthing center?
   Do you want to be able to move around during labor or be in bed?
   Are you planning on getting an epidural or going naturally?
   How do you feel about pain relief?
   What positions do you want to use during labor?
   Would you want to use a tub to labor in?
   Would you find it helpful to have a birthing ball or other tools to aid childbirth?
   
   There are many considerations!

4. 
    

   Make sure that you run your birth plan by your doctor or midwife to know that your desires can happen within the setting you've chosen. If it's not even possible, it's good to know now - that way you can either think through another option or choose a different place to labor and give birth.

5. Consider post birth experience as well.
   
   Do you want to breast feed or bottle feed?
   Do you want your baby to be in your room at all times or go to the nursery?
   Do you want someone to cut the umbilical cord or is it fine if the doctor does?

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the childbirth experience is different for everyone. It may not (and probably won't) go exactly how you plan. It is still good to have a general idea of what you'd prefer.
• Not all doctors and hospital staff appreciate you bringing a birth plan. Try to work with your doctor while meeting your desires. Remember, as you respect your doctor's knowledge, that you are paying for a service.

Resources

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