How to Write a Simple Birth Plan

Write a Birth Plan While in the Third Trimester

Many moms-to-be begin to feel somewhat anxious as the third trimester of pregnancy progresses. The thought of moving into the labor and delivery phase can feel overwhelming. A birth plan can help women who are new to childbirth (as well as more seasoned moms) feel more comfortable and prepared. A birth plan is simply an expression of a woman and her partner's wishes for how labor and birth is to be managed. It is not a binding contract, but rather an opportunity to tell the medical staff about particular preferences, priorities, and needs. A simple birth plan is not difficult to write and ideally, should be completed gradually over several weeks.

Instructions

1. 

   Introduce yourself and your partner.

   Write an introduction to your birth plan that tells a little about yourself and your partner, how you have experienced your pregnancy thus far (pleasant or unpleasant) and why having a birth plan is important to you. This is also the section where you can include any specific cultural or religious preferences that you may have. Be pleasant and remember that a birth plan should not be a list of demands, but rather an opportunity to make requests.

2. Create a section in your birth plan that deals specifically with your preferences for pain management during labor and delivery. State clearly if you prefer natural childbirth or if you wish to use pain medications. If your preference is natural childbirth, be sure to make it clear what comfort measures you would like to utilize. If you are not interested in a natural childbirth, then state how early (or late) in the labor you would like to utilize narcotics, an epidural, or any other type of medications. According to medical writer, Paula Ford-Martin, it is vitally important to leave room for alternatives in case unexpected complications arise.

3. 

   Comforts from home can help ease your labor.

   Add your wishes for things like the atmosphere of the birthing room, who you would like present in the room and what types of items you would like to have access to during labor and delivery. This section of your birth plan should address issues like what items you'd like to bring from home to help the room feel warm and welcoming. These might include fuzzy slippers, personal nightgown and photos of loved ones. State whether or not you'd like to have dimmed lights during any particular phases of labor and whether or not you'd like to have access to your own selection of soothing music, a shower or tub, birth ball, or massage devices. Be sure to point out who you would like to have with you for support during labor.

4. 

   Include your medical practitioner as you write your birth plan.

   Discuss your ideas for your birth plan ahead of time with your midwife or doctor to get a clear picture of what fetal monitoring options are available at the hospital or birthing center where you plan to deliver. State in your plan whether you would like continuous, intermittent, or telemetry fetal monitoring. Author, Tori Kropp, R.N., states that telemetry monitoring is convenient because it allows the mom-to-be to be mobile as the monitoring device does not need to be plugged in to the computer. Also discuss available options for newborn care immediately following birth as well as post-partum care for the mother while in the hospital.

5. 

   Every woman's labor is unique.

   Use friendly, cooperative language throughout your entire birth plan and keep it brief. The final copy should not be more than four to five pages. Use bullet points whenever possible to make it easier for medical practitioners to review on the big day. Be flexible and remember that while most medical staff members will do their very best to respect your wishes, most safety issues are non-negotiable. Every woman's labor is as unique and unpredictable as she is. Birth plans are simply a way to help make your birthing experience into something memorable and pleasant.

References

• "Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide"; Penny Simpkin, P.T., Janet Whalley, R.N., B.S.N., Ann Kepler, R.N., M.N.; 2001
• "The Everything Birthing Book"; Paula Ford-Martin; 2004
• "The Joy of Pregnancy: The Complete, Candid, and Reassuring Companion for Parents-To-Be"; Tori Kropp, R.N.; 2008

Resources

• StorkNet: Pregnancy and Parenting Online Community