Pregnancy is an exciting time for moms-to-be. Whether you are conscious of it or not, knowing that you are pregnant and about to have a baby has set in motion a plan in your mind.

It may be a tentative list of things that you are thinking about or what you want for your pregnancy, labor, or delivery. But taken all together, it has all the hallmarks of a birth plan. 

Wait… what is a birth plan?

A birth plan is a document that contains your wishes about how you want your labor, delivery, and the period immediately after birth to be. Coming up with your birth plan will make sure that your choices will be considered. That means you will have more control over your experiences of labor and delivery. 

While not a requirement by medical or other facilities where the delivery will take place, pregnant women who came up with birth plans report a positive birthing experience. A study undertaken among pregnant women in a hospital revealed that half of the women prepared a written birth plan. Six out of ten felt that they had more involvement in making decisions about their labor and delivery experience and were more prepared.

Do I really need a birth plan?

You might be thinking right now if you really need a birth plan, especially since it’s not required. 

Think of it this way: a birth plan is not just for you. It is also for your medical team and the people who will be there for you to assist and support you during your birthing experience.

A birth plan is an important communication tool between you and your medical and support team to convey your wishes and decisions for the delivery of your baby.

You may have verbally relayed your wishes on your baby’s birth to your doctor but the medical team or the people who support you like family and friends may not have taken note of it or the information did not register as important to them. So it’s better to have your preferences written down.

You do not need to start from scratch in coming up with your birth plan. Hospitals and birthing facilities often have a birth plan form or booklet that you can fill up at your own convenience.

What is in a birth plan?

The birth plan contains everything that you want your birthing experience to be like before, during, and after birth, obviously within reasonable medical bounds. 

To help you come up with your birth plan, we have compiled this checklist for your guidance.

Start with basic information

Your birth plan should start with names, specifically yours and your attending health professional. Include also the contact information of your health professional in case your family needs to get in touch with them. The plan should also state where you plan to give birth and who will be present in the delivery room.

Medical and religious or cultural considerations

You can state in your birth plan your preference on the administration of medication or if you prefer other methods such as deep breathing, massage, or movement to manage the pain. Thoroughly discuss your options for pain management with your doctor, including the possibility of changing your preference on how to manage pain when you are in labor.

You may also want to include your religious or cultural considerations if any. Make sure that this is included in your birth plan if it is something of great importance to you.

Atmosphere and preferences during labor

Being in labor may be a frantic time for soon-to-be moms. Making known how you want the atmosphere to be and your preferences during labor beforehand can give you a sense of control over what is happening.

Articulate what you feel would make you most comfortable during labor. Do you want to move around such as walking or dancing while in labor? Would you like to have dimmed lights and peace and quiet in your room to help you relax? Would you like to diffuse therapeutic essential oils or have your spouse or partner give you a massage?

Make sure to discuss this with your medical and support team to ensure not just your comfort but your safety and that of your baby.

Your preferred delivery method

Your birth plan should include your choice of birthing delivery method. Discuss the various options with your partner or spouse as well as your attending health professional.

At the same time, who will be with you in the delivery room should be part of your birth plan. For example, do you want someone to take photos or videos? Include that in the plan.

You may also state if you would like your spouse or partner to cut the umbilical cord and if you want your baby placed in your abdomen immediately after delivery.

Right after delivery

Now that you have given birth to your baby, your attention should be focused on feeding and care. Let your preference for bottle-feeding or breastfeeding or a combination of both be known. You may also want to state who will make the first diaper change and give the baby thier first bath.

If you gave birth to a baby boy, you might want to think about circumcision at the hospital.

Make copies of your birth plan.

Once you have finalized your birth plan, make sure to give copies to your doctor and to the medical or birth facility. Make sure to have a copy for yourself, your spouse or partner, and your support team.

If possible, discuss the final birth plan with those who have a copy of your birth plan to make sure that your wishes and preferences are known and will be followed.

Take control of your birth experience with a birth plan.

The months leading up to your labor and delivery have given you enough time to think about and make decisions about your birthing experience. Your birth plan is a testament to your choices, decision-making, and sense of control over how this experience will be for you.

If you feel you need help making sure that your birth plan is followed, consider having a doula with you as part of your support team. A doula is an experienced and trained birth companion that will provide you with the emotional, physical and informational support that you will need during labor and delivery.

With a doula on your team, you are assured that you have someone outside of your family and medical team that will provide guidance and assistance in the implementation of your birth plan. 

If you need to find a doula, you need not look any further. Get Doulas of the Valley’s skilled and experienced doulas. We can be there for you as you welcome your newborn and make sure that you get the birthing experience that you planned for. 

Getting the necessary assistance, comfort, and support from our doula during labor and delivery ensures a positive birthing experience for you and your baby.

We’d love to hear from you – contact us today and let’s get started on making a comprehensive birth plan.