Sum it up
A birth plan is a document you can create that states all of your preferences when it comes to the kind of birth you would like to have. This is such a great way to communicate to your birth team your wishes.
What is a Birth Plan?
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Having a birth plan is a great way to help facilitate that kind of birth experience you would like to have. Writing a birth plan allows you the opportunity to educate yourself on the variety of birth options and preferences before you’re actually in labor. This is important because the last thing you want to do while you’re in labor is to try to make decisions since you won’t have a lot of time to weigh all the pros and cons.
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is a document you can create that states all of your preferences when it comes to the kind of birth you would like to have. This is such a great way to communicate to your birth team your wishes.
What is the purpose of a birth plan?
The purpose of a birth plan is to have your wishes written down and discussed with your birth team so that you can have a positive birth experience. A written out plan of your preferences allows everyone to be on the same page concerning the kind of birth that you want. It’s important to note that you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Oftentimes in the hospital you will hear “it’s standard protocol” or “it’s hospital policy to do xyz” but hospital policy is not the law and you’re allowed to say no.
What is typically included in a birth plan?
It is a good idea to keep your birth plan short and easy to read. Here are some of the things you will want to include:
1. Environment/Atmosphere
in this section you will want to write what you want in order to feel comfy and relaxed. This can be things like dim lights, aromatherapy, and music.
2. Pain Management
What kind of comfort measures do you want while in labor? Is it important to you to have an unmedicated birth? Do you want the epidural? Or do you want the options of different pain relief techniques like water therapy, massage or counter pressure?
3. Labor Preferences
More things to consider while you’re in labor are things like fetal monitoring, whether or not you want your water broken, if you want an episiotomy and what you’re comfortable with when it comes to cervical exams.
4. After Birth Care
Once you’ve given birth and your baby is here, what do you want to happen? Would you like immediate skin to skin? You can ask that they wait to weigh and measure baby until you’ve had time with your baby first. Do you want to delay clamping the cord? Do you want assistance when you birth your placenta?
5. Newborn Care
You will also want to include all of the things that you want or don’t want when it comes to your baby. Do you want the baby in the room with you at all times or are you okay with them having time in the nursery? You’ll also want to make sure you have figured out what you want to do when it comes to vaccinations, bathing, feeding and if they are a boy what your decision is on circumcision.
6. C-section Preferences
In this section you would want to write out what you want in the case of a C-section. This can include things like having a clear drape, not having your arms strapped down and having staples or stitches. And as long as you and your baby are stable you can still ask that your baby is placed on you immediately so you can do skin to skin right away.
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How do I create a birth plan?
After you have looked over all the options in the above section and have researched what you need to know about those options then you can write it up. This doesn’t have to be fancy, a pen and paper can suffice. You can type it out as well. It can be in paragraph format or it can be a list of items as well.
If you don’t want to make one yourself we have a free birth plan checklist you can download.
Free Birth Plan Checklist!
Who do I give my birth plan to?
It is a great idea to first discuss your plan with your partner. Then I would suggest going over your birth plan with your doula, they may be able to help you write one or help you sort out your preferences. During a prenatal appointment you will then want to share this birth plan with your doctor or midwife so they are aware of your wishes ahead of time.
Be sure to make multiple copies of your birth plan and have them in your hospital bag. This will ensure that you don’t forget them when you go into labor. You will want to give a copy to anyone who will be involved in your birth and you can even ask that they tape one to the door. By giving this document to everyone on your birth team it will help ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Do I need a birth plan if I'm planning a home birth?
I would still suggest making a birth plan even if you are planning a home birth. There are still different interventions that can happen during a home birth that maybe aren’t something that you want. There are also things that may seem like “little details” but they can be important to your birth experience, like who announces the gender (if you don’t know it) or who you want to catch the baby. These are all things that you would want your home birth midwife and the rest of your birth team to know ahead of time.
Personally, I created two different birth plans. One for my home birth wishes and I also had a plan written out in case of a hospital transfer. This might be something you want to consider too.
What not to put on a birth plan
You will want to make sure your birth plan is not too long. Try to be as concise as possible. This will make it easier to read.
How effective are birth plans?
Some people will say that birth plans are not necessary because you can’t plan your birth. While this is true there are many benefits to creating a plan. When you create a plan you are then going to look into all of the options that come with birth. This means that you will make informed decisions and won’t solely rely on the hospital staff (who in some cases want to do things out of convenience for them). In most cases women who have a birth plan are more satisfied with their birth experience. A plan can help you feel more in control of an experience that you don’t have much control of.
A big part of whether or not having a birth plan will be effective is whether or not your doctor or midwife are supportive of your plan. If a doctor says “we’ll see how it goes” or laughs or scoffs at your wishes then that is a major red flag and you should look for a new provider. A doula can also be a big asset in the effectiveness of your birth plan. Doulas may also be able to help you find a provider who is more supportive of the kind of birth you wish to have.
Is it okay to not have a birth plan?
You do not have to have a birth plan. You can keep open lines of communication with your provider and let them know ahead of time what you want your birth experience to be like. However, you are more likely to get the outcome you want if you have a plan written out.
Final Thoughts
A birth plan is a great tool to help you have the birth experience that you want. Of course, nothing is guaranteed and sometimes there’s unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control. But it’s still a good idea to have a plan written out. Your birth experience can have a big impact on your mental health postpartum as well. It is okay to want your birth to be a certain way and you are allowed to request the kind of birth you want. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
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I created Natural and Empowered Birth because I want to help women have a positive birth experience.
I’ve always been fascinated by birth and love hearing other mama’s birth stories. Learning about how women can have a beautiful and empowering birth set me on a path to have one myself and now I want to help women have a great birthing experience too.
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This is so helpful! I need to start writing mine.
Hi Madison, I’m glad you found this article helpful! 🙂