Things to Consider when Building Your Birth Plan
You’ve met with your doctor, and you’ve spent time researching your different options. Now, it’s time to take the information you’ve learned and build your birth plan. As you near your due date, you’ll want to have a list of your preferences for your labor and delivery.
But, it’s not always that simple. With too many choices and decisions that need to be made, it can be hard to feel clear-headed about anything.
One of the best places to start is by creating a journal entry. Take some time and write out all of your thoughts about your pregnancy and labor. This is the time to dream—nothing is set in stone. As you read over the things you’ve written, you may begin to see a pattern.
Now that all of your brain-clutter is down on paper, you’ll want to begin to organize these thoughts. Below you’ll find three different areas where you’ll want to do most of your decision-making.
#1 - Your Environment
The biggest decision you’ll probably face as you prepare to give birth is where you’ll deliver your baby. As expectant mothers, the one thing we’re concerned about is giving birth to a healthy baby. But, why not make sure that we’re comfortable, too?
Understanding your options is the first step in narrowing down your preferences.
A hospital is the most popular option, and the one that probably sticks out in your mind the most. The hospital is full of doctors and nurses who deliver babies all day, everyday. You may not look any further than this—your confidence in the hospital’s resources is enough to seal the deal. However, some mother’s would prefer to give birth in a setting more catered to them.
A Birth Center is a place specially designed to provide mothers with a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. With all of the necessary medical equipment and professionals, this is a top choice for many mothers. These centers are more common than you might think—but it would be tough to know that they’re out there if you’re not looking for them! Connecting with an educator will ensure you’re familiar with the Birth Centers around you and what each one offers.
Don’t let the price scare you away from this—you don’t want to rule this out as an option too soon! Many Birth Centers accept insurance and offer payment plans. if you’re leaning towards this option, take a tour and discuss your payment options!
Home Births have become a popular alternative to delivering at a hospital or Birth Center. You may be familiar with the stigma around home births—that they’re too risky. But with the right team, a home birth can be a healthy, positive experience (and ones that mom’s choose over and over again). And, if the thought of packing and preparing for a trip to the hospital stresses you out, this might be the right choice! You’ll want to talk with your doctor as not all mothers are great candidates for this option. Understanding your pregnancy is key!
#2 - Your Delivery Preferences
So, you’ve picked the place that you’ll give birth, but have you thought about the type of birth that you’d like to have? This is the section where you’ll outline the type of birth experience that you’d like to have. There is a lot that goes into this—here are some things to consider:
Who Will Be in the Room With You? You’ll want to designate who your leading support person is, as well as who else you’d like to have in the room with you. Some expectaIf you already have kids, do you want them in the room when the baby is born? Or, will this time be reserved for just you and your husband? This is also a good time to consider whether you’d like to a doula by your side.
Pain Management Measures. Pain is no joke! You may have already considered whether you’d like to have a medicated or unmedicated birth—and now is a good time to outline your tolerance for pain. You’ll want to think of the ways you’ll communicate your need for medication during your labor, if you get to that point. Penny Simkin has created a helpful tool when it comes to voicing your preferences, and what that means for those around you.
#3 - Flexibility
Building an outline of your birth preferences helps set a plan for what should take place during your ideal birth. But, it’s important to remember that things may not always go to plan. where to budge and where not to
You should know all of your options before a decision is made. In your birth plan, you’ll want to include a statement that asks your doctors and nurses to discuss your options with you and your husband before any action is taken.
Some things to consider:
According to the CDC, 31% of all deliveries end in a C-Section. While this isn’t the worst thing, you’ll want to know all of your options and have a plan set aside in case you end up delivering via Cesarean Section.
During your labor, it may become evident that an episiotomy is the next step in delivering your baby. Many women will discuss their preferences around having an episiotomy with their doctor beforehand.
Newborn Procedures:
Having a birth plan will help you and your partner feel confident as your approach your due date. The hard work is done! Now it’s time to comfort your baby and get some rest. You’ll want the doctors and nurses around you to be prepared for the things that you’d like to take place shortly after you give birth.
Shortly after giving birth, nurses will take some time to measure your baby and wipe them down. Voicing your option as to what happens next is key in ensuring your baby is taken care of the way you and your husband want.
There are quite a few things to think about. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Is immediate skin-on-skin contact important to you?
Will you breastfeed your newborn, or give them formula?
Do you plan to have your baby circumcised?
Would you like your baby to receive a Vitamin K injection? How about eye drops?
Once everything slows down, your friends and family will be eager to meet your new baby! You may not want many visitors while in the hospital, or maybe you’ll only want visitors after you and your baby get some rest.
You’ll want to communicate your visitation preferences to your loved ones before you give birth. This will help make sure that expectations are set and no hard feelings are had.