How to Make a Birth Plan
Heard of a birth plan? Well, if you’re pregnant, this is a term you’ll hear often. A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happy when you’re in labor and after birth. However, in as much as you’d everything to work as you’d had figured out, be sure to know that you have to be flexible. Furthermore, different hospitals have their policies on how they expect childbirth to be. They have guides that have listed options.
That information turned out to be quite useful as it also allowed me to discuss some of the written policies with the provider. In fact, we had to tweak some of their options to almost line up with what I had in mind. I’ve listed some of the guidelines that helped me as I was making my birth plan:
FIND OUT YOUR PROVIDER’S POLICY COVER
What came out as a rude shock was the fact that some of the routine policies listed were not what I had intended for. So, once I had some rough idea of what I wanted, we had a talk with my provider and tweaked some options to line up with what I had in mind.
Furthermore, I found it wise to dedicate an entire page in case they’d be an uncomplicated birth and another page of how I’d want them to handle it.
BE CONFIDENT
Heard of the phrase, “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst?” Remember, anything could happen when you’re giving birth. Therefore, include phrases like, “If a cesarean operation must be done.” However, be confident and positive that all will turn out well. In addition, you have the right to ask for additional options from your provider.
COVER EVERYTHING
As per the definition, a birth plan should have all the details of what should happen while giving birth and after. I remember my provider emphasizing on this because most people leave out the after birth activities. While planning for your birth plan, remember to include things like, “After birth, I’m hoping to have the baby near me. In addition, I’d love to have my baby covered in a warm blanket as the doctors conduct some evaluation.”
After you’re through, have the birth plan printed out and shared with respective practitioners who will help during childbirth. The birth plan gave me control of the activities happening during and afterward. Perhaps, you should consider having one.
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It’s important to have a birth plan and these are all great ideas. I had my birth plan all figured out with my first child. I ended up having a C-Section so the plans were changed quite a bit.
Birth plans are great to have but it’s always good to also be open to other options because sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Great post!
It is so important to have a plan, but also know that often times things don’t go according to plan – so moms need to be flexible.
For all those new moms out there this is wonderful information. Wish I had known some of these things going in when I had my first baby.
I have heard of birth plans and the important message about being flexible but didn’t know hospitals had their own policies on how a birth plan should be but its good to think of them as a guide
These are such great ideas! I didn’t have a birth plan – just a few things that I wanted and didn’t want (i.e an episiotomy) and communicated to my doctor. I probably would have been less anxious with an actual plan.
This is seriously awesome. This is so handy for sure, a birth plan I found with out first two kids had to be pretty flexible since sometimes things happen and stuff.
Although I’ve far/many years from having kids, I can definitely see the importance of having a proper birth plan! I learned so much from this post.
This is a really helpful post. Any pregnant woman should have a birth plan ready, not only to state the “Do’s and Don’ts” but to also streamline options for the the “What Ifs.” It is always best to speak with your doctor and know about policy/insurance coverage.
Good idea to have a birth plan, just in case something goes wrong.
No kids yet but I definitely will be planning my birth. I love the be confident one, you have to so you dont change your mind.
My daughter-in-law was very detailed in her birth plan, but sometimes plans change. The baby went into distress and she had to have a C-section. She was very upset about the change in plans. We reminded her Aksel was here and healthy and that was the most important thing.
It’s really important to have a birth plan when pregnant for you to know what direction to take when the time comes.
It is really prudent to have the right kind of birth plan. One must ensure that one is covered for everything possible. This ensures last minute tension.
I agree that a birth plan is so important! There can be very quick actions and decisions needed and in the moment, it is nice to have a plan set up to refer to. But in the end a healthy Mom and baby is always the priority.
It’s so important to have a birth plan and to be prepared. That way when things start to happen fast, you are ready!
Very useful info.. My first birth plan was very stressful, i didn’t know what to do and what to expect!
Birth plans are so important to make. Even if they don’t work out you at least know what you’d like to happen.