How To Create A Birth Plan?

As you prepare to welcome your baby, you’ll probably make plans. From thinking about names for the baby, to how to decorate the nursery, and  thinking about the big day, what your labour and delivery preferences might be and how to prepare for it.

A birth plan is just what it sounds like – a written document that communicates your wishes and goals for labour and delivery. It can help guide how your labour goes. Discussing a birth plan with your midwife also gives you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labour.

A birth plan is essentially a personal wishlist for your ultimate birthing experience. Here’s all that you need to know about  a birth plan and what to include in it. 

When Should I Think About Making A Birth Plan?

There’s no preferred time to make a birth plan during pregnancy. Ideally, you will not make a plan after your labour has started. Discuss with your doctor about what in their experience is useful to include.

It is important to check with your doctor if you need to include any factors due to specific conditions, like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.

5 Things To Consider When Creating A Birth Plan

Here are some of the things to consider while creating your birth plan:

1. Keep it simple: Keep your birth plan simple and avoid making it exhaustive. Make it short and try to keep it to one page. Use bullet points when you can.

2. The basics: List your name, the doctor’s name along with the contact information where you plan to give birth, and who you’re planning to have there with you.

3. Describe the room: Would you like the lights dimmed or do you want your room as quiet as possible? Would you like a support person to take photos or videos of your labour or birth?

Writing these will help your nurses make you feel as relaxed and supported as possible.

4. Labour preferences and pain relief: Include any preferences you have for your labour. For example, do you want to use a birthing stool, ball, or chair?

Pain management during labour is an important consideration. You might not plan to have an epidural, but you can change your mind during labour.

As you’re defining your birth plan, you can ask your doctor about your options for pain relief as well as any questions you have about them. These can include breathing or massage.

5. Birth plans: Add some preferences about positions for pushing. You can also jot down how you feel about forceps, vacuum or an episiotomy?

If you need a C-section, you can mention who would you like to be with you in the delivery room.

6. Feeding and care in the hospital: Once your baby is born, you’ll need to think about feeding and care. You can plan ahead whether you will breastfeed or use formula milk right after delivery.

Dr. Pooja Marathe, Community Expert – Lactation & Nutrition says, “You should begin nursing your baby within one hour of birth and provide about eight to 12 feedings daily in the first few weeks of life. It’s important not to let your baby go more than 4 hours without feeding. If you are going to try scheduling, it is advisable to wait for a month. For all these, you need to create a birth plan”.

Key Takeaways

While you create your birth plan, remember that surprises do happen. Even the best laid plans can take an unexpected turn and there’s nothing to worry about. Your doctor and nurses will do their best to honour your birth wishes and make sure you and baby is safe, healthy and comfortable.