Writing a birth plan is a great way to get your hopes and desires for childbirth in writing before you are in labor. Birth plans outline your desires regarding specific situations that may come up during your delivery. As a result, they allow you to simply focus on having the baby since your wishes have already been communicated before delivery. Write a birth plan you believe in and stick to it with these tips.

Making a Plan

There are many important reasons for birth plans. Though you can't control everything about childbirth, you can have plans in place for things that might occur. Some important areas to cover in your birth plan are:

Have you ever heard someone make fun of birth plans or that their plan went “out the window”? Birth plans are not a wish list of your ideal birth but guidelines on your preferences. They are a way to communicate your wishes IF certain things happen … — Have you ever heard someone make fun of birth plans or that their plan went “out the window”? Birth plans are not a wish list of your ideal birth but guidelines on your preferences. They are a way to communicate your wishes IF certain things happen not a list of everything about your perfect birth. When you look at it as a means to researching yoru options and a bridge to communicate with your provider instead of a wish list of your perfect birth, they become way more useful tools for your labor. #birthplan #labor #childbirth

Whether you want pain medication (and if you’d like it offered to you or only at your request)
Who you want in the birthing room (include anyone that is specifically not allowed)
Instructions for what you want right after the baby's birth (delayed cord clamping? skin to skin? newborn procedures, etc)
Plans in case of an emergency, such as a C-section (do you want your partner to go with the baby in case of NICU stay or stay with you?)
Whether you want all interventions avoided if medically possible

Split your birth plan into sections such as before birth, during labor, and after birth. Set aside a special place that addresses emergencies, and make sure to talk to your doctor about your birth plan before you are in the delivery room. Since doctors and other health care professionals tend to work long hours in high-stress environments, it's not unusual for them to be fatigued and in a rush.

Reviewing your birth plan with your partner and/or doula is also helpful so they can remind your doctor or midwife of your wishes if they forget about one of your requests. Providing a written birth plan can help keep them on track, and it helps prevent missed diagnoses.

Gathering Support

You shouldn't go through birth alone, so it’s good to specify who you want to be there as part of your birth plan. You need support both to encourage you and take care of other things surrounding the birth so that you can focus on bringing a baby into the world.

Have a birth partner who is willing to take birthing classes with you and who understands what will help you through the birthing experience. It's also good to hire a doula. A doula can offer additional support and communicate with the doctor or nurse about your desires.

A birth partner and a doula can also direct medical professionals to your birth plan and make sure your desires for your birthing experience stay in focus.

Researching Where to Birth

You want to make sure you are having your child in the place that is going to be the most supportive of your birth plan. It is possible to have a positive birth experience in any environment with the right support system, but it’s much easier with a provider or hospital that supports your birth plan.

Research hospitals and birthing centers in your area, and have your doctor or midwife recommend a place they think fits your needs and desires. Ask questions about things like the facility's C-section rate, rules regarding birth, and comfort level with birth plans. Make an informed decision to have your baby at the best place possible.

Birth plans are great ways to get your hopes for birth down in writing so that others can be on the same page. They can help you get started researching all of your options and act as a framework for reverse engineering your ideal birth.

Plan, gather support, and find the best place for the birth you want. This will help you to have a more positive experience when it’s time for you to give birth.

Here’s another article you might enjoy: 5 Secrets to Pain-Free Childbirth