Most expectant parents are both excited and anxious as they await the arrival of their precious bundle of joy. And because this is such a monumental event that will be shared by the parents, obstetrics care team and hospital staff, it is vital to remember that the aspects of the birth experience that are in the control of the parents, should be reflective of the personalities and desires of the parents-to-be. This is where crafting a Birth Plan can come in handy. A Birth Plan is just as it sounds. It allows for the desires and requests concerning the birth experience and infant care to be communicated to the labor & delivery team on paper.
To create a comprehensive Birth Plan, it is best to consider various aspects of the birth of your child that are important to you. For instance, you can describe your wishes to include many of these items listed below:
- Mood of the room where the delivery will take place (flameless candles, music, etc.).
- Desired birth setting: hospital, birth center or home.
- Presence of additional support persons like a Birth Doula.
- Breastfeeding plan.
- Stance on use of pain medications.
- Considerations for a cesarean delivery (c-section).
- Family and friends that you would like in attendance.
- Special accommodations like Water Birth, Birthing Ball, massage etc.
- Desires for rooming-in with baby or how much time your baby will spend away from you in the nursery. As well, you can indicate that you would like for your spouse, partner, or designee be allowed to be with your baby at all times in case of your potential inability to tend to them due to c-section recovery, or other unforeseen complications of delivery.
- Feelings on pacifier use, glucose water feedings, infant formula use, and circumcision.
- And any other aspects or accommodations that are of importance to you and your family.
Now because of course childbirth is an unpredictable occurrence, the likelihood that a Birth Plan can be followed to the letter is inherently challenged. Therefore, parents must be both flexible and hopeful in their expectations.
So expectant parents get started on your Birth Plan! Begin discussing the aspects of the birth, labor and delivery experience that are most important to you. Record your wishes in a pregnancy journal and eventually type it out when complete. Then share it with your obstetric care team, as then you all can discuss the potential for making your plan work, and have it filed in the expectant mommy’s medical chart.
The American Pregnancy Association has more valuable insight on crafting the best Birth Plan.
Stay Healthy & Wise!
Ericka L. Abrams, Public Health Practitioner
