A birth plan is a simple, clear statement of your preferences regarding the birth of your baby that you can share with your provider. You may want to write one page for an uncomplicated birth/postpartum, and a second page that details your preferences if complications do occur. Here are some prompts to get you thinking.
Setting
- Hospital, birthing center, or home?
- People in the room during birth?
- Dimmed lights? Music? Photos? Videotaping?
Labor
- Positioned in bed, walking, or squatting?
- Birthing tub or shower?
Pain Management
- Breathing/relaxation techniques?
- Imagery?
- Massage or acupuncture?
- Pain medication or an epidural?
Monitoring the Baby
- Internal exams?
- Continuous fetal monitors?
Medical Interventions
- Breaking the water?
- Induction with oxytocin?
- Episiotomy?
- Forceps or vacuum extraction?
In an Emergency
- Who stays with you?
- Who acts as liaison between medical staff and family?
- Transport plans if it’s a home birth?
- Any other special requests?
Newborn Planning
- Hold your baby before testing/bathing?
- Husband to cut the umbilical cord?
- Circumcision?
- Saving cord blood?
- Rooming-in or newborn nursery?
Keep in mind that “normal” has a wide range of definitions. Use words such as “preferences” and “as long as birth progresses normally.”
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