Birth Plans
You've bought the baby furniture, designed the nursery, taken your childbirth classes, and toured the hospital. But have you planned for the actual birth of your baby?
Birth plans are ideas and expectations that you have about the birth of your baby. They are written to serve as an effective communication tool to help your caregivers know how you have prepared for the birth and what your preferences are during your labor and delivery.
Some women are hesitant to write a birth plan for fear that their doctor or midwife will think that they are questioning their professional judgment. Other women think that they will specify something that may end up harming the baby, and still others may think that just talking with their doctor or midwife regarding their birth expectations is sufficient.
A birth plan, however, is not an absolute. It is not a contract, but instead, it is a communication tool, so that all that come in contact with the laboring mother will know her wishes and how to best meet her needs so she may relax and concentrate on her labor.
A birth plan will never override medically necessary procedures or orders. If the laboring mother changes her mind about a preference in the birth plan, it is perfectly acceptable, as the plan is not binding.
Many medical professionals welcome birth plans, as it shows that their patients have educated themselves and have taken an active role in the upcoming birth. Even if you've spoken with your healthcare professional regarding your wishes, it is important for the hospital staff as well as the on-call healthcare professional to have this information.
Many people find it easier to communicate in writing when they can take the time to express their wishes and make sure that everything they wanted to communicate is included. You'll need to make two copies (one for the hospital staff, one for the support person) and pack them in your labor bag.
There are several options to consider in planning your baby's birth, and it is important to be knowledgeable about the various options before writing your birth plan. Your childbirth instructor and medical caregiver may serve as resources in addition to childbirth books and references that you may have. Some of these options are listed below.
- Mobility during labor (walking/change of position with intermittent fetal monitoring vs. continuous fetal monitoring)
- Heparin lock (vs. routine IV)
- Enema
- Shave and prep
- Bath or shower during labor
- Food or fluids by mouth during labor
- Medications during labor
- Ambience (quiet, calm environment, low lighting, music)
- Spontaneous rupture of membranes (unless need for internal fetal monitor or other necessary medical intervention necessitates artificial rupture)
- Waterbirth
- Partner to cut umbilical cord
- Breastfeeding after delivery
- Promotion of bonding after birth (baby with mother and support person)
This list is not all-inclusive but will help address some of the issues commonly discussed when planning your baby's birth. Flexibility is the key to a successful birth plan, and using phrases such as "would prefer," "if possible,” "as conditions exist," etc. when writing may help to add the degree of flexibility that is needed.
It is important to remember that the birth plan is written with the assumption of a normal labor and delivery process; however, occasional deviations from the norm may occur. Considering these possibilities and being knowledgeable about both normal labor and variations of normal will help you understand and participate in decisions if variations occur.
The best birth plan is not meant to take the place of good communication with your medical caregivers. But it may help you get off to a good start in communicating and assist you down the path to a happy, healthy experience full of fond memories of your baby's birth.
Debbie Bickes is the Perinatal Education Coordinator at North Fulton Regional Hospital and is a childbirth educator.
