A plan can be either simple or complex. A plan is something that you want to do, and there is no right, wrong, or fixed format for the plan. Birth plans often change over the course of your pregnancy. It is also fine to change your mind about what you would like to happen when you are having your baby. Even when you are in labor, you can change your plan anytime.
Do not be hard on yourself to stick to the plan. Birth plans help to give you a sense of control and are an outline of your preferences during your labor and delivery. For example, who you want with you during labor, whether you want pain medication, or if you want the lights dimmed. You can include anything you think will make your labor and birth more comfortable for you.
Remember, that a birth plan is not set in stone and you cannot predict anything that can happen during labor. Be flexible and open to changes in plans at the last minute. Either you or your doctors may make certain changes based on the situation.
Alright, now that I know what is the birth plan, how do I plan? Are there any important things that need to be listed?
Yes! Here you go 👇🏽
Write down the basic information.
Like your name, age, doctor’s name, contact number, the place you want to give birth, an alternate phone number, and the name, and number of the person accompanying you.
Your preferences.
Like what will help you feel most comfortable. Room preferences, or would like to listen to soothing music, photos to be clicked, or any other facilities you would need. Remember, you would have to write the points based on the hospital you choose, and whether they would be able to accommodate your preferences.
Again, a birth plan is to give you an idea as to how you want your birth, there are so many things that are outside of your control, so be open to changing your plans accordingly.
Birthing preferences.
Like water birth or natural birth, if you are okay to take medications add that too, till when you want to try for a natural birth. Write about skin-to-skin after childbirth, and let your healthcare providers know that you are looking for skin-to-skin after childbirth.
Do you need a birth ball or chair or stool, who do you want beside you? Add alternate options too so that it is easier to accept the changes.
Postpartum care.
Yes, this should be included in your birth plan. Because your responsibility does not end with pregnancy, it starts with pregnancy and does not end! You need to have the plan to take care of yourself after childbirth, especially the “First Forty Days - After Childbirth”.
Contacting experts after childbirth.
Ask your hospital for the details of experts who will visit you after childbirth. You would have to consult a Lactation professional, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist if needed.
Child care in the hospital.
Ask for skin-to-skin after childbirth. Check about the pediatrician, and make a list of questions about the baby's care. How does the hospital support breastfeeding or pumping your breastmilk if needed in certain circumstances? Insist on giving your milk if your baby is separated from you for any medical reason.
Most importantly share your birth plan with your partner. If you have a midwife or a doula, you can get the birth plan verified with them. Also, ask your doctor to take a look at your birth plan. There may be changes in the birth plan after review. Have a healthy discussion and make the changes.
Take care, Mumma!
Let us know if you would like to download a printable copy of the birth plan 👇🏽
Resources
Making a birth plan
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/making-a-birth-plan
How to create a birth plan
https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/how-to-create-a-birth-plan
How to make a birth plan
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/how-to-make-a-birth-plan/
How to create a birth plan
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/labor-and-delivery/birth-plan/
Creating your birth plan
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/birth-plan/
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