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Birth Plan Basics
Taking the time to make a birth plan is a wonderful way for you and your partner to get clear on what your desires are for your birth experience. After all, YOU are the only one who knows what type of birth you wish to have. Sharing your birth plan with your midwives, doctors, doula and any attendants will set you up for success.
Your birth plan should be uniquely yours just as your birth will be uniquely yours. These are just a few things you may want to include in your birth plan.
- Specify who you want to be present – partner, midwives, doula, doctors, any family members, siblings, friends and possibly a photographer.
- Describe how you imagine your birth to go and the environment you desire. Don’t forget about the lighting, music, sounds (everybody present speaking in low tones), privacy when you might want it, specific attendance when needed or requested by you, and the freedom to express your feelings in what ever way helps.
- Be clear on your medication mind-set.
- Mention any concerns about intervention – fetal monitoring preferences, using natural alternatives to pitocin if needed, frequency of vaginal exams, rupturing of membranes and your freedom of movement during labor.
- Explain your delivery preferences – what room do you want to be in? What is your desired birthing position (standing, squatting, side-lying, sitting on a birthing stool, on hands and knees, in the water); do you want to have a mirror to see your baby during delivery? Is it important for you to touch your baby during delivery? Request perineal support and massage to avoid episiotomy. Who do you want announcing the sex of your baby? Who do you want to cut the cord?
- State your desires for first contact with your baby. Ask for immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby by having it placed on your stomach and breasts as long as everyone is medically stable. Remember to have the lights dim to protect your baby’s eyes and for the room to be very warm so it less shocking. Request freedom and assistance in initiating breastfeeding immediately to assist in natural delivery of your placenta. Also request some private time for your new family to bond where everyone leaves the room.
- Say how you want to care for your baby. Keep your baby near you all the time. Delay the newborn exams until after your private family bonding time. Do you wish to have an herbal bath with your baby. Emphasize you will be exclusively breastfeeding your baby and your desires of introducing a pacifier or not. Also, be clear on your position for circumcision.
- Finally be clear on where you stand if any major complications should arise. How do you feel about transferring to a hospital, cesarean sections, vaginal delivering a breech baby, and any other common practices you may wish to avoid.
Once your birth plan is complete you will find strength, confidence, peacefulness and support. You may also realize that you are not in the grip of fear about what “doctors” would decide because YOU have decided “your” reasons for transfers or interventions. Always remember your birth plan is YOURS! Midwives and doctors may advise you however, the final decision is YOURS. You have the right to make your own informed decisions. It is your strength, don’t give it away.