Crafting Your Birth Plan

As your body and life undergo profound changes, it's natural to want to feel in control as your due date approaches. Creating a birth plan is a fantastic way to make informed decisions early on and build confidence before labor and birth. Think of your plan as a source of strength and inspiration, not a rigid checklist. Every pregnancy and birth is unique, so there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Let's explore some key factors to consider:

Environment

You've likely already chosen where you'll have your baby, but you can still shape the environment to create a private, safe space where your voice is heard and your choices are respected. Consider setting some ground rules, such as closed doors, limiting who can enter, and minimizing the number of machines.

Support Team

Who do you want by your side during labor and birth? Your support team should be central to your plan. Their role is to make you feel confident, comfortable, and safe. Clearly communicate your desires to them. Remember, what seems obvious to you might not be apparent to them. Do you want a doula? Will siblings be present?

Pain Relief

Labor pain is a natural and important part of the process. Explore natural ways to cope, such as walking, movement, massage, and aromatherapy. These are noninvasive and safe for you and your baby. Express how you'd like to manage the pain and consider safe alternatives to anesthesia. Trust your ability to cope.

Freedom to Move

Being able to move around and choose your own positions for pushing is essential. Make it known if you'd prefer to forgo machines, monitors, and drugs if you aren’t having a homebirth or going to a free standing birth center. Beware of hospital labor and delivering units now calling themselves “family birthing centers”… if is IN a hospital- it IS a hospital.

Meeting Baby

Those first moments with your newborn are precious. This is intimate time to connect and bond. If mother and baby are well, hospital routines and procedures can wait. Protect those first moments and marvel at each other as you begin your lives together.

Ready to start planning? Talk to your healthcare provider, attend classes, and gather information from various sources. Remember, an open mind and a positive outlook are key.

Take Action:

Start creating your birth plan today! Research your options and discuss them with your partner and midwife.