Skills For Behavior Change

Feb 09 2009

Developing a Birth Plan

Birth plans are ideas and expectations that you have about the birth of your baby. They are used to help people with whom you come into contact during your labor and birth to know a bit more about you, how you have prepared for this baby, and what you want from the birth. A lot of people misunderstand and assume that you are writing orders for people to follow. (If only labor would allow us to do this! ) But the birth plan simply serves as a guideline so that those assisting you know your wishes and desires. A birth plan might address some of the following issues:

Do you want mobility or do you wish to be confined to a bed?
Do you want a routine IV, a heparin lock, or nothing at all?
Do you want to wear your own clothing?
Do you want to listen to music during the birthing process?
Do you prefer to use the tub or the shower?
Do you want pain medications or do you want to avoid them?
Do you have preferences for which pain medications you want?
‘Would you prefer a certain position in which to give birth?
Would you like an episiotomy? Or, are there certain measures you want used to avoid one?
If you need a cesarean, do you have any special requests?
For home and birth center births, what are your plans in case of transport?
What will be the role of the father during delivery?

As you can see there are many topics that may be addressed in a birth plan. All should be discussed prenatally with your care provider. It is preferred that they be written down and even signed by your care provider if you are going to a birth center or hospital.

There are many types of birth plans in written format. Some are many pages long, and some are just a single paragraph. that simply “sets the tone” for the birth. There is always a happy medium, and only you will know what works for you