A birth plan lays out the choices that the mother wants to include for labor, delivery, and postpartum. Even if you don’t feel like sticking to your birth plan, it can be one of valuable tools to educate yourself and make informed decisions during your delivery.

What is a Birth Plan

A birth plan is like a written record where you jot down the ways you would like certain things to occur during your labor or delivery period. It can be simple as well as complex, according to the needs of the mother. You will find no single right format that suits every woman.

A birth plan guide changes according to the circumstances and the course of events during your labor period. It is okay to go for little changes in your birth plan to suit the situation.

How can you Start Making a Birth Plan

Some women have perspectives about their labor and the way to give birth to their children. In such a situation, the birth plan comes handy. To make the birth plan, one needs to invest their time in research work about the options that are available to them.

However, one needs to understand that too much information can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. Therefore if you are making a birth plan guide (healthbanks.us/birth-plan-guide), you need to be clear, precise, and concise. Perhaps keeping a digital copy can make things easier and cut off the hassle.

Things to Include while Preparing a Birth Plan

● People Involved

List the names and contact information of the people directly involved in your delivery. You must not forget about your chosen pediatrician, midwife, or obstetrician.

● Information Regarding Medical History

One section of your birth plan should include information related to your medical history. It should also contain information regarding your past pregnancies or deliveries.

● Type of Environment you Require

Mention the type of environment that you want during your delivery. Make it a point to put it in writing about the type of atmosphere you require to deliver your baby.

● Preference for Pain Management

State your preference for pain management in your birth plan. If you have had any trouble with pain management in your past deliveries, you may put it in your birth plan.

● Birthing position Preferences

Mention the position that you find comfortable. Also, note down any props that you require.

● Other Wishes

You may also include your wishes related to the emergency c-section, cord blood donation, or whether you want any episiotomy.

● Instructions Related to Newborn Care

Be clear about the kind of care you desire for your newborn baby.

It is an overwhelming situation for every mother when they bring their newborn into the world. While writing up your birth plan, make sure you involve a bit of flexibility. As sometimes it becomes difficult to predict what may happen when a baby is born.