Write the Best Birth Plan
The day your child is born is very special. Take a few minutes to write down a birth plan so that your birth is unique and memorable. A well-written and well-received birth plan is a document that introduces the patient and her partner, describes the birth they are hoping for and lists any particular preferences the couple has.
The people at the birth facility are strangers to you but even more importantly you to them. Tell your story so that you become more than just another patient to your care providers. The more they know you and care about you, the better the Oxytocin (labor hormone) will flow.
In Your Birth Plan, Include Things Like:
- where you grew up
- what your work and hobbies are
- how you and your partner met
- describe your previous births
- the color of your baby’s room
- whether you are an introvert or extrovert
- describe your current family (and include pets)
- who in your family is most excited about the new baby
You could even include some pictures of yourself living your life.
Describe your best-case scenario for your birth and frame it out that way. Don’t make a list of demands and “do nots” but instead focus on writing a description of how you have mentally pictured your birth would happen. Knowing what your “dream birth” looks like also makes your birth more personal for the people helping you.
Everyone understands that their birth may not go according to “plan” but there is no harm in communicating your desires to the hospital staff. The baby will be born one way or another and asking for a peaceful, quiet birth should be possible for almost all deliveries. Whether your baby is born spontaneously, by forceps, or surgically, you can still ask that the baby be handed immediately to you. To reduce anxiety, some women want to know everything before it happens and others prefer to stay in the dark. Maybe you would like your partner to announce the baby’s sex instead of the hospital staff. Sometimes it is the little things that make the birth more special. Most hospitals are happy to accommodate these requests especially when you are friendly and not confrontational.
Here Is An Example of a Birth Plan that I would write today (even though I am WAY TOO old!)
I am Lisa and my husband is Warren. We are expecting our 5th child and we are so excited!
Warren and I met each other when we were 18 years old, started dating when we were 19 and had a beautiful wedding when we were only 22 years old. We recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary.
I like to read, shop and watch movies while eating popcorn. I don’t like to exercise or even be sweaty. I love cooking meals for big groups of people and just hanging out with my family.
My 5th birth will be my 4th VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). I envision a waterbirth where I catch the baby myself. My previous births were not waterbirths. I have felt out of control during the delivery because it was so uncomfortable. After observing how calm waterbirth can be, I am hopeful that the water will ease the discomfort of the baby coming out and that I can be more in charge of the actual birth. I need very little support beyond my husband in labor and hope for a lot of privacy.
The things that I really want:
- control
- modesty
- delay any procedures for my baby as long as possible
- an unmedicated, vaginal birth
I thank you in advance for supporting and caring for me during this very important time in my family’s life.
This type of birth plan is likely to be well-received by your staff and provider. Having them on-board for your birth will make it more intimate and memorable experience.
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