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A Birth Plan is a simple, clear, one-page statement of your preferences for the delivery of your baby. You may want to hand out a copy for every person involved in the delivery, this will facilitate their job and help each person understand your wishes, also it will dismiss communication issues before the day of delivery. You may not want to wait until the last minute to create your plan, so you can have the time to discuss it with those who will be there for you. Also, keep in mind to be always flexible; you never know when changes may occur. And remember, a safe delivery of your precious baby is the most important thing to consider. Having these thoughts in mind the following guidelines will help you create a very gratifying Birth Plan.
Important Considerations:
You might research ALL the routine policies and procedures for "mommy care" in the birth setting of your choice. If, for some reason, you disagree with some rule or procedure of delivery at the setting of your choice, you may not want it in your birth plan or it may be time to consider a different birth setting. As you find out about the typical care provided, you will remember topics you want to add in your plan. You could have an one page for a normal delivery/postpartum and a second page on how to handle any complications it may occur. The following list of considerations will help you prioritize your needs, any question that seems meaningless to you, feel free to disregard it from your list.
- Who do you want to be there ( at the delivery room) with you?
- Do you want a Doula?
- Will you want to have children/siblings present?
- Do you want mobility or do you wish to be confined to a bed?
- What activities or positions do you plan to use? (walking, standing, squatting, hands and knees)
- Would you have a position of your preference to give birth?
- What will you want them to give you to relieve your pain? (Massage, hot and cold packs, positions, labor imagery, relaxation, breathing exercises, tub or Jacuzzi, medication)
- How do you feel about fetal monitoring?
- What would you do to keep you hydrated? (sips of drinks, ice chips, IV)
- Do you want pain medications or do you want to avoid them? Do you have preferences for which pain medications you want?
- Would you like an episiotomy? Or, are there certain measures you want to use to avoid one?
- What are your preferences for your baby’s care? (when to feed, where to sleep)
- Do you want a routine IV, a heparin/saline block, or nothing at all?
- Do you want to wear your own clothing?
- Do you want to listen to music, and have focal points?
- Do you want to use a tub or shower?
- For home and birth center births, what are your plans in case of transporting you?
- If you need a cesarean, do you have any special requests?
Caregivers Consultation
The majority of caregivers have a set routine of how things will be done. They are experts, and have the proper experience and training. They also want your best for your delivery as well. However, they may not agree with all aspects of your birth plan. They might misunderstand it as a list of demands, or they might feel afraid that you could be disappointed if something doesn't go precisely as you planned.
Keep in mind that every delivery is different, and that a "normal" delivery may have a wide range of definitions; try to use wording like "birth preferences," "our wishes for child birth," "as long as birth progresses normally," or "unless there is an emergency," instead of making it sound as you are demanding things or trying to chance any procedure. You could make an early appointment with the labor and delivery area of your hospital or the birthing center for the staff to take a look at your plan and talk things over with you exchanging suggestions. You may kindly request to spend some time in an empty birthing or labor room to get a feel for where you will be and what you might want to add to your list, for example, extra pillows, pictures, or music.
If you follow these guidelines you will feel more confident about your birth plan and have greater confidence in your choice of birth location.
Trying to be confident and in control
It is common that during childbirth, women feel like they are loosing control and may feel a little less confident. Remember, fear is a natural feeling, and it is normal to feel a little afraid! However, a birth plan will help you to feel confident, in control as much as possible and helps you feel you are part of the decisions that might be made, even when unexpected events occur. You could try to plan for the unexpected by using phrases like, "If a cesarean becomes necessary..." And for some reason, during delivery you still feel pressured to compromise with something you are unsure of, ask if this is an emergency situation; ask if you can have more information on any alternatives and time to think about it. See if they can check back with you in a little while.
Positive thinking is the way to go
Try to have your birth plan always focus on the positive side, instead of a list of what you don't want. Use words like, "We hope to" or "We plan to" or "We anticipate." Try not to use phrases like, "We don't want" or "We want to avoid."
And enjoy this wonderful and magic journey!!!
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