How to make effective birth plan

By becoming informed on key issues surrounding childbirth, and after making mutual decisions on how to handle "surprises" Writing a birth plan is the best way to inform your birth team of your intentions and enables you to focus on the labor of labor instead of policing your caretakers.

One woman might feel very strongly about having her husband and mother present during the labor and delivery. Another woman might be adamant that no one disturbs her while she labors.

After time spent reading all the pregnancy books, all the childbirth, talking with other mothers and her caretakers, many women develop very definite ideas about every stage and step of labor, and it becomes beneficial to begin writing them down.

Toward the end of your pregnancy, you will want to revise this "list of notes" into a readable "birth plan."

Begin with the admission procedures. If you would rather avoid pain medication, this is the time to mention it. Many hospitals make a point of periodically offering pain relief to women in labor- if you would rather it not be offered, but available upon request, now is the time to make that clear. Again, these usually aren't issues at a birthing center, but should be discussed beforehand regardless.

Many birth teams employ a motivational chant of the word "push" during the actual delivery, and many women find this empowering and helpful. Would you like the birth to be videotaped or photographed? Most Hospitals require the obstetrician's consent to allow a husband into the operating room in the event of a C-section.

The fun part- the end of your birth plan -your baby is here! Don't assume your hospital has these procedures in place already, make sure beforehand. If you are rooming-in with your baby, who is allowed into your room? Once you are finished writing out your birth plan, present it to your doctor (or midwife) for his review. Remember that your doctor will not be with you the minute you arrive at the hospital, so it would be wise to hand-carry a copy of the approved birthing plan into the hospital a week or so before delivery and introduce yourself to the nursing staff. Striking up a friendly conversation with the women who will be spending more time with you than your doctor is a very wise investment. No two birth plans are alike, just as no two women or babies are alike. If you have specific requests or preferences regarding your labor and delivery, it is important to make your wishes known long before you are admitted.


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