Birth Planning: how to write one and what to include
How to write a Birth Plan
Birth planning is an essential step preparing for a positive and empowering birth experience for you and your partner; however birth happens. You may not think that you have any preferences when it comes to birth BUT I like to describe it as the same as how you like your tea of coffee made, and life in general we all have preferences and birth is no different!
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of birth planning, discuss key elements to consider, and offer some practical tips to help you create a birth plan.
Why You Might Want to Write a Birth Plan:
Birth planning is more than just creating a document; it is a process that allows you to make informed decisions about your birth experience and helps you to find out your options and become more knowledge in the process of birth.
It helps your birth partner and midwife or health care provider know your preferences when it comes to birth and helps them to support you as best as possible. We know that when it comes to birth, women and birthing people make the best decisions when they make an informed decision and that decision is supported and respected; even if birth doesn’t happen the way they thought it would.
Things to Include in Your Birth Plan
Choosing Your Birth Environment
Deciding between a hospital, birthing center, or home birth.
Creating an optimal birth environment that will support your birth hormones wherever you decide to give birth.
Pain Relief Options
Exploring various pain relief methods, such as natural techniques (birth comb, TENS machine, water , hypnobirthing tools, breathing), right the way through to more medical pain relief measures such as Opioids and epidurals
Looking at the pros and cons of all pain relief measures
Birth Preferences
Positions for birth.
Preferences for monitoring the baby's heartbeat.
Birth partner role and support
Interventions and Procedures:
Preferences regarding inductions, episiotomies, and cesarean sections.
Delayed cord clamping and immediate skin-to-skin contact with the baby.
Vitamin K, what is and your options.
Do Your Research
Educate yourself about different birth options and interventions, knowledge is power!
Attend birth preparation classes such as hypnobirthing/antenatal classes which support you in finding out those options, learning about the birthing process and pain management techniques.
Have an A, B & C Plan
Preparing for your dream birth as well as different birthing options.
Include EVERYTHING that is important to you and bring through to B & C plans .
Involve Your Support Team:
Discuss your birth plan with your birth partner, doula, or other support persons.
Make sure that everyone is aware of your preferences and that you or your birth partner can advocate for you if needed.
Keep It Simple and Clear
Use straightforward language in your birth plan and keep it to the point.
Focus on the most important aspects that matter to you, you will only birth this baby once!
If you do a hypnobirthing or birth preparation course you will usually be given a free template to use, or you can buy one on Etsy or even just make your own with bullet points and sections!
Conclusion
I know it may feel scary to plan for birth but many clients I work with feel really empowered by writing a birth plan and feel so much more informed about making decisions when it comes to birth. It doesn’t mean that you can’t change your mind after you have written your birth plan or even on the day. Remember, the more you know , the more prepared you and your birth partner will feel and you will feel confident in making decisions for birth and you will likely feel more relaxed, calm and prepared for when your birth begins!