What Is A Birth Plan And How Do You Write One?

The modern woman plans and controls her pregnancy from the very first week. But once labor begins, anything can happen. It is therefore good to write a birth plan.

If you take the time to prepare your birth plan properly, it can be very helpful in making sure that your birth goes as you want.

What is a birth plan?

Even though you may have already decided how you want your birth to go, everything can be blown away if an emergency arises. The risk of this is much greater if doctors and midwives are not aware of what you want.

Therefore, it is important to have a birth plan, or a birth certificate, as it is sometimes called. It makes sure they are aware of everything you want. It is a document that lists all the mother’s needs and wishes regarding the child’s birth.

There are several areas where the mother can be involved and decide how she wants it. Both in terms of herself and the newborn.

What can be included in this written document?

In your birth plan, you can write how you want to use anesthesia, if any, during the birth. In addition, you can choose who is allowed to be with you in the delivery room or ask that they do not separate you from the baby immediately after the birth. You can write if you want the umbilical cord blood to be donated, or if you want to wait to cut the umbilical cord.

You can also determine other aspects that have to do with birth. For example, you can write that you do not want them to shave you, do not give you enemas or that you want to choose a position during the different stages of childbirth.

These are all inquiries that do not affect doctors and midwives, and they do not adversely affect your health.

Other requests you can make in your birth plan

On the internet, there are various templates and examples to give you an idea of ​​what written inquiries you can make. In some cases, the plan includes things like choosing the music you want to listen to while having contractions. In addition, you can choose your clothes or other aids, such as having access to an exercise ball or maternity pool.

You can also request to be informed at all times about the medical procedures you are facing. Other alternatives are to limit vaginal examinations as much as possible and avoid inducing labor. You can also choose whether you want a catheter or not.

The birth plan should be written during pregnancy

Some pregnant women start planning less than two months in advance, but it is best to prepare your birth plan a little at a time during the nine months of pregnancy, with the goal of being able to make inquiries that adapt to you and your baby’s needs.

If complications occur during the past months, the midwife can make recommendations to the mother to help her feel better prepared for the birth. It includes recommendations for what can be stated in the birth plan so that her birth will go as smoothly as possible. The mother’s wishes are followed as long as there is no risk to her or the child.

Where can you find templates?

There are many templates and examples available online. In these you can find some of the wishes that pregnant women can make in the hospital. In addition, you can talk directly with your midwife. Then you can go through the wishes and requests that are important to you as a person and to your unique situation.

There is nothing wrong with relying on midwives and caregivers during childbirth. They have great experience and knowledge. But often the small details are important to the woman and make her feel better and in control of this transformative situation. It can reduce anxiety, worry and stress, which in itself is beneficial for the child.

It is always good to prepare well in advance of the birth. The risk is always great that it will not be as you intended, but with a birth plan you at least know that there are still things you can control – and then the experience may not feel as scary.