Steps to Your Birth Plan
Planning and deciding on the type of delivery experience you want can be
useful but not always practical. Many feel strongly about a
"no-detail-overlooked" birth plan while others prefer to go with the flow.
Some women prefer a high tech birth, comforted by the security of doctors, a
hospital and nurses, while others have a more natural image of birth. Either
way, expressing your expectations to those involved is useful, bearing in mind
that childbirth is not fully controlled by us and that deviations from the
plan can be expected.
Here are a few tips to help your birth plan work for
you.
Find a care provider early:
Finding a care provider whose vision most closely matches yours, is
important. That person should
know and understand any concerns or preferences you may have regarding your
birth plan.
Keep it Short
Generally a birth plan should not be longer than one page. Set up a list of
questions (+ 5) and answers and try not to go into a detailed frenzy, it’s
bound to stress you out.
Some possible questions: Feelings towards:
– induction
– pain relief
– who will be present
– breast feeding expectations
Research the Birth Place
Once you’ve chosen a doctor or midwife and the venue where you’ll deliver,
research it’s policies and find out if they can accommodate the wishes on your
birth plan. Bear in mind that all hospitals have their own way of doing things
and will not change their policies to suit you, so be realistic and
reasonable. Have your doctor sign your plan before being admitted.
Respect your Care Provider
Although this is your pregnancy and birth, ensure that your birth plan is
written in such a
way that it shows respect for your care providers professional judgment.
Remember that you have
chosen them for their knowledge and expertise. They are the experts and if you
have chosen wisely, their goals
are the same as yours.
Don’t get too Attached
Birth plans should be seen as a wish list and not a non-negotiable
document. As long as everyone involved is aware of your expectations allow for
unforeseen circumstances. Although birth experience is important, the end
result (a healthy baby) is far more precious. Don’t allow the fact that the
birth did not go according to plan to be a damper on the start of you and your
baby’s life together.