The Beauty of Birth Plans
There is a huge misconception regarding birth plans/visions. If you’re one of those people who think they are “useless”, this one is for you.
I always ask my clients if they’ve created or have an interest in creating a birth plan; and while most of them understand the value, occasionally someone will hit me with, “no, birth is unpredictable, so I don’t see the point.” Indeed, birth is not a predictable nor linear experience (especially with the overuse of medical intervention), but that is exactly what makes a birth plan so useful. A birth plan is not a list of demands to your care team, but instead a tool that allows the birthing person or parent(s) to think through their options and facilitate discussions with their care team before entering the birth space.
For some, writing down their birth goals or birth vision is their way of manifesting their ideal birthing experience. Ever heard of a vision board? Same concept.
*Note: “Birth Plan” and “Birth Vision” will be used interchangeably throughout this text. *
The Sooner You Begin, The Better…
I once believed that birth plans should be written closer to the end of a pregnancy until I considered two things: 1) all babies aren’t born full-term, 2) your care team and birthing location have a huge impact on the birth experience itself. Now, I believe that it’s best to begin as soon as possible. Even prior to conception.
To begin, ask yourself the following:
What are my beliefs surrounding birth?
What are my fears surrounding birth?
What does my prenatal care look like? (This will help you decide if you’d like an OB, Midwife, or both. Do your research!)
Where is my ideal birth location? (Hospital? Home? Birth Center?)
What is the atmosphere like?
Do I want a land birth? Waterbirth?
Will I hire a doula? (Whispers, yes!)
Who else do I want in my birthing space?
Do these people make me feel safe and supported?
·Do I want to catch my baby?
Do I want my birth photographed and/or filmed?
(If you’ve already selected a provider and birthing location and haven’t considered any of this, all is not lost.)
After The Courses and Research
Once you’ve attended a childbirth education course, you can move onto the specifics: induction methods, pain relief, comfort measures, nourishment, newborn procedures, etc.
You may begin to ask yourself the following:
Has my overall vision changed?
Do I understand my rights as a birthing person?
Do I feel that I am informed enough to make the best decisions for myself and my baby?
What induction methods am I most comfortable with?
What methods of pain relief am I most comfortable with?
Which pain relief options and procedures are a hard no for me?
What position will I push in?
If my baby is born asleep, do I wish to see and hold my baby?
If I don’t survive my birth, what are my wishes for the care of my child(ren)?
Would I like to keep my placenta?
In case of a cesarean birth, who will be my support person?
Do I want to delay newborn procedures until after I’ve bonded with my baby?
Do I want my baby vaccinated at the hospital or at the pediatrician’s office?
* This is not an exhaustive list *
Creating a birth plan should not be stressful. Seeing your vision written out on paper can help you sort out your thoughts and alleviate some anxiety. Remember, your birth plan shouldn’t be too lengthy- the more concise the better. If you need additional help, I am glad to assist!
When Do I Discuss My Vision With My Care Team?
Begin discussing your vision with your care team as soon as you’d like. During your search for a healthcare provider and/or doula, it is helpful to have an idea of the birth experience you’re striving for. Because birth plans are modifiable, you can make changes as often as you need.
Remember to print out several copies so that you have enough for yourself and your care team.
What if My Birth Goes Differently Than What I Envisioned?
Sometimes birth goes exactly the way one envisions and other times it does not. In my experience, my clients’ sense of fulfillment, success, and/or empowerment often stem from the prep work they did to ensure they made the best decisions for themselves and their babies.
A thorough birth plan will include both “ideals” and “special circumstances”. For example, if one envisions a vaginal birth but needs to, or later opts to have a cesarean, their birth plan already states their wishes/preferences: “in the event of a cesarean, I’d like….”
Too many of us- myself included- have gone into the birthing space blindly and ill-prepared. A birth plan is sometimes the first step to being an active participant in your birth.
Again, a birth plan is not a list of demands to your care team. However, it is useful in preparing for the journey into parenthood. In the birthing space, it serves as a reminder of what makes you feel most comfortable, safe, and supported while also covering how you’d prefer your baby to be cared for.
Surrogates, adoptive parents, and parents of angel babies (those who knew beforehand that their babies would be born asleep) can also benefit from creating a birth plan.
To my black and brown siblings,
You are worthy of kindness, respect, and quality care. Remember that you employ your care team. It is your right to seek care elsewhere when necessary. Never feel guilty for advocating for yourself; do so unapologetically. Your body, your baby- stop asking permission.
With Love,