The Birth Plan

Your birth plan is what helps to communicate your thoughts and feelings around the many paths the journey of birth can take. Many people have the misconception that this a complicated set of orders but really the opposite is true. A birth plan is usually under a page long and highlights thoughts, fears, concerns and expectations. It is also an introduction about you and your partner for you to share with your primary care provider and staff. Language such as “if possible” or “I prefer” help to keep the birth plan friendly and respects the medical expertise of the staff. It shows your flexibility but also states your position and what you would like to be respected on during your labour, delivery and postpartum period. You may want to focus on a series of questions or just on a few important issues such as:

· Do you want mobility or do you wish to be confined to a bed?
· Do you want a routine IV, a heparin lock, or nothing at all?
· Do you want to wear your own clothing?
· Listen to music?
· Use the tub or shower?
· Do you want pain medications or do you want to avoid them?
· Do you have preferences for which pain medications you want?
· Would you prefer a certain position in which to give birth?
· Would you like an episiotomy? Or, are there certain measures you want used to avoid one?
· If you need a cesarean, do you have any special requests?
· Would you prefer the baby come to your chest immediately following labour or do you prefer a rest?
· Do you have preferences around postnatal procedures being performed on your baby?
· Are you breastfeeding your baby?

Birth Plans can be as simple or complex as you would like them to be. However, remember that staff can be busy and sometimes your thoughts will be respected if you stick to what is really important to you. If your partner will be present at the birth, let writing the birth plan be something you do together. Make it a time of bonding and a starting point of sharing in the process of birthing your baby.

SAMPLE BIRTH PLAN

Please feel free to print a copy of the sample plan below to use as a starting point in preparing your Birth Plan.

Mother’s name:

Partner’s name(optional):

Due date:

Doctor or midwife:

Labour support persons. Doula, family member, friend

Introducing ourselves:

Important issues, fears or concerns:

Labour options preferred for:

Pain management-

Positioning-

Unless medically necessary please avoid-

Preferences in the event of an unexpected outcome-

Preferences for the period following birth-

Other prefences-

Concluding remarks:

Signature(s)&date: