*May Contain Affiliate Links*
Everyone seems to have an opinion on what is or isn't best when it is time to give birth. Every expectant mother feels like she is riding a line of standing up for herself, her needs and wishes and making the best choice for her unborn child. The good news is you do have control over how your birth experience goes, and by having a clear written plan that is respectfully communicated to your caregivers you can be sure that your wishes will be accommodated. These are very personal choices and ultimately all up to you. Let’s look at a few things that you should consider putting on your birth plan:
Who will be there?
Your spouse, your parents, your in-laws, your older children, your Doula? Also, this would be the area where you indicate if you are OK with student care.
Do you want delayed cord clamping?
This is an area that you will want to educate yourself on, many studies indicate that this is important and healthy for the baby, but it is ultimately your choice.
Do you want immediate skin to skin contact?
This is another area that requires a bit of research to make an informed decision, studies indicate that this is important for mother/baby bonding and breastfeeding relationships.
Do you want mobility?
The ability to move around and change positions during labor can have many advantages and result in fewer interventions. One way to achieve this outside of having it on your birth plan and getting the approval of your provider is to stay home as long as possible.
What position do you want to give birth in?
Studies show that flat on your back is not the best position to give birth in, yet many hospitals still have this position as standard policy. If you want something different you will need to communicate this with the staff and get them on board.
Pain Relief
There are many options for this, from clinical to natural, know your options and have a plan!
How do you feel about fetal monitoring?
More and more facilities are allowing intermittent and wireless fetal monitoring, allowing your more freedom to more around.
How do you plan to stay hydrated?
Most hospitals are going to want you to at least allow them to put in a hep-lock, but you can refuse IV fluids if they are not medically necessary.
Episiotomy?
These are very rarely used anymore, but they still happen so make your preferences clear. Studies have shown that a natural tear will heal better.
Baby Care
This is where you will cover things like feedings, sleeping arrangements, circumcision, etc.
If you are breastfeeding make it clear that you do not want the staff to do any supplemental feedings.
Cesarean Plan
No one wants to think about what will happen if things go wrong but it is always best to have a backup plan. This should include things like the baby goes to recovery with mom, or baby goes with dad, and a preference for a “gentle cesarean” if possible.
There are many areas to consider when making a birth plan and if you want to make informed choices you will need to do a bit a research, this is one list that I cannot make for you, but once you have made your choices there are plenty of great templates online to help you out. Remember to be polite and flexible when presenting your wishes to the staff, you will get better cooperation. I always say it is better to ask forgiveness than permission as long as the situation is not life-threatening. Also, if you feel like your medical team is completely un-supportive of your wishes, change teams!
Comments