What is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan is a written guide of things you would like to do or have happen during your labor and the days following the birth. Your birth plan is developed before labour by you and your partner.
Why is it Important?
The birth plan will inform your doctor or midwife and hospital nurses of what you would prefer to happen during labor and birth. This allows you and the support team to work together.
Things to Include In Your Birth Plan:
Where you intend to give birth (hospital birth or home birth)?
Who will attend the birth?
What positions you would like to try during labour and delivery?
What your feelings are regarding medication and other means of pain relief during labour?
Does your support person want to cut the umbilical cord?
Do you want to hold the baby and breastfeed immediately after the birth?
Things to Keep in Mind:
It is important to know that changes may need to occur to your birthing plan depending on circumstances of the labour and birth. It is important to listen to your doctor or midwife and be open to changes that may need to occur.
Sample Birth Plan:
I plan to give birth to my baby at the hospital under the care of a midwife. At the birth I will be supported by my husband and mom. I would like to try different labour positions that keep me the most comfortable throughout my labour. I do not want to be confined to my hospital bed unless necessary or until the end of my labour. If I find the labour to be very lengthy and intense I will consider medication to take the edge off my pain. My husband plans to cut the umbilical cord, but if he is unable to my mom would like to. I think it is very important that I initiate breastfeeding within the first 30 minutes of the birth. I understand that my birth plan may change if needed.
February 28, 2007
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