Some people may think that I’m crazy for writing a birth plan.
But birth is crazy unpredictable, and that makes me panic.
Having a plan makes me feel safer even when I know that things may not always go according to plan.
A birth plan doesn’t guarantee you the birth experience you want, but it lets you communicate what you do and don’t want with your doctors, midwives, nurses, doulas, and even friends or family when you may not be able to fight for your own choices.
Labor can make many women feel out of control, and for type-A’s like me, that’s just not okay. Writing a birth plan will help you to get all of your ideas out on paper, and you can feel like you’re in control even if you aren’t.
But not all birth plans are created equal! Follow these three simple steps to writing a birth plan that works to make sure you have a birth plan written that gives you your best shot at the birth experience you want!
Three Simple Steps to Writing a Birth Plan That Works
Know Your Priorities for Your Birth
There are probably some parts of your labor and delivery that you absolutely do or do not want. I, for example, absolutely refuse pitocin, an epidural, and an episiotomy. [Update: I ended up with two out of those three things. You can read more about that here.] However I would prefer the ability to eat, drink, and move around as I’m comfortable.
The first things I’m not compromising on, the second group is possible. Your birth priorities may be different than mine, so just consider what is most important to you.
If it’s important to you to get the epidural as soon as possible, make sure it says that.
For things that are a strong priority for you, consider using strong language. For example, my birth plan will say “I do not consent to pitocin, an epidural, or an episiotomy.” It reads much stronger than “I prefer to not have x”.
Consider Your Preferences For Your Birth
No one wants to be nit-picky, but this is your birth. If you want the lights down low or people to speak quietly, write that down. If you want the room cleared out before the lift the blanket and expose your lady bits, write that down.
Think of your ideal birth and write down what it would look like. Is there music playing? Do you have your own nightgown instead of a hospital gown? These things are all possible in most situations, so make your preferences known.
It honestly isn’t any harder for a nurse to enter the room quietly and speak softly while you’re having contractions, but if you don’t let them know what kind of birthing experience you want they will default to normal hospital activities.
That means bright lights, loud beepy machines, and not really an environment conducive to labor.
Make Sure To Be Extra Nice
It’s always a good idea to include a blurb in your birth plan about how thankful you are for the doctors, midwives, and nurses who will be assisting you during labor. Acknowledge that they are experts at what they do, and your top priority is to have a safe delivery of a healthy baby.
Your birth plan will outline your preferences and choices for your childbirth, but if there is a true emergency, you may change your mind if given the chance for fully informed consent.
It’s also a good idea to try to keep your birth plan to one page. If there’s more than one page, most busy hospital staff won’t even read it.
To be sure they’re extra nice to you, it’s always a good idea to pack some goodies to leave at the nurse’s station. Trust me, they’ll appreciate the chocolate on their long tiring shift!
Like I said, writing a birth plan definitely doesn’t guarantee you a perfect birth, but it can help give you peace of mind. It can show your birthing team that you’re serious and an active participant in all decision making. You deserve that at your birth.
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