|
Writing a birth plan in preparation for the birth of your baby may seem like an exciting yet confusing challenge. It can be complicated, depending on your situation, but it is possible to write one to fit your needs and desires.
Prior to making your birth plan, ask your health care provider for your pregnancy how she or he feels about such an effort. There is no point in wasting time on a birth plan that your provider will pay no attention to. Be up front and to the point about asking the question. If a finished plan is needed before your provider will discuss it then take the opportunity provided and get to work writing it.
The basics of a birth plan cover how you hope the birth of your baby to be handled. It isn't such that it must be adhered to completely because unforeseen circumstances could arrive, but it is a guideline you want nursing staff and your provider to follow.
Decide you want present for your labor and delivery and be specific about that in the plan. If you are having a cesarean section, list who you hope can be in attendance as well. Consider who you think might really be an asset during the labor and delivery and delegate one person as the leader who could assist others out of the room should you decide you would rather be alone. It would also be good to advise these family members ahead of time that you might not want them around once you are in labor and that they should not be offended by your request.
Other details to include in your birth plan cover issues like episiotomy, pain relief and food restrictions. State what you are hoping to have and/or avoid and leave these open for discussion with your provider as set protocol may prohibit them from honoring your request.
If you would rather not have an IV or be confined to bed for electronic fetal monitoring, state so now in your birth plan. Depending on the facility you will deliver at and your provider's requirements, you may have both these requests honored.
Discuss in your birth plan how you want your baby handled at delivery. Do you want your baby to go immediately to you while the umbilical cord is attached or would you rather have the nursing staff care for the little one and get she or he cleaned up first.
Also consider where you would like the newborn exam done and if they baby must be taken to the nursery soon after birth. The more time you can spend together bonding in the first couple hours, the better.
Vitamin K shots and eye ointment are two standard procedures that you can usually deny if you like. Staff will likely give these to your baby unless you state otherwise.
It is also wise to write down whether or not you will be breastfeeding your baby and if pacifiers will be allowed with your newborn.
Once you have your birth plan together and have discussed it with your provider, be certain a copy of it is in your chart and bring another one along to give to the nursing staff at the birthing facility.
| 
