What is a Birth Plan
Even though there's no way you can control every aspect
of labor and delivery,writing a birth plan gives you
an opportunity to think about and discuss with your
partner and your healthcare practitioner how -- ideally
-- you'd like your baby's birth to be handled. . The
reason for creating a birth plan is so that everyone
understands your hopes and desires for labor and birth.
This is not a contract, but a statement of your preferences.
When to prepare a birth plan
Although a birth plan can
be written at any time in pregnancy, it is best to write
it in the third trimester because then you would have
looked at all the various issues of childbirth and labour
more closely. Whenever you write the plan, your midwife
will discuss and sign the birth plan sometime between
week 32-34.
Important to Remember
The way you want to have your labour and childbirth
depends not just on your birth plan but also on your medical
condition and what is available in the hospital. You can
change it anytime you want if something you wrote before
does not make sense anymore. Keep a copy of the birth
plan with you and use it once you are admitted in the
hospital. It is best to be flexible at all times so that
you and the baby are not at risk at any point.
What all does a birth plan outline?
A birth plan might address some of
the following issues: :
- What type of environment would you prefer?
You could have dim lights, music, cushions, bean bag, birth pool etc.
If you are planning to use bean bags, birth pool etc., it is best to check with the hospital if these facilities are available.
- Do you want mobility or do you wish to be confined to a bed?
- Use the tub or shower?
- Do you want pain relievers ?
If Yes, State your preferences for type of pain relievers you want?
- What are your feelings about assisted delivery (using forceps or ventouse)?
- Would you prefer an episiotomy as opposed to tearing naturally?
- Would you want your birth partner to cut the umbilical cord?
- Would you like the baby to be delivered straight onto your abdomen or cleaned before being handed over to you?
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