17 things to include in
The Perfect Birth Plan
Why do I need a birth plan?
A birth plan will let the hospital staff know that you are informed about your choices. This can prevent you from being forced or pressured into something you don’t really want.
The staff will be more likely give you informed consent, meaning you’ll be told your options, the pros and cons and then you get to make the final choice based on the facts that are provided to you.
Keep your birth plan short and sweet if you want it to get the attention it deserves. Don’t be too rigid about what you want since anything can happen at any time so it helps to have a flexible attitude.
Know your rights - you always have the right to refuse anything you don’t want.
Select the images for links to more information.
During Labor
1. No induction unless medically necessary.
If you are looking to experience labor with the least chance of medical interventions you want your labor to progress naturally.
Some people walk into the hospital asking for elective C-sections or inductions.
Let the them know the type of birth that you want. Hospital staff want you to have an experience as close as possible to what you hope for.
2. Allow for dim lighting and a calm pleasant atmosphere.
The more relaxed and in control you feel during your birth the more oxytocin and endorphins your body will released and the better blood flow to your uterus.
Having a calm peaceful environment allows you to relax and focus on your happy place as opposed to bright lights and idle conversation.
Stress, fear and lack of control cause you release adrenaline, the fight or flight hormone. This redirects blood flow to the arms and legs and away from the uterus and blocks endorphins.
3. Skip the IV unless medically necessary.
Moving around and getting into different positions helps labor progress. Most moms do not require IV fluids during labor.
The tubing and pole can be annoying and get in your way. (Of course, when necessary, you can work around them.)
Some providers allow the mom to labor without any vein access (Hep-Lock) and only require it when there is a clear medical need. Find out what your options are and take full advantage. Stay hydrated by drinking frequently.
4. Intermittent monitoring and/or use of the portable monitor.
Upon arrival at the hospital the baby’s heart rate is monitored.
Be sure to drink a cup of juice before going in, (unless high blood sugar is an issue). This will perk the baby up and allow for a good reading which insures you are allowed off the monitor as soon as possible, (about 20 minutes).
Either request a portable monitor to allow freedom of movement or intermittent monitoring which means you’ll have around 40 minutes off the monitor out of every hour (as long as the baby continues to have good readings).
In low-risk pregnancies constant monitoring is associated with risks without giving any benefit to the baby.
On the flip side if you are getting Pitocin (induction), have preeclampsia or any other high-risk condition you may be required to have constant monitoring.
5. Don’t mention the epidural, let me bring it up.
If you plan on skipping the epidural, or just want to give laboring without it a shot, you do not need everyone who walks in the room mentioning it to you.
You may be doing fine but being bombarded or threatened that “you may miss your chance to get it later” only leads to stress.
You can have an enjoyable birth experience without an epidural.
Set yourself up for success by planning ahead. Bring along labor support who can provide massage, acupressure, reflexology, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, position suggestions, etc.
6. I would like to choose who is in the room.
Upon arrival at a teaching hospital a resident will check to determine if you are in labor.
After being admitted, if you want to avoid additional questions and exams, you do not need to be the one every student learns on- but if it doesn’t bother you, by all means, help them out.
Just keep in mind, as labor progresses you may not appreciate more surprise visitors. There are plenty of other patients around for them to learn from.
You are allowed to say you prefer no residents or students.
7. I would like to use the bathtub and shower.
Water is amazing during labor, especially the transition phase.
Take advantage of the facilities and enjoy some hydrotherapy.
It can be just the thing to relax you while you finish dilating.
8. I would like to use a birth ball and birthing bar.
The hospital usually has various birth balls, peanut balls and a bar that connects to the bed. Some may also carry birthing stools or other options.
Be sure to request use of them since they may be just what you need. Your nurse may not mention it so be sure to request them so they’ll be there when you need them.
A subtle position change can be the difference between the baby being out and hours more time in labor. Try everything!
9. Do not break my water unless medically necessary.
Just because they say it will speed things up does not mean that it actually will.
There are risks associated with having your water broken, especially when the baby is high.
Also called artificial rupture of membranes (AROM), it often intensifies the contractions, with or without increasing dilation.
During Pushing
10. Allow me to push in any position.
Listen to your body and find a position that is most comfortable to you.
Upright positions allow gravity play a roll. Some like the standing supported squat, hands and knees or side lying positions.
You do not have to be flat on your back. Find what feels right to you.
11. Do not ask me to push until I feel the urge to do so.
Listen to your body! It knows what to do.
Just because you are fully dilated does not mean you have to push. You can rest and wait for the urge to build, allowing your body to continue moving the baby down with each contraction.
If you have a difficult second stage of labor more direct guided pushing may be helpful to you. Some moms love the loud encouragement and being cheered on.
Don’t hesitate to ask for what you feel will be helpful to you - and that can change during the course of labor.
12. Help prevent tearing.
Sometimes caregivers forget how much you want to avoid tearing.
Remind them that you would like them to help. They can perform perineal massage using gel or base oils.
They can also let you know when you are crowning and guide you to push slower to prevent tearing.
13. Please offer me the chance to…
…Feel the baby’s head when I am crowning,… see my progress in the mirror,…reach down and deliver my own baby…
Anything you may want to try can be included.
You can always change your mind later if you want to. Nothing is set in stone.
After Delivery (If all is well)
14. Skin to skin contact
There is nothing in the world like the first moment you hold your child in your arms. Sharing your body’s warmth with your baby offers numerous benefits to you both.
Occasionally, skin to skin time is delayed because of a complication but you will still have lots of time for bonding whenever you both are ready for it.
This is also a good time to utilize the mirror, so you can both look at your baby and hold them close at the same time.
15. No cord clamping until the cord stops pulsing.
Give your baby a little more time to benefit from the placenta while it is still attached. The cord will continue to supply oxygen rich blood.
Babies with delayed cord clamping have higher blood volume and higher iron levels among other benefits.
(The cord should never be “milked” toward the baby. This can lead to increased risk of jaundice.)
16. Don't suction my baby
More studies are proving that this does not help a newborn and can lead to harm.
Suctioned babies can develop breathing issues and are six times less likely to suckle well.
Unfortunately, it takes time for bad habits to change.
Be part of the change.
17. Allow at least 30-60 minutes for natural placenta delivery.
Placentas can take time to release, and that is normal.
Nothing needs to be forced in most cases.
Let your provider know that you know it is ok to wait. There is no need to be worried, enjoy your time with your baby.
Rushing the placenta can lead to complications you will not want..
Gratitude
Be sure to include a message of gratitude to the people who will be offering their help and support during your labor and delivery.
A little bit of kindness and thanks can go a long way.
What to bring along to the hospital?
Top 10 Daily Reminders for Expectant Moms
10 Ways Dad Can Help
Every child begins the world again
-Henry David Thoreau