How do you create a birth plan?

Question

Do you print it out or what? Any pics for inspo?

Answer

I follow “mommy.labornurse” on instagram and I signed up for her free emails. She sent one that is a virtual birth plan that you can drag and drop what you want and at what stage in labor. You can print it out. If nothing else it will give you a good idea of what things you might want to include in your plan

Answer

Nope. I never do. I express my wishes and try to stick to them and act accordingly. Should anything change beyond my control I can accept a change and move forward.

Answer

So a birth plan is really a misnomer, what you want is to think about your birth “preferences.” You can’t plan how things will go, since birth is wildly unpredictable! but you can definitely
Think about your preferences for different situations should they arise.
Preferences include things like:
- if you need a c section, do you want “gentle c section” methods? (Look that up if you aren’t familiar.)
- who do you want in the room when you are laboring￼
- would you like to labor at home as long as possible or would you prefer to get to the hospital room sooner? (Or do you want to consider a birth center or home birth?)
- what types of pain management are you open to? Would you like to try an unmedicated birth as your first option with epidural as a backup, or do you prefer to have an immediate epidural or IV pain meds? How about nitrous oxide?
- what comfort methods would you like to use during labor (bath or hot shower, heat/ice packs, aromatherapy, assisted stretching, massage, etc)
- do you plan on breastfeeding? If so, make sure you let your team know you do not want baby to be given formula, you want immediate skin to skin, and you request a lactation consultant before discharge. 
- what are your preferences for your baby - hep b shot? Circumcision? Antibiotic eyedrops? Etc. 
- do you want delayed cord clamping?
- what induction methods are you open to, if any? Under what circumstances would you want to be induced (many options such as breaking your water, stripping membranes, cervical softening, pitocin) all methods could be helpful and all could have risks in different situations.
There are lists online that can help you think about your preferences. I really recommend Evidence Based Birth - the website has research based fact sheet on pretty much every birth decision you can make, and this way you have the info to make the most informed choices about your own birth :)

Answer

Don’t have a strict plan. Have a loose idea of things you want/don’t want.

Answer

I wanted a healthy baby and no c section, and no epidural. My doctor, midwife, and nurse did everything to make that happen. I ended up with an epidural after 20 hours of pitocin contractions, but they worked with me and I got the healthy baby and no cuts, so I’m happy. Water helped a lot. Showers and baths were incredible and went a LONG way.  Do what you want. If you want drugs, go for it. If you don’t, talk about how to avoid it as much as possible.

Answer

I did a hypnobirthing course and they provided an editable birth preferences letter with prompts / options.
Ultimately, my husband and I talked about everything a lot and we decided not to take anything written. We were in a midwife led unit and communicated very clearly with our midwife. She gave us options at each decision point. 
I had a drug free birth and have very clear memories of making informed decisions at the hardest moments. My labour and birth didn't exactly match my preferences, but I came out feeling strong and positive because I had knowingly chosen each step we took. It wasn't what I had imagined but it was my informed choice. 
Don't get hung up on a plan. Think about each different pathway and what you would prefer. Think about what circumstances may lead you to change your preference. Be informed about the different options so you can make informed decisions. If you want to write preferences, incorporate your preferences for natural birth, induction, and c section, so you have something to refer to in any circumstance. Good luck!

How do you create a birth plan?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey