Today Emily Gold, Doula and Little Lotus Yoga Instructor shares with us info about Birth Plans. You can find more about Emily on her website at www.birthbreathbeyond.com
What is a Birth Plan
As your pregnancy progresses you may have started hearing “do you have a birth plan” or “what’s your birth plan” or maybe even “there is no reason to have a birth plan”. A birth plan is documentation of how you ideally want your birth to proceed. As a doula I like to start by thinking of a birth plan as a recipe that I know may need to be amended or thrown out. If you can go into the creation of your birth plan with the mindset that you are planning what you want for your dream birth and the realization that birth is never predictable, a birth plan can help you reach your goals. Here are some of the most common questions surrounding birth plans and some helpful answers.
How do I create my birth plan?
There are lots of great templates online, where you can see a list of choices for pain management. All of the Ottawa Hospitals have birth plan templates available online, if you are planning on giving birth at a hospital this is a useful choice because you will see the all the options that will be available to you, and will not have to worry about out dated methods or methods hospitals don’t currently offer.
Even if you are planning a home birth or a birth at a hospital it is worth having a discussion about the options available at local hospitals, so if you do end up at the hospital you are aware of your options and what you want.
It is also possible to design a Birth Plan without a template. Include personal information,the name of everyone on your support team, your preferences for labor, delivery and after birth. Think about where you would like to labour (in bed, in water) if you would like fetal monitoring and pain medication, what position you would like to be in for pushing and preferences for immediate contact with your baby and feeding. Whether you use a template or not be sure to add anything you’d specifically like to do or avoid, no matter how small it seems if it is important to you it is important! If you’ve had a previous trauma and want to avoid a particular exam or situation note it on your plan so you don’t have to discuss it at the birth.
Why is a Birth Plan important?
Having a birth plan can help you think about what you want for your birth, what seems essential and what you are certain you don’t want. It is a great time to discuss/research what the risk, benefits side effects and alternatives are for all of your options. It is also a great time to check in with your partner, doula and any additional birth support to make sure you are all on the same page.
Having a birth plan can also help you de-stress, by discussing your hopes and fears you’ve gotten them out on the open and put to paper exactly what you want at your birth. It also takes some of the pressure from you and your partner to have to remember what you wanted at the actual birth.
Birth plans often bring up questions, and it is a good idea to make one early enough in pregnancy that you can go to your health care provider with any questions that come up.
What do I do with my birth plan?
Ideally you’ve created your plan with your partner and doula and it is a good idea to share with any additional support persons planning on being present at your birth. It is also important to share your birth plan with your OB or midwife, and talk to them about what is most important to you. If you are planning on giving birth at a hospital it is a great idea to have some copies of your birth plan packed to take with you, this way they can be posted on the door and shared with all health providers.
While I am putting lots of emphasis on a birth plan it is important to think of your birth plan as amendable or disposable. Birth is unpredictable, and even if we plan for everything nature or your baby may have other plans. Being able to find acceptance in this fact while creating your birth plan, is a great way to reduce the risk of disappointment if your birth doesn’t go exactly as planned. Discussing ALL your options, even the ones you don’t want, while making your birth plan, can help ensure that you are informed and supported if things go differently than as planned. Your birth plan is one more tool for you to ensure your voice is heard, ensuring open communication and empowerment, essential for a positive birth experience.
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