Why Is Having a Birth Plan Important?
If you’re about to have a baby, then you’ve probably read a ton of things about the birth process and all it entails. Some women choose to make a birth plan or a record of things they would like to happen during and after birth. As you’re creating your birth plan, you can learn a lot of new things and brush up on the old knowledge. You can also talk to your midwife and ask any questions and get your doubts cleared out. If you’re wondering how to approach your birth plan, here’s an easy guide to help you on the way:
Why do you need a birth plan?
If you’re skeptical about making a birth plan, this will change your mind. A birth plan is there to help you have a wonderful experience giving birth to your baby. It helps you communicate your birthing wishes with your doctors, midwives, and other people around. Since every birth is different, a birth plan can help you have a pleasant and safe experience and let your carers know what you want during the entire process.
One of the main purposes of having a birth plan is to prepare you for becoming a mother. By focusing your attention on the birth, you can figure out the things that are important to you. And this occasion is also a perfect chance for you to get to know your maternity care provider if you don’t already know each other.
Of course, you don’t have to have a birth plan, but having a plan can ensure you have the labor you want. Even if you don’t want to make an extensive plan, talk to your carers about what’s important for you so they can make notes in your files.
When do you need to start preparing?
There’s no right or wrong time to start making your birth plan (as long as it’s before the labors have started). It’s ideal to start thinking about things after you know all the details about the hospital, date, etc. If you finish up your birth plan too early, you might miss any conditions that appear in the meantime like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.
How to create a good birth plan?
You’ve probably thought long and hard about labor and imagined your baby’s birth. However, did you voice your wishes to your health care team? If you’re asking yourself what is a birth plan and why do you need it, it’s good to know that this is its primary use—to keep everyone informed. According to women who already had their birth, some questions to consider when making your plan are: Who do you want with you in the delivery room? Do you want a natural birth or do you want to be medicated? Do you want to be mobile during labor? Do you want to give birth in the water? Do you want your baby to be under a 24/7 monitoring program?
There are obviously more things you can include in your birth plan. When thinking about birth elements, focus on those that will ensure your health and the health of your little one. Make sure to be flexible with your plan, because things don’t always go smoothly. Birth is a chaotic process that can easily go astray, so keep that in mind.
Who creates a birth plan?
You as a mother are creating your birth plan, but you don’t have to do it alone. Many hospitals have booklets that allow you to whip up your birth plan easily and quickly instead of starting from scratch. And after you’re done with your planning, review the plan with your midwife. Depending on your pregnancy, you might be asked to reconsider certain things on the plan.
What happens after the birth?
Your birth plan should also consider what happens after your new baby is born. Your doctors and `midwives want to know how to properly care for your baby after the delivery. For instance, who’s going to cut the cord, change the first diaper or give the baby their first bath. Also, make sure to specify how you want your baby to be fed. Do you want to breastfeed or use formula? Nutrition preferences are a very important part of the plan. And don’t forget to include any of your religious and cultural references because your doctors might not be familiar with them.
The point of your birth plan is to tailor the delivery according to your needs and wishes. In some cases, your health care team might be forced to skip or add parts to the plan to ensure your health and the health of the baby. The final goal of every delivery is to have a healthy and happy mom and a healthy and peaceful baby, and with a birth plan, you can ensure your safety and satisfaction during every moment of your baby’s birth.
