What is a Birth Plan (and do I need one)?
Did you know studies suggest that when birth plans have a high degree of compliance, birth outcomes are improved for both the birthing person and baby?
A birth plan is a collection of your wishes for your birth. An exercise in understanding your options.
A birth plan is NOT a strict plan. A birth plan is not a list of demands. It’s important to remain flexible and be mentally prepared for changes that may come up during labor
Think of your birth plan as an outline of your best case scenarios. Where you’d end up if everything went just the way you’re hoping.
You’re going to show your birth plan to your OB or midwife before the birth. Use it as a catalyst for conversations about what to expect from your birth experience. Your provider should be open and welcoming of this conversation.
If your OB or midwife doesn’t think you need a birth plan or won’t review it with you, that’s a huge red flag. If the discussion feels dismissive, mocking or otherwise uncomfortable, that’s also a red flag.
While reviewing your wishes, ask your provider if their colleagues will similarly support your birth plan. In most group practices, you don’t know who your doctor or midwife will be until you go into labor. That’s ok! You’ll discuss your birth plan when you meet the on-call doctor at your birth.
Your birth plan is also a cheat sheet for your Labor & Delivery nurse(s) on baby day. Your care team at the hospital should actively ask you about your birth plan. Show it to them, go over it together and ask them to hang it on the white board in your labor room.
Want to write a birth plan together? Learn more in a 1-1 session with Barb.
