What is a birth plan and how can I make one? Nathania, October 17, 2021April 16, 2024 A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences and wishes for the birth of your child. Photo from Canva LibraryWhat is a birth plan?It is a communication tool between you and your healthcare provider, helping to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding your expectations for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. A birth plan can help you feel more prepared and empowered for the birth of your child by giving you a sense of control and clarity about what to expect.How can I create a birth plan?To create a birth plan, you’ll need to consider a couple of factors, including your personal preferences, medical history, and cultural background. Here are some steps to guide you in creating your own birth plan:Research Childbirth OptionsThere are a couple of different childbirth options like vaginal delivery, cesarean section, water birth, and home birth. It is important to understand the risks and benefits of each option in order to decide which one best aligns with your personal preferences and medical needs. Talk to your support person throughout this process and make your wants very clear to them, so they can properly advocate for you during labor. Keep in mind that this desire may not always work out the way you want it to, but it is still important for you to make your wishes clear early on.I was determined to have an unmedicated vaginal delivery and delayed clamping with my son, but I ended up having a cesarean section. You can check out my birth vlog here to see the experience unfold as I welcomed my son into this world. Discuss Pain ManagementOh, to get an epidural or to not get an epidural? Such a magic question.Labor and delivery can be a painful experience, so be sure to discuss pain management options with your healthcare provider at the start of your third trimester. This may include natural methods like breathing and relaxation techniques or medical interventions such as epidural anesthesia.Image from Pexels.comDecide if You Will Be Eating During LaborYou can be two different types of moms in labor. The first is so terrified of pooping herself during childbirth that she intentionally starves herself to avoid it happening at all costs. The second is the kind that has so little fucks to give that she chows down on every piece of food that isn’t nailed down. Which are you?I also want to point out that another reason to consider this is the risk of needing a surgical birth. We all know surgery is best on an empty stomach, so if you are at a higher risk, be mindful of your eating during the later hours of your labor. Determine Your Infant Feeding PlanSome women do not get their breast milk right away after giving birth. Mine didn’t come in for three days. That didn’t stop the hospital staff from belittling and shaming me, though, whenever I would ask for a bottle of formula. Please do not allow anyone to shame you for how to choose to feed your baby. There is this whole world of team breastfeeding vs team formula feeding, and fuck them both. It literally does not matter. I breastfed my son for 15 months, and he does not have an indestructible immune system or any kind of developmental advancements that people swore he would. Regardless, determine what you want to do for yourself and your baby in terms of feeding. The hospital has to provide you with formula and pampers for the duration of your stay, so take advantage of it. Create the PlanOnce you’ve considered all of these topics and made the required decisions, it’s time to write it all down. You can put it all into a Word document and print it out, or you can make it pretty and frame it like I did, using my Canva template here.Discuss it With Your ProviderOnce the birth plan is completed, it is important to share it with the healthcare provider and discuss any concerns or questions. They may provide feedback or suggestions based on medical history or other factors.When creating your birth plan, it’s important to keep in mind that childbirth can be unpredictable, and things may not always go according to plan. I had vaginal delivery in my plan, but my son was born via an emergency cesarean.However, having a birth plan can help you feel more prepared and confident as you approach labor and delivery. It’s also important to remember that your healthcare provider’s primary goal is to ensure the health and safety of you and your baby, and they will make decisions accordingly.Image from Canva Photo LibraryAll in AllA birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences and wishes for the birth of your child. To create one, you’ll need to research your options, discuss them with your healthcare provider, consider your support team, write them down, and review and revise them as necessary.Creating this plan can help you feel more empowered and prepared for childbirth, but it’s important to remain flexible and open to changes as needed.Check out these breastfeeding tips to prepare when the time comes. Pregnancy