Birth Plans Made Easy

Written by Jane Brown

When you make any major life change, whether it's moving into a new house, changing careers or making investments, it's always good to have a plan, so you know where you're going, how you're going to get there and what you'll do if there are bumps in the road. Giving birth is no different, and that's why it's important for expectant moms to have a birth plan in place as they go into the final stages of their pregnancy.

A birth plan, in general, is a simple one page document listing your preferences concerning the birth of your child. It covers several issues, including who will be present at the birth, where the birth will take place, whether anesthetics will be used, etc. Writing a birth plan is a good idea because it gives you, your partner and your health care provider an opportunity to think ahead and settle important issues. It's also good for your partner, because it allows him to take an active role in the birth and gives him a greater feeling of participation, thus solidifying his bond to you and your new baby.

One of the first concerns you will want to address in your birth plan is the location of the birth. It's a growing trend among young mothers to give birth in places other than a traditional hospital setting. More and more women are choosing to give birth at home or in specialized birthing centers. These places are considered by some to be more intimate and less sterile and clinical than the traditional hospital setting. As long as your birth is not medically challenging and no special complications occur, a trained midwife can provide a safe birthing experience for you at home or in a birthing center. According to a recent study by the of more than 5000 women giving birth in North America in 2005, home births are as safe as hospital births.

Because you may feel more comfortable at home, you may want to choose a home birth in your birthing plan. However, before choosing this option you should ensure that your midwife has appropriate credentials and also have a back up plan in case hospitalization is needed.

When weighing the home vs. hospital option, be sure to consult with your health care provider. He or she is knowledgeable about the specifics of your pregnancy and can give you a qualified opinion on whether your circumstances dictate that you should be under the care of hospital staff when you give birth.

Another medical factor you will want to consider in your birthing plan is the use of anesthetics. While anesthetics can reduce some of the intense pain some women feel in child birth, some women prefer to limit or eliminate their use in order to more fully participate in the childbirth experience. Once again, this is a decision best left up to you and your health care provider.

Another aspect of your birthing plan should consider who and what you're going to allow in the birthing room. Remember, you are the one giving birth and you are the one who should be calling the shots concerning who gets to be present at the birth of your child. Allow only those who you feel will make you feel comfortable and supported in the room when it's your time to deliver. Also the decision of whether or not to video tape or otherwise record the birth of your child is a decision that is yours. If anyone tells you different, tell them that they can do as they please at their own childbirth after they've carried around a fetus for nine months.

Bottom line: You've done the work, you deserve to have the call on this one.

After deciding who you want present at the birth, you'll also want to decide on matters such as what activities you will participate in to help the birth along, such as walking, squatting or standing; what position you want to be in to give birth in, and other issues such as whether you and your partner would like to cut the umbilical cord yourselves or have your medical care provider do it.

Like any good plan, you birth plan should consider contingencies. Your birth plan needs to take into account such things as the possible need for a c-section or other medical procedures that may be necessary if complications arise in your labor. It's important for your birth plan to take into account your wishes if such medical options become necessary.

And like the best plans, your plan should be flexible. Childbirth isn't a choreographed production, it can be messy and sometimes improvisation is necessary. Being able to go with the flow may be helpful in the face of changing circumstances that may arise.

In summary, a birth plan is extremely advisable because it helps you and your partner get on the same page about your impending childbirth. It also helps to already have an answer for the many questions that can come up during childbirth.