A woman and her family spend 40 weeks being pregnant and anticipating the day that the baby is born. Planning for what they would like to happen is how they share it with everyone who may be involved in that special day. It allows the woman and her family time to discuss with others their hopes and dreams and what, if any, interventions matter the most. It also gives the family the opportunity to learn about birth, potential medical procedures which may occur, and the purpose and value of labor support. In addition, it permits the family to address any potential areas that may cause anxiety prior to being in the middle of labor when decision making may not be based on informed choices. Medical professionals value the input of the woman and her family so letting them know the woman’s preferences will help care for her in labor.
Birth plans should be simple and most importantly they should be flexible. Like any other part of life, some things go easier than expected; other things become more challenging once in the midst of them. The Birth Plan should ideally be kept to one page. It should include information about some of the most common things a woman in labor will experience: managing pain or discomfort, monitoring of the labor progress and the baby, and how a woman would like to be supported and cared for in labor. The Birth Plan is not a binding contract. It should be the preferences the woman and her family desire but it should be a fluid document that is able to adapt to things that may change during the course of the labor and birth.
It is also important for the woman and her family to understand the policies / procedures of the place where they plan to give birth. Taking Childbirth Education Classes, doing Tours of the facility all help in learning about the possibilities that would be available and adapt the Birth Plan accordingly.
Once the Birth Plan is written it should be shared prenatally with everyone who will be involved at the Birth. A copy should be brought with the woman upon admission to the Hospital or Birth Center so other staff who may never have met the woman and her family will have a chance to review and discuss it with them. This can assist the personnel in working to ensure the family that their hopes for the baby’s birthday are acknowledged.
