When your due date starts fast approaching, one thing you might start wondering about is creating a birth plan.
It a great thing to bring with you to the hospital or even before that to your OBGYN.
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Do you really need a birth plan?
The answer is no. You don't need one, but it certainly helps take the guesswork out of any unforseeable circumstances.
Doctors can't read your mind, and creating a birth plan helps them know what you want so they can do everything in their power to help you.
What needs to be in your birth plan?
Again, this will really be up to you. However, it will make things go a lot smoother if you include some of the following:
- pain management
- how to you plan to feed your baby
- who you want in the delivery room
- contingency plan for your breach baby, or possible c-section
This will all be covered in the printable birth plan I have below, so don't forget to download your copy!
When should you create a birth plan?
Ideally, you will want to create your birth plan well enough in advance that you can discuss it with your health care provider, and also your husband.
This gives them plenty of time to understand your wants, and help make sure things go according to plan.
Now, even if you have already given your birth plan to your doctor, it's still a good idea to keep a copy to bring with you to the hospital on the day you give birth in your hospital bag.
This just helps make sure that it didn't get lost, or if you have to have a different doctor doing the delivery, they will know what you want.
Birth Plan Printable
Download your free copy of this birth plan template
Try to fill out as much of it as possible, and then make sure to give a copy of it to your OBGYN.
Coping with the Unexpected
While we all wish we lived in a perfect universe, things happen. Sometimes, things just can't go as planned.
It's important that if you do decide to create a birth plan, you should know that nothing is set in stone. If you or your baby start to deteriorate during labor, your doctor will intervene to keep you both safe.
This can mean anything from an episiotomy, using forceps, or an unplanned c-section.
Also, this can mean being induced instead of waiting for you to go into labor.
Here are a few things to remember:
- Your doctor wants whats best for you and your baby.
- Things don't always go as planned, but that's okay.
- You are not any less of a mom if you needed a c-section.
- Every delivery is different, so don't let it scare you if you had a bad one.
Start by adding your name, your OBGYN, and who you would like in the delivery room. Next, discuss what kind of pain management, if any you want. Finally, add if you are going to be breastfeeding or formula feeding.
Our recommendation is to start working on your birth plan when you reach the second trimester. If you are high risk or carrying multiples, the sooner you get it completed the better.
Sometimes the unexpected happens and your doctor has to keep your safety and that of your baby as priority number one.
Some examples of this:
•baby’s heart rate declines
•mom starts having problems
•mom goes into pre-term labor
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