To put it mildly, the birthing process can be extremely stressful. When your baby is on its way, there will be little time to make plans and preparations. This is why it is essential that you know what to expect beforehand and have an idea of what you want the day of arrival to look like.
Birth plans are a way to ensure that everything goes smoothly when the baby is on its way. They layout your preferences for everything related to the delivery of your child as well as the first few days following the event. This includes things like the place where you would like the delivery to occur, who you want to be there, and what birthing methods you intend to use. Birth plans also outline how you want your baby to be cared for and what, if any, pain management options you are considering.
To explore the topic a bit more, let’s look at some of the reasons why you should have a birth plan and what you should include in it.
Birth plans are important because they help you to be prepared and organised for the delivery of your child. By taking some time to clarify the details of the process, you will be better able to cope with the stress of the big day.
Birth plans also ensure, within reason, that your preferences and wishes are respected during the process. If you leave the details up to the doctor, you may end up undergoing a procedure or having to do something that you are not comfortable with. While you may be able to communicate your displeasure on the day of the delivery, this will add to the chaos of the event and may be difficult to do.
When it comes to what to include in a birth plan, think of all the details that will go into making the delivery day a success. Be sure to consider the environment that you want your child to be delivered into. If you have preferences regarding the temperature and ambience of the room, then be sure to clearly outline these.
Make sure to think about who you want to be in the room, or nearby, when the baby is being delivered. This will prevent the awkwardness of having unwanted visitors there and will make sure that those you love are present and by your side.
Pain management is also another important detail in a birth plan. Some mothers prefer to attempt delivery without the use of medication, though many insist on having an epidural to get through it with less discomfort. These preferences need to be specified clearly in your birth plan to ensure that your needs are met.
While the pressure of the moment may necessitate other options, it is important to list the birthing methods that you are comfortable with. Your doctor will do their best to accommodate your wishes, though medical interventions such as a C-section are sometimes necessary.
Planning out your birth plan should be done in the weeks before your expected delivery date. Be sure to walk through the plan with your doctor or birthing coach to ensure that they are clear about what your preferences are.
Taking the time to complete a thorough birth plan will provide you with the confidence that your delivery will go the way that you want it to. This will take some of the stress and chaos of the delivery process away.