"Take time to learn about your options. Make it your pregnancy project, and do not let anyone tell you you're wasting your time. Go with the flow at your own peril. Plan for the best case and the worst case scenario. Read. Make list of lists. If necessary, be Birthzilla."
Milli Hill - The Positive Birth Book
Going with the flow when it comes to birth is NEVER a good idea. I know what you're thinking. What's the point of a Birth Plan if I can't control how the birth will unfold?
Well, yes birth is unpredictable, but there are actually many benefits in writing a Birth Plan and sharing it with your Care Providers.
Here are 5 reasons why I believe that you should write a Birth Plan.
Taking control of your birth
To find out what's right for you, and to put on paper your birth preferences, you'll have to research your options first. This in essence is a highly empowering exercise.
Even with the most straight-forward pregnancies, there are a huge number of choices and options for you to consider. Remember that what's routinely offered might not be right for you. Try to picture what a positive birth would be like for you and what you'll need to achieve this in terms of environment, comfort measures, type of care, etc.. If you're not able to answer this question and feel a bit confused while reading this, it might be a good idea for you to sign-up to a comprehensive birth prep course! Milli Hill's Positive Birth Book is also a great place to start.
Being prepared no matter what
I always recommend to create two or three birth plans (Plan A, B, C...). The first one is for your ideal birth. The other two will be as important for you to consider your preferences and needs if things unfold differently. This means one in the context of a Caesarean Section, and possibly another one in the context of induction of labour. This will give you a great sense of control if your birth takes a different direction to what you originally wanted. A positive birth isn't one type, most births have the potential to be positive experiences - if you are prepared and understand your rights and choices.
Getting your Birth Partner on board
I highly encourage you to get your chosen Birth Partner on board during the Birth Plan writing process. At the very least go through everything together as your due date approaches to make sure that they fully support your wishes, and are committed to advocate for your needs. This exercise can also bring you together as a team, and help them understand their role in the birth space.
Communicating your preferences to your Care Providers
In an ideal world, you'd have had the same midwife throughout your pregnancy and for the birth of your child. They would know you, your individual circumstances, and what your preferences are. However, the reality is very different and it's most likely that people you've never met before will be supporting you during labour. So, without the need to disturb your birth bubble - believe me you won't want to chat about your wishes in active labour - your birth plan will quickly make your Care Providers aware of what's important for you.
Choosing what's right for your baby
Being a parent is a role with great responsibilities, and your duty as a parent doesn't only start once your baby is born. You've probably already made adjustments to your lifestyle since you've found out that you were pregnant. This is because you felt responsible for their health and wellbeing. Equally, there're many aspects of birth and during the first hours of their life for you to consider (interventions, pain relief side-effects, cord clamping, skin to skin, etc.).
Remember that these are your preferences. They can change and be adapted as much as you want to or need during labour. Once again this is your opportunity to research your options and find out what's right for you. If you don't know your options you won't have any...
So what should I include in my Birth Plan?
Rule #1: make it as clear as possible so your Care Providers can familiarise themselves and find information quickly.
I recommend for you to consider adding the following:
Thank you note to your Care Providers for taking the time to read your preferences and for their support at this very special time of your life.
Special requirements (medical, cultural or spiritual requirements, and individual circumstances).
Place of birth (Homebirth, Midwife-led unit or Obstetric Unit).
Type of birth (Natural birth, Medical management or Caesarean section).
Birth team (who will be there to support you).
Birth environment (what will help you feeling safe and relaxed).
Intervention and assessment (your wishes when it comes to induction or augmentation of labour, vaginal examinations, monitoring baby's heartbeat, instrumental delivery, etc.).
Comfort measures (list what you might want and what you would like to avoid).
Second stage of labour (how you would like to be supported during the 'pushing stage'; positions, who you would like to catch baby, if you want to discover the sex, episiotomy vs tearing, etc.).
Third stage and the golden hour (environment, birthing your placenta, cutting the cord, feeding baby, Vitamin K).
Caesarean section preferences (environment, getting ready for surgery, support during the surgery, etc.)
You can download my FREE Birth Plan Template here.
To book your spot on one of my upcoming antenatal courses, click here!
Photos by Vlada Karpovich