How To Make a Birth Plan

Summary

A birth plan is a document outlining your preferences for labor and delivery, from pain relief options to the type of assistance you may want during childbirth. It includes decisions on natural or medical pain relief, assisted delivery methods like forceps or vacuum extraction, and the possibility of a cesarean section. It also covers post-birth preferences such as skin-to-skin contact, who you want in the room, and how you'd like to feed your baby. Creating a birth plan helps ensure your wishes are communicated to your healthcare team while remaining flexible to unforeseen changes during labor.

Takeaways

• 😀 A birth plan is a record of your preferences for labor, but it’s important to remember that things may not go as planned.
• 😀 Pain relief options vary, from natural methods like water and massage to medical options like gas and air, opioids, and epidurals.
• 😀 Discuss pain relief options with your midwife to understand what’s available at your hospital.
• 😀 TENS machines use electrical impulses to stimulate natural pain relief in the body, and can be an option to try during labor.
• 😀 Assisted delivery methods, such as forceps or a von tous (suction cup), may be necessary if complications arise during labor.
• 😀 A cesarean section may be required if there are risks to the baby or the mother, but elective cesareans are also an option for some women.
• 😀 Consider your preferences for interventions, including assisted deliveries or a cesarean, and whether you're open to them based on your circumstances.
• 😀 After the birth, you may choose skin-to-skin contact with your baby and can decide whether you want your partner to cut the umbilical cord.
• 😀 The placenta must be delivered after birth, and you can choose between a medical injection to speed up delivery or pushing it out naturally.
• 😀 Think about your feeding preferences for your baby (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding) and make sure to communicate this to the midwives.
• 😀 Include any relevant personal details in your birth plan, such as language preferences or who you want present during labor.
• 😀 Book an appointment with your midwife at 36 weeks to review your birth plan and make any necessary adjustments.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a birth plan?

A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor and delivery, helping medical professionals understand your wishes, such as pain relief options, delivery methods, and post-birth considerations. It serves as a guide, but flexibility is key as the birth process can be unpredictable.

What are some natural pain relief methods during labor?

Natural pain relief methods include water births, massage from a partner, and the use of a TENS machine, which stimulates natural pain relief through electrical impulses applied to the back.

What are the medical pain relief options available during labor?

Medical pain relief options include gas and air (nitrous oxide), opioid pain relief such as morphine injections, and epidurals. Some hospitals may offer walking epidurals, although these are not available everywhere.

Why might an epidural not be ideal towards the end of labor?

An epidural may not be ideal late in labor, particularly when it's time to push. It can numb the lower body, reducing the sensation needed to effectively push, making it difficult to feel the contractions or the urge to push.

What is the difference between an assisted delivery and a cesarean section?

An assisted delivery involves using tools like forceps or a vacuum suction to help deliver the baby. A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure where the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen, typically used in emergencies or when complications arise.

What are some reasons for opting for a cesarean section?

Reasons for opting for a cesarean section may include health complications for the mother or baby, previous cesarean deliveries, or a desire to avoid the risks associated with a vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC). It can also be planned as an elective C-section if recommended by the healthcare provider.

What is an elective cesarean section?

An elective cesarean section is a planned, non-emergency C-section, which can be chosen for medical reasons or personal preference, such as previous complications during birth or the mother's wish to avoid a vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC).

What are the benefits of skin-to-skin contact after birth?

Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps with bonding between the baby and parent, regulates the baby's body temperature, stabilizes their heart rate, and encourages breastfeeding. It’s often considered beneficial for both physical and emotional well-being.

What are the options for delivering the placenta after birth?

After birth, the placenta can be delivered naturally, where the mother gently pushes it out, or with the help of an injection to speed up the process and deliver it more quickly.

How can a birth plan address feeding preferences for the baby?

A birth plan can specify whether the parent prefers breastfeeding or bottle feeding, allowing midwives and doctors to assist in the chosen feeding method immediately after birth, ensuring smoother care for both the baby and the mother.

What should be included in a birth plan for someone who doesn't speak English as their first language?

If English isn't the first language, the birth plan should clearly state this, so the medical team can provide necessary language support. It ensures that communication is effective and the parent's preferences are understood.

Why is it important to schedule a check-up with a midwife at 36 weeks?

Scheduling a check-up with a midwife at 36 weeks is crucial to review and finalize the birth plan. The midwife will ensure the parent's preferences are aligned with available medical options and will help prepare for any potential changes or interventions.