Why You Need a Birth Plan

A birth plan is a document that contains important information on how you want your labour and delivery handled.

Issues such how to manage labour pain and what to do with the placenta are some of the points that are covered in a birth plan. A plan will ensure that things are handled in a manner that is appropriate for you so that your birthing experience is as comfortable and complaint- free as possible. Keep in mind that you can’t control every aspect of labor and delivery, and you’ll need to stay flexible in case something comes up that requires your birth team to depart from your plan.

It is a good idea to prepare your birth plan in advance, probably before week 34 of your pregnancy. Do as much research as possible on different birthing scenarios and discuss with your doctor on what would be suitable for you.

Could be that you want a home birth, or a water birth at home. Or you don’t want the baby to be washed immediately after delivery. Perhaps you want to avoid having an episiotomy as much as possible. Run all your ideas by your doctor and share the final plan with him so that he is familiar with it.

If you decide to deliver in a hospital and are decided on which hospital, you can share your birth plan with the team in charge too so as to keep them in the loop.

Get a sample birth plan here that has been prepared by a certified doula. You can also prepare for your baby’s arrival with our newborn checklist that will guide you in purchasing everything your newest family member really needs

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