The Power of a Birth Plan

What is a birth plan? And do I really need one?

In the words of Jen McLellan, "The power of a birth plan isn't the actual plan, it's the process of becoming educated about your options!"

Writing a birth plan is a great way to explore your options and express your intentions for how you envision the birth of your baby. It's not meant to give you unrealistic expectations, but rather to communicate with your birth team what your hopes and desires are surrounding the birth of your baby.

It's important to think about issues and questions that may arise during labor. A laboring woman is vulnerable and that can make decision making very difficult.

When writing your birth plan consider the following:

• Midwives and doctors are busy and don't want to read a three page essay. Keep your birth plan short and concise.
• Be clear about your wishes
• Don't expect everything to go just as you've written it down. Birth is unpredictable. Expect the unexpected and know your plans can go out the window in the event of an emergency.
• Give alternatives for such emergencies
• Write a cesarean birth plan on a separate page. Although this isn't the birth outcome you're probably hoping for, it's good to have in case of emergency.

If you've hired a doula for the birth of your baby, talk to her about birth plans. She will probably have a few good ideas and tips to help you out, and may even assist you in writing it.

Remember, "If you don't know your options, you don't have any!" - D. Korte