Why You Should Have a Birth Plan And What To Include In It.

(Please note: most of the information in this article regarding the birth plan pertains to giving birth vaginally in a hospital setting, but please feel free to modify to your particular situation.)

Let’s talk birth plans. They’re mentioned in every edition of expectant mother books and easily accessible online. Every format under the sun is available to be tweaked to your liking. It may seem presumptuous to have a plan for a future day you’re unsure of, that you’re even making a plan at a time when you can’t decide between chocolate ice cream with sprinkled cucumber or an apple with cream cheese (hey, those craving combos are the real deal), but trust me do it now.

I suggest discussing what you want with your birth partner, midwife, spouse, significant other, best friend, mother… so everyone is on the same page with your desires. Include your name, birth partner’s name, and baby’s name or baby “insert your last name” on the document and make several copies. Be as detailed as you like; however, remember for every one thing that goes perfectly right at least four things will go completely opposite of anything you had planned.

Related: I Gave Birth During the Pandemic – Four Moms Recount Their Experiences

Use words like request, desire, and prefer as opposed to words like demand or will not. In our minds, there are many things we already know we do and don’t want to happen, but to keep the countless nurses and doctors willing to help you reach your goals it’s important to be inclusive. No one wants to be the nurse dealing with Ms. Needy McNeederson and her thousand requests. Let’s all acknowledge a healthy baby is the main goal!

By all means, if something is happening you are not entirely comfortable with or don’t understand completely, speak up! Having a trusted friend or family member in your room ensures anything you miss is recognized by them; for example, if you want to try out the birthing ball before embarking on medicinal methods.

Advocate for yourself and your baby.

This may be your first or fifth experience giving birth, guaranteed every single time is different. It’s easy to get bogged down in the details of what happens up until the actual birth event. Keep in mind there are many things to consider right after you’re holding your bundle of joy in your (very tired) arms.

Remember to state a few things about your postpartum wishes. Personally, in my birth plan, I stated my desire to breastfeed immediately, that all weighing and cleaning of the baby could happen after the “golden hour”, and that I wanted my baby to stay with me at all times.

The birth plan saved my sanity several times and I was fortunate enough to have nurses who encouraged me to remember what I initially wanted from this birth experience (especially as I became more and more exhausted as the hours droned on).

Now the very important part: include a few sentences about what happens if you are unable to deliver vaginally. Perhaps include something along the lines of who will stay with you and who will go with the baby post-C section. Be sure to check with your doctor what the rules say about the side effects of certain medications and how they may impact nursing and recovery.

Related: How To Properly Heal After A Vaginal Delivery
Related: Pooping During Labor: What You Should Know

The truth is even if you don’t know what you want now, put into printed word a few things you are certain of, albeit choosing to receive an epidural as quickly as possible or desiring to explore the birthing tub and many other birthing options available.

Ask your OB/GYN or NP what they like/dislike about the hospital or birthing center you’ll attend. Research your options. Most importantly, an informed mother is a happy mother!