HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

WRITING YOUR BIRTH PLAN As you get ready to write your birth plan, start with a list of ideas to help you prioritize. If you want minimal interventions, you can list alternatives. Look for birth plan templates online or ask if your birth facility has one to guide you. You don’t need a specific form, though. Listing your thoughts and preferences on a piece of paper also works. Your written birth plan might include: • Which pain relief measures you would like • How you feel about certain interventions

• Who you want in the room with you • What birthing positions you plan to use • Who you want to help with the birth • Whether you want your partner to cut the umbilical cord • What you want to do with the placenta

You can also add things that would enhance your experience and make you more comfortable. For example, do you want a specific type of lighting or background music in your room? Would you like to have snacks or beverages available? Not every facility can accommodate every wish, but having a written plan at least lets them know your desires. Try to keep your plan simple and upbeat. List your desires in the order of their importance. Then make time to review your birth plan with your health care provider and birth team.

Creating a Birth Plan A birth plan isn’t exact. Giving birth simply has too many variables that no one could predict in advance. A birth plan is more like a list of preferences for how you would like your birth experience to unfold. Writing a birth plan early in your pregnancy helps you think about your choices and what you hope will take place. A written plan also allows you to share your wishes and expectations with your partner, health care provider, doula, birth partner, birth facility team, and anyone else who needs to know. Educating yourself before labor begins makes it easier to understand your options, including medical interventions and the use of pain medications. Preparing ahead of time also makes it easier to learn about “routine” intervention policies and procedures at your birth facility. If you don’t agree with a policy or procedure, be sure to discuss it with your provider in advance. As you learn more about what to expect during labor and birth, you can add your preferences to your birth plan.

12 Your Guide to Labor and Birth