Expecting Checklist: How To Create A Birth Plan

Having a child is one of the greatest moments anyone can experience. The joy of bringing a new life into the world is indescribable. Traditionally, women gave birth at home. As time went on, home births transitioned to hospital births. Today, women are making their own decision as to how they want to give birth. Many women create a birth plan to help prepare for this momentous occasion.

Birth Plan

Many women choose to create a birth plan to help prepare for childbirth. A birth plan helps to organize your ideas on how you would like to experience the birthing process with your health care team. This plan highlights small details like the type of music you may want to hear while in labor to major issues such as birthing complications. Modern technology has made giving birth more manageable than ever before. Women can receive relief from pain during labor. Once the baby is born, a team of skilled doctors and nurses can help avoid birth trauma and assess the baby’s health. Some women opt for a midwife or doula to aid in the delivery process. 

Be Prepared 

The purpose of a birth plan is to be as prepared as possible during the birthing process. Managing pain is a point of emphasis during childbirth. If you are going to be in a hospital, pain can be managed with an epidural. However, a midwife often uses acupuncture, aromatherapy, and breathing exercises to manage pain during childbirth. When the child is born, some procedures need to be followed. Doulas have been trained in newborn procedures, so they are well versed in managing this aspect of childbirth. However, complications need to be considered when creating a birth plan. A hospital has teams of doctors and nurses ready to work with any situation during childbirth. Doulas and midwives are trained and have the skills to help during the birthing process; however, they can’t perform emergency surgery or other medical procedures should complications arise. Therefore, having a plan b allows you to get to the care you need in case of an emergency.

Have Support 

The ultimate goal of a birth plan is to make you feel as comfortable as possible during childbirth. Having support during this experience helps to ease stress and reduce tension. You can decide who can be in the room with you and what their role is; although, having too many people in the room can complicate the process and create a tense atmosphere. 

Birthing Environment 

A birthing plan can also help you create an environment that reduces stress during childbirth. It is helpful to consider the five senses when preparing the birthing room. Playing music is one of the many things you can do to make your space calm. Music creates a personal ambiance specific to you, which allows you to be more relaxed. Having a pleasing scent helps create a welcoming environment and allows your body to adjust naturally. Since bright lights can create an uncomfortable setting, dim lights, such as candles and lamps, help make the room more inviting. Making your birthing room as personal as possible can help make the birthing process more manageable.

Final Thoughts

Giving birth can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. However, having detailed plans in place allows you to be more organized and able to manage unforeseen circumstances. This supports a less stressful environment and allows you to focus on giving birth. A birth plan can help ease your anxieties and allow you to feel comfortable with the birthing process. Knowing that you have professionals and a detailed plan allows for a cooperative and supportive birthing experience.

Photo by Amr Taha™ on Unsplash