Childbirth is a significant event in every woman's life – whether it is her first or her second/third time. On the one hand, there is the joy and excitement of welcoming a baby into the world; on the other hand, there is the anxiety of being in the hospital, the pain, or the challenge ahead.
But you can make this time easier by creating a birth plan. What is it, and what should it contain? We look at it!
Contents
What is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan is nothing more than a document in which you write down what you want to happen and how you want it to happen at these special moments in your life. It’s where you can express your wishes about how you want the birth to go, the medical procedures to be carried out and the care you and your baby will receive after the birth.
Creating a birth plan is empowering, providing a sense of control over your surroundings. In the context of such a momentous event as the birth of your child, feeling secure, both mentally and physically, is crucial.
So, how do you make such a plan? Consider the most important things, talk to your doctor, and gather all necessary information. It’s your time, so it’s worth ensuring everything goes your way.
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How to Make a Birthing Plan?
Making a birth plan is a new experience, so starting with getting well-informed is a good idea. Begin by consulting with your doctor or midwife to gather essential information. Reading books, reviewing scientific articles, and visiting reputable medical institution websites are also very helpful.
After gathering all this information, discuss your thoughts, concerns, and expectations with others. It’s crucial to understand what’s possible and what’s best for you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, as it’s your right to do so, whether this is your first birth or not.
Don’t forget your partner, too – you can make a birth plan together. This will not only bring you closer together, but also it’ll also help you prepare for those exciting moments when you become parents.
Remember that a plan is just an outline of what might happen. It’s good to have options, but flexibility is also essential. Sometimes, even with the best preparation, childbirth can take you by surprise. Be aware of this and be prepared for it.
The key is to be open to change and adapt your plan if necessary. This is all for your safety and well-being. So keep your head up – information is power, and flexibility is your secret weapon!
How to Make a Birth Plan? Use Template!
How to make a birth plan? First and foremost, it’s worth sorting everything out for yourself so that later, in the midst of all the perinatal confusion, you can keep your nerves under control and reduce stress and uncertainty.
While there are plenty of ready-made plans on the internet, everyone is different, so it’s worth making a plan that suits your needs and requirements.
To begin, future mums (and dads, too, of course!), start with the basics:
- Your name and date of birth.
- Contact details for your relatives, including your partner or family, and the contact information for your doctor in case of an emergency.
- The name of the hospital or birthing centre where you plan to have your baby.
- Your preferences for the birthing room arrangements (e.g. birthing tub or a birthing ball).
- Your preferred type of birth, whether natural, water birth, or caesarean.
- The most comfortable positions for you during labour.
- Your pain management preferences include natural methods or anaesthesia.
- Your preferences for who will be in the room with you and their role, whether for emotional support or helping with medical decisions.
- Your wishes for your first contact with your baby, such as skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding.
- The length of time you want to stay in the hospital.
Let’s not forget about emergencies. Even though they are situations we hope to avoid, it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected to minimise stress and easily make crucial decisions.
Here are some key aspects to consider when preparing for emergencies:
- What to do if things go wrong?
- What steps should we take to keep both mum and baby safe?
Your doctor’s knowledge and experience are the best ways to help you prepare for these circumstances, so use them. And if you have any special requests, don’t hesitate to communicate them. Whether it’s related to culture, religion, or simply your personal preferences, the staff needs to know what to do and how to do it to prepare appropriately for your baby’s arrival.
Remember that an organised plan will lead to a smoother welcome for your baby!
But this is just one step in making arrangements for an extended family. It’s essential to consider the physical preparations and the emotional and financial adjustments that come with welcoming a new family member. You can find out more about preparing for a baby in our other article. There, you will find information on how to adapt your home for a baby, making the beginning of this stage easier.
