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4 Things to Consider When Making a Birth Plan

There’s no doubt that expectant mothers have a lot of things on their mind during those wonderful nine months. From settling on the ideal name for your little bundle of joy to shopping for clothes to figuring out how you’re going to decorate the nursery, there are so many things to tackle ahead of time so you can welcome your little one into the word with the love and care they deserve.

Now that your big day is approaching, it’s also the right time to start thinking about your birth plan. The fact of the matter is, every mom-to-be has specific ideas and preferences when it comes to labor and birth. If you’re about to start making a birth plan, here are four things to consider to ensure the labor and delivery experience you want.

Consider your ideal surroundings

First things first, you want to choose the best possible environment for your big day. The truth is, labor and delivery can be quite a stressful process for moms-to-be. This is why you need to do everything you can so you can feel at ease. Some women may feel more comfortable in a room with music and their partner and children present the entire time. Others, however, may benefit from having fewer people present in the room, but may require a doula.

What’s important is that you figure out what works for you and list it in your birth plan. Be sure to also list any particular techniques you plan on using, whether that means being in water during active labor or relying on certain positions to make labor more comfortable.

Think about pain management during labor

Other than feeling stress, moms-to-be go through a lot of pain during labor. Fortunately, there are various ways to relieve labor pain. From epidurals to IV pain medicines, new moms can choose between several options to ensure a more comfortable birth experience. It’s best that you inform yourself on all the possible options and decide what is best for you.

That said, keep in mind that your pain management preferences need to align with your birthing facility policies. Even if they do, try to be flexible when it comes to making any necessary last-minute modifications. Sometimes, this will mean opting for a pain relief option that your doctor deems more effective. Other times, it will involve using more pain relief than you originally intended.

Plan for what comes after the delivery

Another important aspect of your birth plan is deciding about what comes after your baby’s delivery. For instance, some moms may want to keep their placenta after their baby is born. Some may want delayed clamping of the umbilical cord, while others may also want their baby’s umbilical cord blood collected. In that case, it pays to look at reputable cord blood banks in the area and choose one in advance. The collected cord blood can then be stored for potential future use or donated – depending on parents’ preferences.

Furthermore, some moms may want to hold their baby immediately after delivery, creating bond through that skin-to-skin contact. Others, however, may want their baby to be washed and clothed before they’re able to hold it. Whatever your labor and delivery preferences may be, take time to consider what you want the process to be like.

Get informed about postpartum care

Once you’ve welcomed your precious little one into the world, you’ll want to provide them with the best care possible. The truth is, moms have their personal preferences about taking care of their newborn. They may feel strongly about topics such as breastfeeding, circumcision, and the use of pacifiers and supplements. Some may also require help from the hospital staff in the process (e.g. breastfeeding). Others simply want to have someone to talk to about issues in baby care.

Whatever your choices and preferences about postpartum care may be, be sure to list your expectations in your birth plan. You can make it as simple or as detailed as you want. Just make sure to include your partner, doctor and/or midwife in the process as well.

Wrapping up

Taking time to construct a birth plan goes a long way in ensuring your labor and delivery preferences are met. From labor pain management to delivery to postpartum care, your birth plan should cover all the basics, so make sure to factor all of them in while doing your research. Trust process yourself and start exploring your options early on, and you’ll be well on your way to ensuring a positive birth experience.