What’s in a Birth Plan?

Requests for labor and delivery- this may include pain management, interventions you would prefer or not prefer to use, positions you would like to labor or birth in, and the type of support you would like while laboring and birthing your baby. You can also include things like who you would like in the room or how you would like the room set up!

Requests for newborn care- This may include when to cut the cord, what newborn procedures you would like for your baby and when you want them happening, how long you want to do skin to skin, and if you are breastfeeding. You can also include info on if you would like the baby to have a bath or sleep in the hospital nursery.

Back up plans- This aspect is sometimes forgotten but very important to ensuring your personal emotions from your birth are positive. What would you like your experience to look like if it doesn’t go according to plan? Maybe you decide to be induced, get an epidural, or go forward with a Cesarean Section when they were not originally on your birth plan. Birth is unpredictable and it’s important to have a back up plan or two depending on different situations that may arise. 

I specialize in helping parents create their birth plan and providing the information needed in order to do so. Reach out to me about being your Doula if you would like help creating your birth plan!