Why is it that when you talk to pregnant women or women that have had babies, most will say that they didn’t have a birth plan?  They think, however this baby comes out, it was meant to be that way.

Why is it that an expecting couple will put more research into buying a car or a house, than giving birth to their baby?

Couples need to take the time to educate themselves more about the process of labor and delivery.  It is not something to be feared, it is something to embrace.

What is a birth plan?

A birth plan is a communication tool that you can provide to your Doctor or Midwife.  It will have your written preferences of your labor and delivery process such as pain management or who is to handle your baby after birth.  What most couples don’t realize  is, you have a lot more say in this process than you think.  The more you help create the scenario that you envision, the better your labor and delivery process will be.

Why have a birth plan?

When a woman is in labor, both she and her partner are catapulted into a whole other realm.  Between the laboring Mother and nervous, excited and jumpy partner, making educated decisions, is darn near impossible, they end up letting other people make those decisions for them.  Make sure you know what your options are.  How do you want your baby born?  Under what circumstances?

Research the cause and effect of interventions.  Understand through and through the stages of labor and delivery.  Study the different interventions, which ones are available or which ones you’d like to avoid.  These are all options that you have.

How do I make a birth plan?

I’ve composed a birth plan that you can use.  There are requests on it that you didn’t even realize that you could request. Cross out what you don’t want or even add more info to it.  It’s yours to use and/or distribute to any other expectant mothers that you know.  We need to spread the word that labor and delivery needs to be tailored to yours and your baby’s needs.

Did you have a birth plan?  How did it go?  Discuss on the forum