Creating a birth plan for the first time can be really stressful! Or at least it was for  me! I was very unsure about what to include, how specific I needed to be, and when I was supposed to have it done. Not to mention feeling obligated to do things without any pain medication or help! Arg! The thing is, a birth plan is most helpful for your first pregnancy because it gets you to really think through all the important details of labor and birth. It also helps push you to ask lots of questions and keep communication open with your birth team.

For my first pregnancy, I took a ton of time to create my birth plan. Is was super long and it had a lot of detail. Was that a bad thing? Not at all! It really helped me to think things through – and ask my doctor, doula, and hospital lots of questions. That being said – nobody read the whole birth plan after I printed it out. Truthfully – since I had discussed everything with my birth team in detail and asked so many questions – my doctor, doula and husband all knew what was most important to me. For my second pregnancy – I had already thought through everything and been through labor/delivery before. Although each pregnancy and baby is unique – I knew what to expect (to a point) and didn’t require a lengthy birth plan to feel comfortable. In fact – I didn’t even write one the second time around.

Birthing classes can help a lot when getting ready for your first delivery. We took a fantastic one before I had my son – and I learned some helpful information and several tips for creating my birth plan. The nurse who taught the class has helped deliver hundreds of babies, gave birth to two sons of her own (with epidurals due to both sons being in the breech position), and is a triathlete! Talk about an amazing woman!

She brought up many things that really helped me. First of all, remember that all pregnancies are different. When someone tells you how you should give birth (no pain medication, in water, at home, without a doctor, or anything else) – you need to remember that you are unique, so is your baby, and so is your pregnancy.

Personally – I think giving birth in a hospital is the way to go as you don’t know what kinds of emergencies may arise. That is something you must discuss with your doctor. You should think about the health of you and your baby, and about how to keep everyone safe. You should also research the hospitals in the area and figure out what fits your needs and wants best. Schedule a tour (if they give them) and find out what they need in terms of paperwork and when they need everything.

As for pain management – you don’t know what you will require in the moment. You may have a plan to be 100% natural and end up requesting an epidural (I sure did)! You may have an epidural as part of your birth plan but end up not wanting it. Your baby might be in the breech position. You may be in more pain than anticipated and require some assistance to manage the it. An epidural isn’t the only way to manage the pain – so discuss the options with your doctor.

Again – you are unique and the pain you feel will not be the same as your friends, the people in your birthing classes, your coworkers, or even your family members. I’m the same mom – but my pregnancies, labors and babies were different! Don’t let others make you feel guilty for wanting to have help or for making a pain management plan. Being informed on what pain management options are available and having a plan will help you make educated decisions in the moment. Knowledge is power 🙂

My #1 piece of advice is allow yourself to be flexible.
You need to be able to pivot on a dime. You can absolutely gather advice and best practices – and come up with a list of what you feel is important while giving birth. That being said, you need to be able to deviate from your plan because baby doesn’t have a plan. Baby needs to get out safe and sound. You and baby both need to be safe and healthy. Ultimately, that is what matters.

My #2 piece of advice is keep your birth plan short and to the point. Don’t overdue it with the requests – only the most important instructions and wishes should be included. I put together one birth plan for my husband and doula, and a separate one for my doctor and nurses. That helped keep the version for my doctor/nurses short and to the point with the info they care about most. Does my doctor care about my music choices, candles and movie choices? NOPE! Does my husband? He better! 😉 lol!

Below are some examples of what to include and/or consider as you craft your Birth Plan.

AMBIANCE:

• Soft music from preferred playlist is to be used during labor and delivery.
• Lights should be dimmed and flameless candles can be used for a soft/calming ambiance.
• People in the room should include: Specify who you want in the room for your labor/delivery (spouse, parent, friend, doula, etc.)
• I do not want any strong smells in the room (no perfume, cologne, smelly food, etc.).

LABOR PREFERENCES:

• I would like a bath or shower to help cope with the labor pains (Call hospital in advance in case reservations need to be made for a room w/ tub or shower).
• I would like a yoga ball and rocking chair to help cope with labor pains (Call hospital in advance to see if they have these items available or if you need to bring them).
• I would like to delivery vaginally – which should be prioritized if it is possible. I am willing to do what is needed for the safety of my baby – as baby getting out safe is #1.
• I would like to try to deliver naturally (no pain medication) if possible. I reserve the right to change my mind if I need pain medication in the moment.
• If possible, I would like my water to break naturally.
• I do not want to be induced and would like to wait to be hooked up to the IV until it is absolutely necessary.
• Use of a bar on the bed, on my side, or even a rocking chair/yoga ball should be tried while pushing. I would like to try to use gravity while also seeing which position is most comfortable.

NEWBORN PREFERENCES:

• I would like to do skin-to-skin as soon as baby is born (be specific about skin-to-skin before vs. after baby has been wiped clean and weighed).
• I would like to breastfeed baby once baby is born and would like help from a nurse/lactation consultant who may be on staff (great thing to discuss with hospital when getting a tour. You can also call to ask if they have staff to help you w/ nursing).

Other things to think about while putting together your birth plan includes:

• The umbilical cord – Do you what them to cut it right away or wait to clamp and cut it until it stops pulsating and until after you do skin-to-skin? Who is going to cut the cord? Do you want them to collect the cord blood for banking? This belongs in BP #2.
• Emergency Situations – What to do if you need to have an unplanned C-section. This is important to discuss with your doctor so you understand the plan and procedure in case there is an emergency and this needs to happen. This belongs in BP #2.
• Placenta – What would you like to do with the placenta? Let the hospital dispose of it? Keep it for banking? If keeping it, you must talk to the hospital and your doctor to discuss what is needed to keep and transport it. This belongs in BP #2.
• Breastfeeding – When do you want to try breastfeeding? Who will help you and what resources does the hospital have to assist? If you have trouble, what will they provide to help you and ensure baby is fed? This belongs in BP #2.
• Visitors – When do you want friends and family to visit? Do you want visitors in the hospital and if so, do you want them to wait until the next day? Do you prefer to have visitors once you are home with baby? This belongs in BP #1.
• Photos and video – What specific photos and video would you like captured? What do you want to avoid being photographed or video recorded? Who is in charge of the photos and video? This belongs in BP #1.

Remember – A birth plan is for you to describe your wishes for labor, birth, emergency situations and post-birth care. It is important for you to remember that the nursing staff and doctors want you and baby to be healthy and safe – so know that you can provide your birth plan but that things may not go according to plan.

I hope this is helpful as you think through what is important to you – and as you create your birth plan! Don’t forget to print a couple of copies and pack them in your hospital bag. For more info and advice on packing your hospital bag – check out my blog post!

Enjoy! xoxo