Hey everyone, I'm Stephanie! Birth and Postpartum doula, childbirth educator, yoga instructor and mom of 3 little ones! This is my very first blog post on my site, so bare with me. We hope they get better with time, haha! Below will be a list of things you should consider asking yourself when it comes to creating your birth plan. One of the most important factors in my opinion is, who's on your birth team? The tone/vibe that is set by those around you, really have an affect on how things go, and how calming and safe labor feels by having the right people by your side. Be sure to have people by your side that view birth the same way you do, and share your birth plans with those on your support team! It is crucial that they are made aware of your desires and needs as soon as you become aware of what those are. Doing this allows for everyone to have open lines of communication and be on the same team when it comes to labor. Below are some actionable steps you can take to start the process of creating your birth plan and asking the right questions.
1. Labor and Delivery Preferences
Where do you want to give birth? (hospital, birth center, home)
Who do you want to be present? (partner, doula, family, friends)
What kind of atmosphere do you want? (lighting, music, scents)
What positions would you prefer during labor? (standing, sitting, lying down, water birth)
Would you like to move around during labor? (walking, using a birthing ball, squatting)
Do you want access to pain relief options? (epidural, nitrous oxide, breathing techniques, massage)
Do you want to avoid certain medical interventions? (episiotomy, induction, forceps, vacuum extraction)
How do you feel about being monitored during labor? (continuous, intermittent)
Would you like to use any specific comfort measures? (hypnobirthing, aromatherapy, acupressure)
What is your plan for hydration and nourishment during labor? (water, ice chips, clear liquids, food)
2. Medical Interventions
How do you feel about medical pain relief? (epidural, opioids, non-medical pain relief like TENS units)
If induction becomes necessary, what methods are you comfortable with? (Pitocin, membrane sweep, breaking water)
What are your preferences regarding fetal monitoring? (continuous vs. intermittent)
What’s your stance on interventions like C-sections? (planned, emergency, under what circumstances)
3. Support During Birth
Do you want a birth doula present?
How involved do you want your birth partner to be? (hands-on support, verbal encouragement)
Would you prefer a more hands-off or hands-on approach from medical staff?
What role do you want your support team to play during labor? (cheerleading, coaching, quiet support)
4. After Delivery
Who do you want to catch the baby (if possible)? (doctor, midwife, partner)
Do you want immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby?
Who will cut the umbilical cord? (partner, doctor, delay cord clamping)
Do you have preferences for placenta delivery? (natural, Pitocin to help)
Are you interested in placenta encapsulation or another form of preservation?
Do you plan to breastfeed immediately after birth? (or do you prefer to wait a bit)
5. Newborn Care
What is your preference for newborn procedures? (vitamin K shot, eye ointment, hepatitis B vaccine)
Will your baby stay with you at all times (rooming-in) or go to the nursery?
Do you want your baby to be bathed right away or delayed?
If a boy, do you have preferences regarding circumcision?
Do you plan to exclusively breastfeed, formula feed, or combination feed?
6. Cesarean Birth Preferences (if applicable)
If a C-section becomes necessary, do you want a gentle C-section experience? (clear drape, immediate skin-to-skin)
Would you prefer your partner or support person to stay with you the entire time?
What are your preferences for pain management and post-op recovery?
7. Unexpected Circumstances
What are your preferences if complications arise? (C-section, NICU care, forceps/vacuum extraction)
How do you feel about interventions like assisted delivery?
If a premature delivery occurs, what plans do you have for the baby's care?
8. Postpartum Considerations
Do you have preferences for how long you’ll stay in the hospital after delivery?
What kind of support do you want for the postpartum period? (doula, family, friends, professional support)
Do you have a postpartum recovery plan? (self-care, mental health, healing support)
9. Emotional and Mental Health
What fears or anxieties do you have about childbirth? How can your support team help with these?
What are your goals for this birth experience? (calm, empowering, family-centered)
Do you have any concerns about past trauma, anxiety, or PTSD that should be communicated to your care providers?
10. Cultural or Religious Considerations
Do you have any religious or cultural practices you’d like to include in your birth? (prayers, rituals, specific requests)
Are there any practices you’d like to avoid due to cultural or religious beliefs?
Hopefully some of these questions gets your mind going and can help you craft a birth plan that works for you and your family.
Happy planning,
Stephanie!
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