Do you want any medication to help with the pain e. Curious how other moms-to-be feel about labor pain relief? Take our Pain Relief Plan poll to find out! If the hospital is a teaching hospital, are you comfortable having students observe or help with your labor and delivery? Are there any comfort measures you would like to try, such as breathing or relaxation techniques, having the chance to move around, getting a massage, having the lights dimmed, or playing relaxing music?
If possible, would you like to spend part of your early labor time in a water tub, or try using a birthing stool, ball, or chair? How would you like to stay hydrated?
Water, ice chips, or an IV drip may be options available to you. Do you prefer to wear your own clothes rather than a hospital-provided gown? If your hospital policy allows it, do you want your birth partner there with you in the delivery room?
Would you prefer having an episiotomy or taking the chance of the perineum tearing? If a cesarean section is needed in the end, what anesthesia option do you prefer, if you have the choice?
Where do you want your birth partner to stand while you are giving birth? And do you want your partner to film or photograph the delivery, if this is permitted? They may have feelings and expectations about how they would like to experience the day, which you may need to discuss. Do you want your baby placed on your chest for immediate skin-to-skin contact , or would you prefer that your baby be given to your partner first? Would you like to discuss any medical procedures before they are administered to your baby?
Would you prefer to have your baby with you at all times, or is it OK for him to spend some time in the nursery? Do you plan to breastfeed , and if so, would you like the help of a lactation consultant? Are there any cultural or traditional rituals you would like to take place right after giving birth? Informing yourself about the options for pain relief should help allay these fears.
So, what are your preferences? Would you consider an epidural? This requires an anaesthetist, so advanced notice is needed. Do you want to be mobile during labour? I would prefer circle all that apply, or make a note next to any you'd like to avoid :. If medically possible, I would prefer circle all that apply, or make a note next to any you'd like to avoid :. You also don't have to follow a set template or make the plan too formal: You can freestyle it by simply jotting down a few of the issues that concern you the most and then bring them up with your practitioner at your next visit.
After you talk about your preferences for your childbirth experience, listen to what your practitioner has to say about your labor options. If there are any changes you need to make, update your birth plan. A good rule of thumb is to make several copies of your health care provider-approved birth plan. This way you can have them available for the nurses on your labor and delivery and post-birth teams. What do you want the atmosphere where you give birth to be like?
List your desires, remembering that not all choices may be permitted. Some issues or scenarios you may want to tackle include:. This is where you can be clear about how you want to labor, the manner in which you will manage labor pain and what labor procedures you are comfortable with. Just keep in mind that some of your preferences may need to be adjusted depending on how your labor is progressing. Issues or scenarios you may want to address are:.
Even if you know you don't want a medical induction or C-section , it's important to prepare for unexpected events by listing your preferences regarding those processes. However, know that your health care provider may advise against some of your preferences, especially if you are high risk or experience a medical emergency during labor and delivery.
How do you want the moments after your baby's birth to unfold? Use this part of your birth plan to share your expectations of care for both you and your baby during recovery. Here are some issues and scenarios to consider:. A birth plan may help ensure a better birth experience, head off unrealistic expectations, minimize disappointment, and eliminate any potential conflict or miscommunication during labor and delivery. In smaller practices, however, patients often have the chance share their birth wishes with all of the providers.
Now, well before labor starts, is the time to find out, and a birth plan can be the ideal vehicle for this discussion.
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