A Birth Plan Just for You

You wouldn't go to the grocery store without a shopping list. After all, you'd forget things, even essentials like bread and milk. A birth plan is kind of like a shopping list about what you'd prefer to have happen during one of the biggest events in your life. Making the plan will help you think through your choices. Sharing it with your doctor will give you input about how your baby is born.

Once you've completed the list, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider at a prenatal visit. You may want to revise it once you've talked.

As you work through the plan with your provider remember that although it may be your strongest desire to control the process, it doesn't always work that way. Babies have a way of throwing you a curve or two as they enter the world. Although the labor and delivery staff may wish they could accommodate you in every way, it isn't always possible because of unexpected developments during labor and delivery.

Our goal is to care for each mother and family with dignity, respect and regard for their personal beliefs and desires concerning childbirth. Although we cannot guarantee that we will be able to offer all your preferences, we will provide an environment that strives to meet your needs and ensure a safe childbirth and successful neonatal transition and prevention of complications for mom and baby.

Emergencies

Talk with your provider about what will be done in the event of an emergency. You may feel strongly about not having a Cesarean section, for example. Yet there are medical reasons why cesareans are performed. Discuss this with your doctor. Another topic is delivery by forceps or extraction devices. Ask when the doctor believes internal fetal monitoring is necessary and what the facility's policies are about this.

You and your physician may want to document how the birth plan will be modified for different emergencies. This can help you avoid disappointment. It will also give you time to consider different emergency options.

Who Should Have a Copy of My Birth Plan?

Your final birth plan will help medical staff and your support team understand your expectations and desires for labor and delivery. Pack extra copies of your birth plan in your suitcase to give to the staff caring for you.

The birth of your child is an extraordinary occasion. By creating a birth plan, you can customize that remarkable event to make it as personally fulfilling and memorable as possible.

How to use this birthplan

Fill in the form below and click the "Preview" button to review your plan and print it. Use the "Reset" button to start over.