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A birth plan lets you write down your vision of an ideal birth and share it with your support person, the hospital or birth centre, and your doctor or midwife.
Your birth may not go as planned. But the process of making a plan can be a great way to get everyone on the same page about what you think you'd prefer.
Here are some ideas for making a birth plan.
It could be a hospital, a birthing centre, or your home. The setting may depend on your level of risk for problems during delivery, and if you're working with a doctor or midwife.
Think breathing techniques, labouring in water, or trying different positions.
Think about pain medicine you'd want, even if you don't think you'll need it. And think about your options if you end up needing a C-section.
Maybe you want family and friends in the room, or maybe you only want the baby's other parent or a support person like a doula.
As you think about your plan, give yourself permission to be flexible. It's hard to know what will happen. The most important thing is to make sure you and your baby are healthy and safe.
Current as of: November 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: Kathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineAdam Husney MD - Family MedicineKirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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