Create a birthing plan

A birthing plan simply outlines and clarifies your preferences for how you would like your pregnancy to be carried out. The process of thinking through your options and discussing them with your doctor beforehand is much more important than actually showing up at the hospital with an itemized list. Your coach or partner can help make sure your wishes, where possible, are carried out on the delivery day.

Keep in mind that a birthing plan describes an "ideal" scenario. You should be willing to be flexible - you may change your mind about certain things when you are actually in labor, or the doctor may feel that certain steps are medically appropriate that are not in your birthing plan. The birthing plan helps you think through things ahead of time, but the actual events dictate the proper course of action.

So what's included in a birthing plan? The following are some of the key issues -- think about your preferences, then talk to your practitioner or the hospital to learn about general policies. Discuss the risks and benefits of the various options. You may have to fill out specific forms or releases concerning many of these items ahead of time.

• Do you want pain relief medication or do you want to have a "natural childbirth? (Read more.)
• Is there anything you want to bring to the hospital? (Check the hospital's guidelines about videocameras, music, pillows, lights, etc.)
• Who do you want to be present during labor? During delivery? Is there anyone you specifically want kept out of the room?
• What is the role of your coach?
• Do you want an enema?
• Do you mind having your pubic region shaved? (This is often done as a matter of routine unless a woman specifically objects, in which case discuss it with your practitioner.)
• Is there a particular delivery position or procedure you want to follow? How do you feel about the use of stirrups to brace your legs?
• Do you have strong feelings about assisted delivery methods (forceps, vacuum extraction) or cesarean delivery?
• If you have a cesarean, do you want your partner or coach to be present during the surgery?
• Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord?
• Do you have specific desires about a bonding period with the baby after birth?
• Do you have strong feelings about receiving a routine IV to replenish your fluids?
• Do you want anyone from the hospital to help you with breastfeeding, or to explain bottlefeeding or other babycare issues?
• Do you want a male baby to be circumcised?

There are other issues besides those listed here. As you continue to read about labor and delivery and talk to others who have gone through it before (especially if you can talk to women who have delivered at the same hospital), you will gain a better understanding of where you stand on the issues.

Don't feel like you need to have a strong position on all of these variables. While women and their partners are, in general, more active in the decision-making process than they were in the past, many women still rely heavily on their practitioner and other attending staff to guide them through the process.

Review Date: July 11, 2001
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial.

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