Creating a Birth Plan
Author: Heather Slee
Labor is unpredictable. You really never know what is going to happen. Even a scheduled c-section can have its surprising moments. Nonetheless, preparation is a good thing; it's good to prepare for the unexpected and have a plan, not only for the medical professionals serving you, but also for your own piece of mind. Here are some questions to help you create a birth plan.
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1. What hospital are you going to?
2. Who do you want with you in the delivery room?
3. Do you want pain relief medication? If so, what medication would you prefer? (epidural, spinal block, narcotics, local anesthetic, etc.)
4. When would you like pain medication administered?
5. What do you want as birthing aids? (music, focal object, massage from your partner, etc.)
6. What position do you want to give birth in?
7. Are you okay with getting an episiotomy?
8. Do you want your son circumcised?
9. Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord?
10. Do you want to donate or store the umbilical cord blood?
11. If a c-section is necessary, who do you want with you? Do you want a second opinion?
12. Other needs
Sample:
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1. St. Michael's Hospital
2. I want my spouse in the delivery room
3. Epidural
4. I want an epidural when my contractions become less than one minute apart.
5. I want to use a focal object while in labor (photo).
6. I want to be reclined when pushing.
7. I'd rather not have an episiotomy.
8. If it's a boy, I want to have him circumcised.
9. I want the doctor to cut the umbilical cord.
10. I want to donate the umbilical cord blood.
11. If a c-section is necessary, I want my spouse in the room with me.
12. I'd like ice water for the beginning of labor. I'd like my baby placed on my chest immediately after birth.
