For a mother-to-be, the day you give birth is a very special day in your life, isn't it? As you dream about that day, you may also feel a little scared. 'How will it be?', 'Will I be able to bear the pain?', 'Will I be able to do exactly what I want on that day?' Many questions must come to mind. That's when this 'Birth Plan', that is, 'birth plan', will be of great help to you. This gives you the opportunity to plan that big day the way you want and to inform the doctors and nurses about your wishes.
What is this Birth Plan?
Simply put, a Birth Plan is a plan you make about what you want during your pregnancy (pregnancy and delivery). More specifically, it is a document that informs your doctor and hospital staff of your wishes.
Think about it, do you want only your husband to be there when the baby is born, or would you like your mother to be there too? Do you want to take pain medication or not? Do you want the lights in the room to be dimmed? You can include anything else that you think is important for your comfort.
But there is one thing to remember. This is not a hard and fast rule. Because unexpected things can happen on the day of your baby's birth. Your and your baby's safety is the most important thing. Therefore, sometimes the doctor may have to change things in your plan. Therefore, even if you have a plan, it is very important to be prepared to face any changes.
What should be included in the Birth Plan?
Rather than making this a long document with lots of details, it is best to keep it as short and clear as possible, making it easy for everyone to read and understand . Usually a page or two is enough.
Here are some things you can add to your plan.
| Section of the plan | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Basic information | Your name, your doctor's name and phone number, the hospital where you will be delivering your baby, and who you would like to be with you at that time (e.g., husband, mother, sister). |
| Room environment | What kind of environment do you feel most comfortable in? Do you prefer the lights dimmed? Is it as quiet as possible, or is there a soft song/pirith playing? Does anyone nearby want to take photos or videos? |
| Will during the festival | Do you want the freedom to walk and move around during labor? Would you like to use something like a birthing ball? Would you like to take a hot shower or soak in a bathtub? |
| Pain Relief | This is very important. You can decide in advance whether or not to get an epidural . You may not want to have it, but you may change your mind when labor begins. So, talk to your doctor about pain management options (medication, breathing exercises, massages) in advance . |
| Consent during childbirth | If you were having a vaginal birth, would you prefer not to have an episiotomy (a small cut between the vagina and anus) unless it was medically necessary? Would you like to watch the baby being born through a mirror? Would you prefer to have your husband cut the umbilical cord? Would you like to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby right after birth? If you had to have a C-section , who would you want to be in the operating room with you? |
| Breastfeeding and baby care | Will you start breastfeeding your baby as soon as he or she is born? Or will you bottle-feed him or her? Will you keep your baby with you at all times (rooming-in), or will you sometimes have him or her in the nursery? Will the staff give the baby a pacifier? If it's a boy, will you want him or her to be circumcised at the hospital? All of this is up to you. |
Who should I show this birth plan to?
Once you've made this plan, first discuss it with your husband and anyone else who will be with you during the birth. It's very important that they are aware of your wishes .
The next and most important thing is to show this to your doctor and discuss it with him. Because he is the best person to tell you whether everything you want to do is medically possible and safe. Some hospitals may have their own policies. Therefore, it is easier to avoid problems that may arise later if you talk to your doctor beforehand.
Who should I give a copy of the plan to?
Once you have your final plan, distribute copies like this.
- One copy: Give it to the doctor to keep with your medical records .
- Another copy: Take it with you when you go to the hospital to have the baby.
- Other copies: Give one copy to the man with you and the others as well.
- A few extra copies: Take them with you when you go to the hospital. Sometimes, if your doctor is absent, another doctor on duty may have to deliver your baby. This copy will be very useful at that time.
There is no rule that says you have to make a birth plan. You can make these decisions even after you go to the hospital. However, when you think about all of this in advance, talk to your husband and the doctor, and make a plan, you will feel a lot of freedom and confidence. That way, you will be able to focus on the most important thing in your life, which is bringing your baby into this world, without unnecessary worries.
Take-Home Message
- A birth plan is a guide to inform your wishes, not a rule set in stone.
- Keep this very simple, clear, and limited to one or two pages.
- Always talk to your doctor about your plan. It's essential for your safety and that of your baby.
- Since unexpected things can happen during childbirth, be flexible and change your plan if necessary.
- The ultimate goal of all of this should be to have a safe and healthy birth for you and your baby.
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