Having a Birth Plan Is Crucial. Here’s Why.

The process of giving birth to your sweet baby is a significant event in your life and can be both exciting and intimidating. In preparation for this incredibly special moment, it is absolutely crucial to create a birth plan. You are your baby deserve nothing but the best birth experience possible.

What is a birth plan? Excellent question! A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences and expectations for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Want to have extended skin to skin time after your baby is born? Write it down! Want to delay cutting the umbilical cord? Write it down! Having a birth plan in place can help ensure that all of your wishes and desires for your birth are upheld and honored by your birth team.

Here are some reasons why having a birth plan is so important:

Communication with your healthcare provider.

A birth plan provides a clear and concise way for you to communicate your preferences and expectations to your healthcare provider. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and eliminates any confusion or misunderstandings. You can also get a good idea of if your provider is truly supportive of your goals by how they respond to this document. It is a red flag if they are put off by your preferences or if they don’t want to take the time to go over or discuss the details listed in your birth plan. I even recommend having them sign your birth plan so you can show hospital staff and the document will hold more weight.

Peace of mind.

Having a birth plan in place can give you peace of mind and reduce anxiety about the unknown. It helps you feel more in control of the birth experience and less likely to be caught off guard by unexpected events or procedures. 

Increased involvement in decision-making.

A birth plan allows you to take an active role in the decision-making process, which can increase your sense of control and empowerment during the birth process. It also reduces the feeling of birth trauma because you hold that empowerment. Doctors and hospital staff also view you as more of an active participant in what happens during your labor.

Improved health outcomes.

Research has shown that women who have a birth plan in place tend to have better health outcomes for both themselves and their babies. This includes shorter labor, fewer interventions, and higher satisfaction with the birth experience.

Better preparation for unexpected events.

Although you may have a clear idea of how you would like your birth to go, unexpected events can occur. Having a birth plan in place can help you prepare for these possibilities and make informed decisions if the situation arises. It also allows your partner to be informed about your wishes should you be unable to answer for yourself.

When creating a birth plan, it is important to consider your personal beliefs, values, and priorities. It is also important to be realistic about what is achievable, as some preferences may not be possible due to medical reasons. Your birth plan should be flexible and open to revision as circumstances change during labor and delivery. I actually recommend calling it a “Birth Preference Sheet” so that you can have a more open perspective to the ‘plans’ that may be outside of your control.

Need help developing your birth plan? Contact us today to learn more about how our doulas can walk you through this, as well as help you achieve all of your birth goals!