Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Birth Plans

by Ambra
(Lebanon, TN)

My midwife wants me to write out a birth plan. I'll be in a hospital and this is the first time writing a birth plan.

I don't plan on being there for the labor, just showing up to push. But, I still need one for them.

I was wondering if you had any good websites or sample plans to give me an idea on what all I need to include.

Answer:

Hi Ambra,

I have personally never really made out a birth plan because I've never seen it necessary. I think it could be helpful for a hospital birth, though.

Even though you only plan to go to the hospital to push (which I think is a great idea!), a birth plan also has your wishes for your baby on it - delayed cord clamping, no bottles, delaying eye drops, no/delayed vaccinations, etc. So it can be helpful to you from that perspective.

I recommend you have several copies of your birth plan. Get them all signed by your midwife (and the managing OB in her practice, if there is one). Have a couple of copies with you when you go and have one filed with your chart at the midwife's office.

Catherine Beier, author of Birth Outside the Box childbirth course has good coverage on birth plans in her course.

She also has an excellent page on birth plans on her website - and she includes a sample birth plan that you'll find helpful. Take a look at it here:

Writing an Interactive Birth Plan.

Good luck as you prepare for your baby's birth!