Congratulations! You are having a baby! It is an exciting time, but can also be a a time filled with uncertainty and so many new decisions to make. Today let’s talk about how you can create your perfect birth plan in 4 easy steps.
Create Your Perfect Birth Plan in 4 Easy Steps
1. Download Your Free Comprehensive Birth Plan.
Here at Intentional Childbirth we have tried to simplify this process for you by laying out in every detail all the different choices and small decisions that can make all the difference in having an amazing birth. Print our free PDF and see each of the options.
2. Read through the birth plan thoroughly and take your time processing all the different choices.
We have gone into substantial detail in this birth plan, to spur you on to think of all the little details to make your birth extra special. Some of these choices are ones you will know the answer to right way, like do you want a music playlist for your birth, or do you prefer it nice and quiet? Other choices are decisions that may take some research and advice from those you trust. For example, do you want to try birthing in the water? (Read my gentle waterbirth story here.) Do you plan on circumcising? How about vaccinations for your baby? These types of decisions will need to be considered and researched. Take your time. This is YOUR birth.
3. Fill out what your perfect birth plan looks like with your husband/coach
Make sure you husband/coach is on board and understands what each of the items on your birth plan involve. Talk through them in detail so that they know how to best be an advocate to make sure they are fulfilled. Make sure they understand what you are meaning in your request and talk through what this means for you both.
4. Present your birth plan to your care provider and birth team
If you are using a midwife, these things will not be foreign to them. But, if you are using a doctor some of these items may need to be discussed with him beforehand. Hospitals have become much more friendly and natural minded and so your doctor may already be on board. But, if there are things that need to be talked through it is better to present them up front. Have your doctor sign your plan, and then print out a couple of copies. One for you to keep and one to give the nurses to have in your file when you check in.
Your turn: Do you have something that you would want to add to your perfect birth plan? Let us know in the comments!
