Whether it is your first baby or another addition to your happy family, there will be plenty of things keeping you busy. Between seeing your family, maybe the odd party or two, daily life and doctor’s appointment, you’re going to be all go go go for a little while.
In those moments of quiet, it is important to put your feet up and maybe take the time to do some gentle planning for your big day. This can include your birth plan. Your birth plan, if you choose to have one, can include as much or as little as you like but might help you get all your ducks in a row.
Wondering what you might want to include? Read on for some ideas.
Medical details
Now, you may be thinking “surely the hospital will have all this” and yes your medical records will contain all the important details. However, the moment you go into labour the focus will be on you and records can take time to get hold of. If there are any details you need in a pinch, such as allergies (especially medications), medical conditions or anything of that nature, have them in your birth plan.
Second, include what types of pain meds or birth-related procedures, you would prefer. There will need to be some flexibility with this section due to the unpredictability of the whole day, so be willing to make a suggestion but also take advice. If you want to try neutrally for as long as possible or if you would prefer an epidural as soon as possible, have it written down.
Last on the list, is the post-birth process. Would you prefer to use delayed cord clamping? Are you having your cord blood privately stored or donated? Do you want to keep your placenta? Get it all confirmed with your medical team of course but also have all the paperwork you need and written notes that this is what you want.
People
This is a big day for you, you don’t want just anyone walking in and out of your hospital room or interrupting your home birth. This part may just be for the benefit of yourself and whoever you choose as your birth partner, but put the names of the important people down in your plan.
You may want to include:
- Contact info for friends and family in an emergency
- Name and number of your doctor and midwife
- People you want to see but only AFTER you have had the baby and a chance to recover somewhat
- People you would rather not be contacted or have in the hospital
You do not need added stress on the big day, so take back some control over the people.
Environment
If you are choosing to have a home birth you will have somewhat more control over this but even with a hospital birth, you want your environment to be good.
In your own home, you can have almost everything you need at your fingertips. Birthing pool, yoga ball, blankets, blackout blinds, candles etc. For your birth partner, have a little list of what needs to be done. For your hospital stay, things will need to go into your hospital bag. Check also with your chosen hospital what they can provide and what you are allowed to do.
Want music? Check if you are allowed a speaker or need headphones. Want dimmer lights? See if that is possible. You can even have it in your birth plan how you would to be given information. Would you prefer it go to your partner first or would you like complete open honesty?
Do I need a plan?
Your birth plan isn’t a full official document that is required. It can contain some useful information for everyone involved but it is completely customisable to you and your wants.
The only thing to keep in mind is that you may find things may have to change last second. Stick to your plan if you can but be prepared to make adjustments if circumstances change at the moment.