The Importance of a Birth Plan
There are so many reasons to create a birth plan and I’m going to share them with you today. At such a monumental and transformative time in life, it is important to be intentional and purposeful. You are creating a little tiny human and even more during this time. The energy you hold in yourself becomes that of your child and your reality. So this is why we create birth plans!
“Write the vision and make it plain upon tables” (Habakkuk 2:2 KJV)
Anybody who is successful in life writes down their plans or creates vision boards. I realize why a “rough draft” in school was so important, even more now as an adult. Studies show that when we we write by hand – verses writing on a keyboard or texting – the brain in both young adults and children is much more active than when typing on a keyboard. Writing by hand creates much more activity in the sensorimotor parts of the brain. This is like a type of LOCK-IN – it literally sticks better in our brain!
There are so many things that happen when we go into labor, but especially when we birth in hospitals or birthing centers. Many things are medical procedures written for the staff to follow, but it is your body and you have rights over everything that you want for yourself and your baby. Often times, your brain is focused on surviving the moment of labor so you do not have time to give thought to much more. This is why having the birthing plan on hand is important.
A birth plan is a great tool for having your doctors, nurses, partner, doula, family, and more all on the same page for respecting your personal wishes surrounding your birth. With a birth plan, your partner and doula are able to use it to help guide your labor according to your plan. Information is everything and the more you are informed, the more you can assure yourself more desirable outcomes.
Wondering if a birthing plan is right for you? If you say “Yes” to any of the questions below, then a birthing plan is something you should definitely create.
Are you wanting to go “natural”?
Natural looks different for everybody. Some believe “natural” to be without medication or medical interferences. Others believe that it is simply the process of a vaginal birth, regardless of medications or interventions. It’s great to have it in writing what your ideal birth looks like regardless of this.
Do you want to labor in another position other than laying on the bed in stirrups?
I’m sure you’ve seen the movies where the woman is in the hospital bed with her legs up in stirrups or being held by her team, being coached to push. You have your right to not birth in this position and in fact, it is recommended to prevent vaginal tearing.
Do you want your baby boy left uncircumcised?
Whatever you choose for whatever reason, put it in writing.
Do you want to keep your placenta?
If you want your placenta, you have the rights to have it for whatever purpose you want. In all 50 of the United States, it is completely legal for a woman to have her placenta. Having it in writing and speaking with your provider before the birth about it is important to assure the smoothest possible process.
There are far many more procedures that happen during labor and birth than highlighted here. Seeking out support from a doula or birth educator can assist you greatly in creating an informed birth plan, and sticking to your plan leading to a stronger chance of having the birth of your dreams. Every woman deserves to experience a birth that they enjoy all the way through.
For assistance in creating a birth plan, or various templates available, see our perinatal tools created to help you ease into preparation for your optimal birth experience.