Making a Birth Plan

To make sure that your labor and delivery experience meets your needs, it’s a good idea to make a birth plan and put it in writing. Talk with your healthcare provider about all your options for labor and delivery. Educate yourself about the pros and cons of each option. Then write up a birth plan that makes you comfortable.

Go over your plan with your doctor or midwife during your prenatal appointments. Make several copies of the plan, and give copies to your healthcare provider, your labor and delivery nurse, and your labor coach.

Here is a sample birth plan. It’s fine if your plan is simpler than this one. Just remember to write down the things that are important to you.

Sample Plan

Labor:

• I would prefer to avoid an enema and/or shaving of pubic hair.
• I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
• I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.
• I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.

Monitoring

• I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of my baby.

Labor Augmentation/Induction

• I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring.
• I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and nipple stimulation before pitocin is administered.

Anesthesia

• I do not want any kind of anesthesia offered to me during labor, though I would like it available if I specifically request it.

Cesarean

• If my primary care provider determines that a cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to obtain a second opinion from another physician if time allows.
• I would like my coach present at all times if my baby requires a Cesarean delivery.
• I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia
• If my baby is not in distress, my baby should be given to my baby’s adoptive mother immediately after birth.

Episiotomy

• I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for the baby’s safety.

Delivery

• I would like my coach and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.
• I would like a mirror available so I can see my baby’s head when it crowns.
• Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming my baby is not in distress, I would like to try to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.
• I would like to have my baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

After Delivery

• I would like the adoptive father to cut the cord.
• I would like to have my baby examined and bathed in my presence.
• If my baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my coach or one of the adoptive parents will accompany my baby at all times.
• I would like a private room if available.
• After the birth, I would prefer to be given a few moments of privacy to urinate on my own before being catheterized.
• I would like to donate the umbilical cord blood.

Other

• My support people are my coach and my baby’s adoptive parents, and I would like them to be present during labor and/or delivery.