How to Make a Birth Plan

The experience of giving birth is like nothing else – it can be unpredictable, awe-inspiring, scary, beautiful and messy. For most people, it is one of the most meaningful experiences they will ever have. To be present and make the most of this unbelievable moment we recommend a combination of preparation (to know what to expect during labor) and reflection (to realize and document your preferences.)

So how do you do that?

Step 1: Prepare

Knowledge is power. The more you can learn about what to expect during childbirth, the more likely you are to feel present and ready for the waves of labor. Through your education you will learn what choices you have for the birth of your baby. As the expression goes, if you don’t know your options, you don’t have any!

• Take a class. No matter what type of birth you are picturing, it’s important to learn what will happen with your body and your baby during the various stages of labor. Browse our childbirth class offerings here.
• Learn hospital labor and delivery policies. These will include things like what happens if you need a c-section, how you can be supported throughout labor, visitor rules, what pain management options you have, how fetal monitoring will be administered and more.
• Ask questions. Trust us, your OB has heard it all! No question is silly, especially if it will make you feel more prepared. Keep a running list of questions on your phone, and bring it to your prenatal visits.

Step 2: Reflect

Who do you want in your support squad?

Are you picturing an intimate birth with just you and your partner or support person [1] present? Maybe you want to bring in your mom, your sister or your best friend as well. Or maybe you’d like a little extra help from a doula or birth coach. Whatever your choice, you’ll likely benefit from having calm, unconditionally-supportive people you know and trust in the room with you.

What comfort measures do you want to use?

When we think of a hospital room we don’t always think of a relaxing environment. But there are many ways you can personalize your labor and delivery room to make it as comfortable as possible.

Do you want it quiet or to have some rockin’ tunes playing? Overhead lights down low or up full blast for energy? VHC Health™ labor and deliver rooms have fully-adjustable lighting and many other comforts such as aromatherapy and hydrotherapy! Let your five senses be your guide when you envision the birth of your baby.

What is your pain management strategy?

Labor and delivery nurses are specially trained to coach people in labor through contractions. They provide emotional support, guidance on breathing techniques as well hands-on counterpressure maneuvers to assist you in finding relief.

Some people know they want a labor free of pain medication hoping to experience all the sensations of what is happening in their body. Some people know they want the benefit of pain-reducing medication to be more at ease throughout their labor experience. Some people are undecided or change their minds throughout the course of labor because they find that pain reduction will help them be more present for the birth of their baby.

Whatever your preference, your provider and nurses are your expert guides. Discuss your pain medication questions, plans and priorities with your OB throughout your prenatal visits to get their opinion.

What are your preferences after the baby arrives?

Oftentimes, the whirlwind of preparing for childbirth leaves people so focused on their strategy for labor that they find themselves shocked to be, all at once, suddenly caring for a tiny human and a postpartum body. This is why it is helpful to think proactively about postpartum self- and infant- care.

Right after birth you and your baby will stay in the labor and delivery room for a bit before you move to a private postpartum suite to recover and bond. During this time, your provider and nurses will assess the health of your baby, and you’ll get some snuggly, and very beneficial, “skin-to-skin” time in that first golden hour.

Figure out your preferences for what happens during this magical time. Would you like your partner to cut the umbilical cord? Would you like to try breastfeeding right away? Would you like the baby’s exam to be done on your chest?

Who will be your pediatrician? If your baby is a boy, will you be circumcising which can be done while in the hospital? How will you be feeding and caring for yourself at home? Can any friends or family help out? If you have pets or other children, what are your plans for ensuring you have the support you need to focus on yourself and your baby?

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Overwhelmed by all the choices you have when giving birth to your baby? Don’t worry! Your OB can help you think through all these decisions. We also recommend visualbirthplanner.com. It has a step-by-step, easy-to-understand questionnaire which culminates in a printable document listing your preferences. 

Making a birth plan is an excellent exercise to get educated and feel more prepared for the birth of your baby. In turn you will hopefully feel more relaxed, in tune with your body and present in this very special moment.

However, be ready to throw your plan right out the window! Inevitably things won’t go exactly as designed during a delivery. While your medical team will follow your birth plan as closely as possible, they will ultimately be focusing on what is safest for you and your baby. So what’s the most important piece of your birth plan? Flexibility!

Whichever way your baby’s birth turns out, be sure to open your eyes and enjoy the ride. It’s certain to be a wild and wonderful one!

Supporting health, wellness and community in pregnancy and parenthood.

 For more learning and coaching from our experts at VHC Health™, we recommend VHC OB Journey which is chock full of information and resources:

• Download the app
  • Track your baby’s growth and count their kicks
  • Learn other mom’s birth stories
  • Watch helpful laboring and breastfeeding techniques
  • Learn everything you need to know about having a baby at VHC Health™
  • Log your baby’s feeding schedule
• Take classes such as our Advanced Comfort for Unmedicated Birth
• Attend free weekly Zoom sessions from our childbirth education team sharing important information about your stay
• Review our checklist for expectant parents
• Take a virtual labor and delivery tour
• Understand our labor and delivery visitor policy