Labor and Childbirth: Thinking About a Birth Plan
Labor and Childbirth: Thinking About a Birth
Plan
A birth plan outlines your wishes for
labor and birth. It helps your healthcare providers know what you want and expect.
But be
aware that labor is a series of changing conditions and your birth plan may need to
change
at the last minute. Work with your healthcare provider to create a plan that leaves
room
for the unexpected.
Your support team
The team that helps you plan your
childbirth may include:
-
Healthcare provider or
certified nurse-midwife. They give prenatal care (care during your pregnancy) and
deliver your baby.
-
Labor nurse. This nurse
assists during labor and birth.
-
Anesthesiologist or certified
registered nurse anesthetist. This healthcare provider can provide medicine for
pain control if you need it.
-
Support person. This person
helps with your emotional and physical comfort during labor. It might be your
partner, a family member, or a friend.
-
Labor coach or doula. This
person provides nonmedical advice and support.
Questions to think about
Birth preparation classes can help
you think about what to include in your birth plan. When making your plan, ask
yourself:
-
What type of room will I give
birth in?
-
Do I want to be able to walk
around during labor and choose labor positions?
-
What types of comfort
measures do I want? Massage, acupressure, birth balls, or music?
-
Who do I want for my support
people? What will their roles be? Who will be with me in the delivery room?
-
What are my choices for
managing pain during labor and birth? How will medicines for pain affect my baby
and my labor?
-
Do I want continuous fetal
monitoring?
-
What types of medicines and
IV fluids will I allow to assist me with labor?
-
What types of procedures or
medicines (if any) will I allow to speed up the labor process?
-
What type of care and length
of hospital stay will my health plan cover?
-
What choices would I consider
should unexpected circumstances develop?
-
If I had a cesarean in the
past, is VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) a choice?
-
Do I want immediate contact
with my baby after birth with no separation?
-
How do I want to feed my
baby? Breastfeeding only, or will I allow some formula?
-
Do I want to delay any
medicines or vaccines right after my baby is born?
Online Medical Reviewer: Irina Burd MD PhD
Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Heather Trevino
Date Last Reviewed:
7/1/2021
© 2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.