What Is It And How To Make A Birth Plan?

In one way or another, all pregnant women are preparing for their own birth. It even seems that most of the concerns of women at this stage is the time to give birth. However, a lot of organization is needed in this matter as making a birth plan can eliminate many problems when the day comes.

Some women are very organized and methodical, others are more spontaneous. In the case of an event as important as the birth, it is advisable to plan in detail. Although we don’t know exactly some aspects such as date of birth, most details can be calculated in advance.

A birth plan is not mandatory, but it helps a lot. Where will the baby be born? How much will you spend? Who will participate? Remember that surprises will appear at the last minute that cannot be foreseen, so it is advisable to prepare what can be done beforehand.

What do we mean by birth plan?

A birth plan refers to the planning we make for the purpose of organizing everything related to the birth of our baby. It is not a scheme with a fixed format, each person does it according to their taste and needs. Regardless of how you do it, it is recommended that it be in writing, so you can follow in an organized way without forgetting anything, and our family can also have access to what you are thinking.

It’s never too late to start making your birth plan. However, it is recommended that it be done in advance as many details become more precise as the big day approaches. We also recommend that your plan be flexible because many things can change at the last minute.

The birth plan consists of basic aspects that we sometimes don’t take into account. For example, in the case of the baby’s birthplace that will not always be exact. Remember that a natural birth can take place by surprise at the least expected time and place.

How to make the birth plan?

To get started you need to ask a series of basic questions. When it comes time to receive the baby, it is important to be calm and for this to happen, it helps to have security and confidence. If you organize everything in advance, you can be less stressed in the last stages of pregnancy, which is very beneficial for dilation and the delivery process.

A birth plan can contain the following aspects:

• Decide whether you are going to have your baby in a hospital or at home . If you have decided to give birth in a hospital, consider all odds in your plan. How close am I to the medical center? What options do I have to get there? Does my trusted doctor have the opportunity to see me there?

• In case you choose to have the birth at home, it is very important to take the necessary precautions. Do I have everything the baby needs, space and proper hygiene? It is desirable to have a responsible midwife whenever possible.
• In the delivery room some of our relatives may be present. Who do we want to accompany us?
• Think about whether you want to have anesthesia at the time of contractions and write it down so your family can know too
• Consider the position you intend to give birth to.
• What outfit are you going to wear? What will you bring in your trousseau?

• Consider the odds if a cesarean is needed.
• Have you already calculated the cost of delivery? How much money will I have for this moment?

• Consult with your doctor your main doubts and thus you can avoid many details being taken by surprise.

What to do with your birth plan?

We remind you that your birth plan will never be complete because it is impossible to advance some important details. For this reason it is recommended to think  of several alternatives for each of the plans. It is essential that there is flexibility in this plan. In addition, it is convenient to make changes frequently according to needs and context.

Once the plan is sufficiently clear and complete it is recommended that you show it to your doctor. The obstetrician will help you find specific answers such as the policies of each hospital.

As we don’t know how different our birth will be, it  is advisable to think of your planning as something subject to change. We consider your preferences and wishes about the event to let you know that it is not immutable.

While it’s very likely that the problems of the moment will cause you to completely miss planning, just having a plan builds confidence. At the same time, it may happen that others do not know how to answer certain questions but you can find them yourself.