In a previous post, I talked about a Hospital Action Plan, which is a plan that expectant mothers making adoption plans can use to dictate how they wish for their hospital experience to turn out regarding things such as contact with their baby, if they want the adoptive parents to visit them in the hospital, etc.

But today I want to talk about a different kind of plan – a birth plan………

Childbirth and the hospital experience are one of the most anticipated aspects of pregnancy. Many first time mothers (and even the old pros) are nervous and unsure of how things will go. Each expectant mother undoubtedly has expectations of what they might want during the labor and delivery experience. Some may wish for no pain medicines and others are shouting, “bring me the drugs” the second they arrive at the hospital. By creating a birth plan you are able to tailor your labor and delivery experience to your own individual wishes, desires, and needs.

What is a birth plan, you ask? A birth plan is a plan where you are able to write out your wishes and desires for your child birthing experience as well as discuss what you would like to happen should common complications (like needing a c-section) arise. It covers everything from epidurals to who you want in your labor suite. Many women are deciding that they want a say in what goes on and have created birth plans for that purpose. It’s a simple and non-confrontational way for you to make your wishes and desires known. There are many choices to make and without voicing your opinion the hospital may just use their “default” settings. A birth plan is just a statement of preferences and will not over ride any necessary medical procedures and is subject to change by you at any point.

This website has a free interactive birth plan that you can use to create a birthplan then print out and take to the hospital with you.