Writing a Birth Plan is a little like composing a wish list. You know what you want, you're just not sure if you are going to get it. Women have been criticized by health care providers as if by creating a birth plan we are trying to control the birth process. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A birth plan is more about respecting a woman's right to birth as naturally as she desires, honoring her personal preferences and wishes. By laboring unhindered by unnecessary medical interventions, a woman increases her chances of birthing her child spontaneously and naturally.
When writing a birth plan it is important to keep three things in mind.
- Be specific.
- Be brief.
- Be positive.
Specific Requests:
- Direct communication is necessary.
- Clearly state the things that are most important to you.
Brevity:
- Bullet points communicate your wishes in fewer words.
- Lengthy birth plans can put your healthcare provider on the defensive.
Positive:
- Phrase your requests with positive words, such as "freedom to move around" instead of "do not make me stay in bed."
- State clearly that your plans are in anticipation of a healthy birth for you and your baby and that you are flexible if the course of your labor takes an unexpected turn.
Your baby's birth~day is one of the most important days of your life. It is a day that will impact you as a woman and as a mother. Take the time to carefully think through how you want to labor and birth your baby and communicate that to your birth team. A wise health care provider will listen to you and enter into discussions on what is realistic. If your birth team is not open to such discussion, it may be time to hire a different one.
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