Pregnancy planning includes knowing how you want it to end with your ideal birth experience, and outlining your preferences provides a roadmap for delivery. Here are some steps to help you make a birth plan.
Step One - Educate Yourself on the Options
Research natural birth, epidurals, water birth or any other methods, watch documentaries and talk to experienced moms. Your health care provider can also offer valuable insights. Understanding all the possibilities will help you make informed decisions for your birth plan.
Step Two - Prioritize What Matters Most to You
Is your top concern about pain management? Maybe it’s a specific birthing environment, like having dim lighting or soothing music? Decide what you need and what’s important for your baby right after delivery, such as delayed cord clamping or skin-to-skin contact.
Step Three - Be Flexible
Your birth plan might need to be adjusted on-the-fly because labor can be unpredictable. Be open to alternative options while remembering that your ultimate goal is a safe and healthy delivery for you and your baby.
Step Four - Bring Your Support Team
Having reliable people with you can make the birthing experience a better one. A partner, a family member, or a friend can be your advocate and help ensure that your birth plan is respected by the medical staff.
Step Five - Share Your Birth Plan
Make sure that your healthcare provider, the labor and delivery staff, and anyone else involved in your care has a copy of your birth plan, so there's a clear understanding of your preferences.
If you just found out that you’re pregnant or are planning to be and looking for an OB/GYN in the Brownstown or Southgate areas of Downriver southeast Michigan, consider the team at Northline Women’s Health Center for your prenatal care. You can request an appointment using the MyChart app.
