Writing a birth plan for labor preferences and wishes

Writing a birth plan is a very important step in planning how you want your delivery to go. One must understand that this is a plan and wishes and should an emergency occur it may not be followed. A birth plan should be no longer than one page as the nurses and doctors caring for you will not have time to read several pages and remember it all. Remember that some details just aren’t as important as others.

The first thing you should list in the upper left hand corner is your name. Put your last name first followed by your first and middle. Underneath your name list your insurance carrier and policy number. On the third line list your OB/GYN and your chosen pediatrician. On the fourth line list any known allergies. Also list here if you are B-Strep positive or have any known illnesses that may affect your delivery.

Now you should create your first bullet (or number) and list here any statements that apply overall to the whole labor experience. An example might be "Patient would like any and all procedures to be explained and prefers to avoid anything not medically necessary"

The title to our next section will be "Labor." Here you will list any wishes you have or needs during to actual process of being in labor. Some examples are "Patient would like freedom to move about the room and ward and should not be confined unless medically necessary." Or "Patient prefers the exclusion of visitors with the exception of father of the baby (name) and her mother (name) during the labor/delivery process."

The title to our next section is "Pain Relief." Here you should list your feeling regarding all forms of pain relief and what your criteria is for deciding which one to have and when. You might put "Patient would prefer a natural delivery without pain relief. Patient reserves the right to request pain relief if labor is prolonged or pain becomes unbearable."

The title to our next section is "C-Sections and Induction" Here you will list your feelings about having a cesarean or being induced. You might put "Patient would like all opportunities to deliver baby vaginally before a c-section is brought up. A c-section should only be performed as a last option when medically necessary." You might also list that "If patient is induced she would like to try other options before pitocin." Also list here who you would like to be with you in the event you have a c-section. You could also tell here which cut your would prefer (horizontal or vertical).

The title to our next section is "Delivery." Here you should list any wished you have regarding delivery. You may ask to not have an episiotomy. Or you may request that baby be place immediately in your arms or that she be washed first. Here is where to list who shall have the honor of cutting the cord. If you would like the chance to breastfeed at this time - list this as well.

The title to our final section is "Baby." Here you should list all of your wished regarding the baby. You may want to list that father will accompany baby for all tests and procedure. You should list whether you are rooming in - or using the nursery. Also list here you feeding preference (bottle or breast). List your feeling about staff administering a pacifier or other soother.

Now you should have listed everything that is important to you about the birth of your child. Revise your birth plan as needed up until you go to the hospital. Give a copy to your OB/GYN before the hospital - but have a copy for him/her with you at the hospital too. Plan on bringing a few copies for the nurses as well.

Once again remember that these are only your wishes and

that should an emergency arise - it need not be adhered too. Best of luck for an easy labor!