May 11, 2001, Newsletter Issue #31: Birth Plan - 2

Tip of the Week

Your birth plan is your recorded wishes of how you hope the birth of your baby will proceed. It will speak for you should you become incoherent during labor and birth.

Make sure you set it out simply and clearly so that there is no possibility of misunderstanding. Put your name and address at the top of the page so that it is clear that this is your plan and no-one elses when the time comes (things do get misfiled!).

On your plan make headings such as: pain relief preferences (and if you would prefer none, state at what point you would like to accept it); do you want a forceps delivery; what positions do you favour for giving birth; do you want to move around during labour; who is your birthing partner; is there anyone else who you wish to be present if possible; who will speak for you if you are unable to make important decisions regarding the birth; do you wish to hold the baby immediately it is born; etc. If you have opinions about catheters, shaving of the pubic area, birthing room environment (ie music) you should note these but find out if your hospital or maternity centre has strict policies which means your wishes may not be adhered too.

Show the birth plan to your Dr or Ob/Gyne and discuss if there is anything you haven`t covered that perhaps you should. Sign and date the plan, then copy it for your pregnancy notes, your "going-to-hospital" bag, and also your birth partner.

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