Why Have a Birth Plan?

Want a drink? Here's some tea, with cream and two sugars. Don't like your tea that way? Or don't like tea at all? Well, sorry - that's our standard beverage. If you wanted something different, you should have told us before. There's not much we can do about it now.

Like that attitude? What if the item in question wasn't a cup of tea, but your baby's birth: the culmination of nine months of waiting and wonder - and the beginning of an incredible new life?

A lot of moms have decided that they would like to have a say in the matter, and have created birth plans to serve that purpose. Such a plan is a simple and non-confrontational way for you to make your preferences for your pregnancy and birth clear to everyone who will be with you on the big day (or days, as the case may be). There are so many choices to make and things to consider - from whether or not you want to have anesthesia to how long you want to stay after the birth - that making your voice heard is important. Every hospital and every healthcare professional does something just a little bit differently, and without a plan, you may be given the 'default' settings - whatever they might be.

Still, you may have questions. Below, we address some of the most typical concerns regarding the birth plan:

I'm not a doctor - what if I specify something in my plan that ends up hurting the baby or me?
A birth plan discusses your preferences, expecting a routine birth and/or only the most common complications (such as the need for a Cesarean birth). A birth plan will never override medically necessary procedures.

If I have a plan, my doctor might think I'm questioning her professional judgment.
Every doctor/patient relationship is different, but many medical professionals would be happy to have your input and pleased that you have taken the time to put together a birth plan. It demonstrates that you have educated yourself and that you are interested in taking an active role in your pregnancy and birth.

I talked with my doctor about my feelings about medication and the birth. Isn't that enough?
It may not be, as there are several people who need to understand your preferences (including the hospital personnel as well as your coach and any other labor assistants.) Also, you never know who exactly will be on call when it's time to deliver your baby - your primary care provider might not be available.

I like the idea of a plan, and I think I want to try to get through the birth without medication. But what if I change my mind? Won't I be stuck?
A birth plan is a statement of preferences, not a binding contract. If you change your mind about something - such as the need for anesthesia, who else is allowed in the labor suite, rooming-in or breastfeeding - those wishes should be respected.

Even the best birth plan won't take the place of self-education or good communication with your doctor or midwife, but it may help you move a few steps forward on the way to a rewarding birth experience and fond memories of your child's entry into the world.