Three Tips for Creating a Birth Plan

Writing a birth plan is difficult. If you’re a first-timer, you have no idea what to expect! Writing a birth plan doesn’t have to be super daunting. As a doula, I’ve helped dozens of clients figure out their birth wishes and how to express them. My three best tips for getting started on your birth plan include:

Considering multiple pain options

Thinking about the vibes of the room

Plan for newborn assessments

Think About All Your Options for Pain

Many people focus on whether or not they will want an epidural. That’s really important to think about, but it’s also necessary to think about all the other methods of pain relief available to you during labor. Movement, a TENS unit, a birthing comb, and even IV pain meds are all available as options and are as equally valid as wanting an epidural.

Don’t underestimate the power of movement during birth. You know how when you have to pee really bad and you find yourself bouncing around a bit? Labor is kind of like that, just x1000. Your body has a LOT of hormones rushing through it and pain is obviously imminent, but gentle movement can help distract you and keep you as relaxed as possible. Whether you’re walking, squatting, or even just swaying side-to-side, make sure you’re not stationary if possible!

TENS units and birthing combs are in the same category: Gate control theory of pain. The idea of gate control theory is that the brain can only conceptualize a certain amount of pain at once. If you are controlling that pain, it makes it harder for your brain to perceive other pains. Having a TENS unit or squeezing the pointed end of a comb takes your mind off of contractions.

Finally, IV pain meds and nitrous oxide are usually options in hospitals! Ask your provider what options are available to you and make a plan for if you’d like to try them.

Plan Your Environment

Many people are surprised and pleased to learn that they have control over a lot of their environment in a hospital room! Oftentimes there are different types of lights you can control, you have a personal thermostat, and if you or your doula has a diffuser, you may be able to diffuse some essential oils.

Remember: the key to labor progression is Oxytocin, the love hormone. Oxytocin is released when we’re happy with our environment or we have some physical stimulation that tells our body to release it (that’s why they say sex and nipple stimulation are great to encourage labor). Creating an environment that is pleasing and calming to you is essential to keep that Oxytocin flowing. I often recommend dim lights, gentle music, and some lavender essential oils to keep things nice and calm.

Don’t be afraid to tell your provider what you need in an environment! You can ask your care team to respect your area and try to stay relatively quiet when they come in. Additionally, most are willing to keep the lights dim. They may have some spotlights or need some other light source when you’re ready to push, but they will most likely respect your wishes and do what they can in dim lighting.

Considering All Newborn Tests and Assessments

The biggest thing I see when I’m helping a client make a birth plan is that they plan right up until they’re ready to push, then they stop thinking about what’s next. While that’s certainly the main attraction, there’s a lot to consider for after the baby is born.

Many providers immediately start skin to skin contact with mom after birth, but make sure you and your provider are on the same page about that. Additionally, let them know if you want all assessments done on mom, if possible. Sometimes, they take baby over to a warmer to conduct some tests and give some treatments, but they don’t always need to! Consider what interventions you want (erythromycin eye ointment, Vitamin K shot, etc.) and make sure your care team knows the plan.

Eventually, they will need to take baby off of mom’s chest to do certain things, like measuring their weight on the scale. Make it known if you’d like to do this after golden hour and after your partner gets to hold your new little one. Sometimes after golden hour they’re raring to go to get you transferred to the mother/baby unit, but don’t forget your partner wants those snuggles, too!

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect

Remember: you don’t need the perfect personalized, color-coded birth plan to have a successful and fulfilling birth experience. Right now, I have about five bullet points typed out and that is all I’m doing for my own birth plan! It’s important to consider different interventions and wishes, but don’t be panicked if you don’t completely get to it. Pregnancy is chaotic, and it’s okay if you skip this part either intentionally or by accident! Just make sure your partner and your doula are aware of your preferences so you can all work together to advocate for the birth you want.