Planning for pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days with your newborn can sometimes feel overwhelming. Crafting a birth plan might seem like just another stressor on your lengthy to-do list. However, research indicates that having a clear outline of your birth preferences can lead to more positive experiences, improved outcomes, and a greater sense of control throughout the process. So, it’s definitely worth your time!
As a birth guide and experienced doula, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with expectant families to establish their birth preferences. After a decade in the field, I’ve learned how to help parents-to-be articulate what feels right for them, ensuring that the birthing environment is both supportive and welcoming for everyone involved.
What Are Birth Plans or Preferences?
The term “birth plan” is somewhat misleading. What we really create with families is a set of preferences that outline desires for labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum phase. Since childbirth is inherently unpredictable, it’s vital to communicate your preferences to your care team for those moments when things may not unfold as planned.
When complications arise, having a documented list of preferences reviewed with both your doula and healthcare provider can guide your team in making quick decisions that align with your desires.
Why Are Birth Preferences Important?
The fast-paced nature of labor and delivery can leave birthing individuals feeling pressured to make urgent decisions without adequate information. This can strip away a sense of agency during what is often a vulnerable time. By preparing birth preferences in advance, you empower yourself and your support team to work cohesively, making informed choices that resonate with your values. Your preferences can also be shared with any care providers who might step in, ensuring everyone is aligned.
A 2010 study found that participants who developed birth preferences reported significantly higher satisfaction with their experiences. Following suit, a 2017 study echoed similar findings, highlighting reduced rates of medical interventions and overall improved outcomes.
What Preferences Can Be Established?
Your birth preferences can cover a broad spectrum of scenarios. Here’s a glimpse of decision points to discuss with your doula and prenatal care provider (note that some of these may vary based on your birthing location):
- Environment: Consider who you want present in the room, what kind of atmosphere you envision, and if you’d like to capture photos or videos during labor.
- Pain Management: Discuss non-medication options like aromatherapy and hydrotherapy, as well as potential medication options like epidurals or nitrous oxide.
- Labor Preferences: Look into monitoring options, hydration methods, and preferences for vaginal exams.
- Delivery Methods: Outline your comfort levels regarding induction and assisted delivery methods, as well as your desire for vaginal exams.
- Support Person Involvement: Clarify the roles you’d like your partner or support person to play during labor.
- C-Section Preferences: Prepare for the possibility of a cesarean by discussing what you need if that becomes necessary.
- Newborn and Postpartum Care: Establish your desires regarding skin-to-skin contact, newborn procedures, and feeding preferences.
Creating Your Birth Preferences
Here are some tips I’ve gathered from working with numerous families:
- Start Early: This is a journey of education and discovery that reflects your unique values—it’s not just about the final document.
- Be Concise: Put your most critical preferences at the top and organize them into clear sections for easy reference.
- Focus on Positives: Instead of centering on what you don’t want, emphasize what you do want from your experience.
- Engage Your Provider: Discuss your preferences with your prenatal care provider to ensure alignment with their practices.
- Make Copies: Ensure that every new member of your birth team receives a copy of your preferences.
- Advocate for Yourself: Especially for marginalized groups, being proactive in expressing preferences can help mitigate potential biases in care.
At our practice, we believe in empowering everyone to create their birth preference plans, regardless of risk levels. While we can’t predict every scenario, we prioritize patient-centered care, allowing you to create a more integrated approach to your birth and postpartum plans. You can also explore resources for at-home insemination options, like Make a Mom, which provides a reusable insemination option. For those interested in fertility support, Make a Mom’s fertility booster for men can be a valuable resource.
If you want to learn more about how at-home insemination works, check out this link. And for those preparing for childbirth, you might find our blog post on your expected arrival helpful.
In summary, creating birth preferences is not just a task on your list; it’s an empowering process that helps clarify your desires and expectations for one of life’s most significant experiences.