Creating a Birth Plan
May 2, 2008
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is like a roadmap of where to go and what to do during labor and delivery. A birth plan is an easy way to let your doctor or nurse know your wishes about complications and issues that may arise. The plan will cover topics including pain medication, cesarean section, episiotomies, labor monitoring, and breastfeeding, to name a few.
Why create a birth plan?
It is not always easy to remember, or be able to communicate, your wishes while in labor. And usually, your husband will have difficulty remembering exactly what it was you wanted. By creating a birth plan before you go to the hospital, you are ensuring that if at all possible, your wishes will be met regarding your labor and delivery.
Who needs a copy?
You should make copies of your birth plan and give them to anyone who might be a part of your delivery process. One copy should be packed in your hospital bag, one should be given to your delivery partner (such as your husband or doula), one copy to your obstetrician for your file, and one to give to the hospital upon admittance.
What does it cover?
- LABOR PREFERENCES
- MONITORING PREFERENCES
- LABOR AUGMENTATION/INDUCTION
- ANESTHESIA/PAIN MEDICATION
- CESAREAN PREFERENCES
- EPISIOTOMY PREFERENCES
- DELIVERY PREFERENCES
- IMMEDIATELY AFTER DELIVERY
- POSTPARTUM
- BREASTFEEDING
- CIRCUMCISION PREFERENCES
- PHOTO/VIDEO PREFERENCES
- OTHER MISCELLANEOUS REQUESTS
Where can I go to create a birth plan?
Entry Filed under: Health, Pregnancy, babies, baby, links, pregnant, prenatal, womens health. Tags: babies, baby, birth, Health, Pregnancy, pregnant, womens health.
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