A growing number of expectant parents are making birth plans – a written plan which communicates parental preferences during childbirth and post-delivery

Mini P.

Childbirth is a physically and emotionally draining experience for all couples, especially women. Many tend to feel out of control and intimidated by several decisions that need to be made during labour and post-delivery. That’s why a growing number of expectant parents are making birth plans — a written plan which communicates parental preferences during childbirth and post-delivery. The plan sets out preferences about pain relief medication during labour, type of delivery and infant care post birth.

Though qualified medical practitioners will take health and well-being decisions depending on the situation, nowadays most hospitals and birthing centres across the country are more than willing to accommodate choices of would-be parents. Therefore it’s advisable to discuss the birth plan with your consultant obstetrician/gynecologist.

Typically, a birth plan communicates choices on the following:

1. Delivery options. Natural, caesarean, or induced labour in certain circumstances, etc.
2. Birthing partner. Allowing a spouse, family member or friend to be present in the labour room.
3. Environment. Think about what will make you most comfortable. Would you like the lights dimmed in the delivery room? Do you want it to be as quiet as possible or do you prefer soft music?
4. Labour preferences. Include any preferences you have for your labour. For example, do you want to walk around freely? Do you want to use a birthing stool, ball, or chair? Would you like to take a warm shower or bath?
5. Pain-relief preferences. What pain medications will you prefer during labour — epidural, pain killers, or natural relievers such as massage, breathing techniques, reflexology, acupressure?

• If labour needs to be induced and permits a choice, the birth plan can include your preferences of using the following: artificial rupture of membranes (breaking the water), syntocinon or pitocin, prostaglandin gel or tablet
• If you need assisted delivery, would you prefer ventouse or vacuum-assisted delivery, forceps, episiotomy or C-section?
• Post-delivery painkiller medication preferences. Or after the procedure, would you prefer not to be sedated?
• Would you like to see and hold your infant soon after delivery or would you like to hold her after a nurse cleans her up?
• Would you like your baby to be placed on your chest for skin to skin ‘kangaroo’ care?
• Would you like your spouse to be the first or second person to hold her?
• Would you like to breastfeed her as soon as possible?
• Would you like your infant in your hospital room with you at all times, or would you prefer she stays in the hospital nursery sometimes?

6. Nomination. Nominate a person who will make decisions in case of an emergency

• Also make sure to write out a list of essentials including clothes and toiletries you want packed in your hospital bag

7. Plan review. After completion, review your birth plan with your partner and anyone else who will be with you in the delivery room such as your mother or a midwife. Thereafter request your doctor to review the birth plan. Reviewing your birth plan ahead of time gives time to iron out wrinkles.

Also read: Pelvic fitness during pregnancy