Things in life may not always go as planned. But having a plan is still better than not having one at all. The things that you prefer to do, have, and experience before, during, and after delivering your baby can all be listed in your birth plan. Collaborating with the people who will be supporting you on your big day–such as your doula, partner, family, friends, and medical team–can help you prepare and understand what’s practical. A birth plan may also make you aware of any special accommodations that will be necessary. Build a birth plan, and share it with those who can help you execute it.
Think of your birth plan as a wishlist and roadmap. It can cover every aspect of your labor, birth and recovery experience, as well as the care your newborn receives directly after. Whether your birth plan is a bulleted list of three things or a five-page document, you deserve to have your preferences honored. Build a birth plan, and share it with those who can help you execute it. Things to consider for your birth plan include:
- Where you want to deliver (hospital, birthing center, or at home)
- Your support person
- Your due or induction date
- Your doctor’s name
- Your health factors
- Your birth team
- Things you want to have or do during labor (such as walking around, practicing yoga, delivering your baby in water, trying certain birthing positions, having someone take photos or videos, playing music, and having a certain person cut the umbilical cord)
- Medical interventions (such as the use of an IV or catheter and pain relief options)
- Newborn care (such as whether you want skin-to-skin time, immediate breastfeeding, to donate the cord blood, to offer the baby a pacifier, circumcision for male babies, to allow your baby to sleep in the nursery, to give the baby vitamin K and antibiotic eye treatment)
The Ovia Care Team can answer some general questions about birth plans and let you know what your health insurer or employer offers as a benefit before, during, and after the big day.
Select the button below to reach out to the Care Team.
