Giving birth can be the most prudent decision of your life. As you pick up the name and decide on the godparents, you need to prepare the birth plan. Here is some information that can help you prepare for your labor and delivery.

What Is Birth Plan?

The birth plan may include the information about the person you want with you during the labor period. At the same time, it contains whether you want the pain medication or the lights to be deemed or not.

Remember that the birth plan guide is not a concrete plan. As it is impossible to predict everything that can occur in a day, therefore, your birth plan can change from time to time. It would be best if you remain flexible, to have a backup during any expected event.

Tips To Create Birth Plan

● Step 1: Speak To The Required Doctor

Before creating any birth plan, you need to know about your envisions and wishes related to the labor. As you speak to your doctor or the required professionals, they can help you with your birth plan.

● Step 2: Follow The Timeline

You must create your birth plan around 34 weeks. During the second trimester, you should provide careful consideration to the things that you want to include in your birth plan. You can also take the help of someone who already has experience.

● Step 3: Have Clear And Conscious Answers

You must include clear and simple answers related to the personal facts about you. Make sure that you prepare the guide including every information in response to questions or statements like,’ I am looking forward to….’ or ‘when I think of giving birth….’.

● Step 4: Think About Your Comfort Zone

Write down all the pieces of information about your comfort zone. For instance, for some women listening to music can be a welcome distraction during labor discomfort, while for others, it can be a firm touch or light massage.

● Step 5: Discuss The Plan With Your Partner

Your partner should be a part of the process. Make sure that they have a copy of the birth plan guide and know its content.

What Should Be Included

It is tempting to include various details in your birth plan. But make sure it is short. Here are some of the items that your birth plan should cover.

● Basics

First and foremost, your birth plan should contain a list that includes your name, your doctor’s name, contact information, a place where you want to give birth, and the person you want with you during the birth.

● Atmosphere

Note down the pointers that would make you feel comfortable. It can include whether you would like the light of your room dimmed or not. You can even note down your preference related to the room ambiance.

● Labor

Include all the preferences that you have for your labor. For instance, whether you want a birthing stool, chair, or ball. Also include information about whether you want a bath or warm shower or not.

● Pain medications

Pain management is a crucial consideration during the labor period. Some of you may be against epidural, but during labor, you can change your mind. You must include this aspect in your birth plan.

● Delivery Preference

You can have plenty of options to bring your baby into this world. For example, you can choose vaginal birth or episiotomy. You can also choose the C section.

● Post Pregnancy Care

After delivering the baby, you should think about the care and feeding. You must include every piece of information, like whether you want sugar water or a pacifier for your baby or do you want your baby to stay in the nursery or not.

• Cord Blood Storage

You can also go for cord blood storage with the help of affordable cord blood banks at a monthly payment of $19.99.

Preparing for labor and delivery can be daunting. But if you can break down the whole process and approach it to step by step, it may not be that intimidating. Besides, you must provide a copy to your doctor to discuss the same.