Choosing To Live A Healthier Life

Birth plans are becoming a popular planning tool for pregnant women to fill out before their due date approaches. Birth plans vary but usually include personal information about the mother as well as her preferences regarding the birthing atmosphere, who is with her during birth, which manipulations and procedures she wants, and how she expects the baby to be treated after birth. If you are considering creating a birth plan, it can be a useful tool. However, there are some things that a birth plan cannot accomplish and it's important to keep these in mind as well.

3 Reasons to Create a Birth Plan 

Below are three useful ways to use a birth plan to empower yourself and communicate with your obstetrician. 

• Birth plans can be instrumental in educating yourself about birth options. There are many different options when it comes to birthing. For example, if you need to be induced, you may have the opportunity to choose between a membrane sweep, a pitocin drip, or a prostaglandin suppository. Additionally, you may want pain relief medication offered to you or you may want it only if you request it. Using a thorough birth plan template allows you to familiarize yourself with the current birth options available so you can research the items you do not know about. 
• Birth plans can open an honest discussion with your obstetrician. A birth plan can be a great tool for opening discussions with your obstetrician or midwife. You should bring your birth plan with you to a prenatal appointment about a month before your due date. You should then go over each section of the birth plan to discuss whether the hospital you are birthing at offers the options you prefer and what your doctor recommends. 
• Birth plans can make you feel prepared and in control. The process of researching and writing your birth plan can make you feel more knowledgeable about the birthing process. This can help demystify the process, which can make you feel less nervous or frightened about giving birth. 

3 Things Birth Plans Cannot Accomplish  

While birth plans are powerful tools, there are a few things that they should not be used for. 

• Birth plans cannot ensure your preferred method of birth.  A birth plan is a guideline for your perfect birth situation. However, it does not guarantee that everything will go as planned. You should still research what your options are if you or your baby are in distress and be mentally prepared for an emergency. 
• Birth plans cannot replace discussions with your obstetrician. You cannot simply hand your obstetrician a birth plan and expect them to follow it. Instead, use the birth plan as a tool for discussion and be willing to change certain aspects of your plan if they are unavailable at your hospital or through your doctor. 
• Birth plans cannot act as your advocate during your birth. While you are in labor, you may be attended by several labor and delivery nurses. Depending on the progression of your labor and how busy the hospital is, not every nurse may have time to read your birth plan. Shortening your birth plan to a single page can make it more helpful in these situations, but you should also consider having a doula or a loved one who is familiar with your birth plan who can advocate for your desires during your labor and delivery. 

Birth plans can be a useful tool for mothers and health care professionals. However, it is important to have realistic expectations for what your birth plan can accomplish and to use your birth plan in a way that supports you throughout your pregnancy and birth. Contact a company like Heart Of Florida OB/GYN Associates for more information.