Birth plan: our guide to writing it

Your little adventurer will arrive in a few months, and with it, the question of childbirth becomes clearer. To prepare as best as possible, you can create a birth plan. This document allows you to put on paper your questions about D-Day and noting your wishes regarding the birth and the welcoming of your baby.

If it is not mandatory, the birth plan offers many advantages for approaching this very special moment with more confidence. In this article, you will learn more about its usefulness and how to write it. We have also prepared a sample birth plan in case you feel you need guidance.

What is a birth plan and why create one?

The birth plan (also called birth plan) is a document that gathers all your preferences regarding labor, delivery, your child's care, and breastfeeding. You can express your wishes and what you prefer to avoid. Even the smallest detail can be addressed: the position in which you want to give birth, epidural, episiotomy, background music, presence or absence of your partner, skin-to-skin contact…

This birth preparation document has several benefits for the expectant mother:

Preparing for childbirth by being better informed

Before drafting a birth plan, it is necessary to gather detailed information about childbirth. This research phase allows pregnant women to better understand the options available to them as well as the possible medical procedures and their consequences. Being more informed provides the opportunity to better anticipate the big day and to take an active role in their childbirth by expressing their preferences. Even though it is important to keep in mind that childbirth is always full of unforeseen events that can alter the original plans.

Projecting oneself with their partner

The birth plan is primarily a process of reflection on the course of labor and the postpartum period. It is therefore an opportunity to open a dialogue within the couple to share your concerns and desires together. By sharing this work with your partner, it will allow you both to include them in the birth preparation and to discuss this moment that will turn your lives upside down. :) Once you arrive at the maternity ward, your partner will be better able to take over by allowing you to stay in your bubble.

A platform for communication between expectant parents and the medical team

The birth of your little adventurer surely brings a multitude of questions, especially if it’s your first child! The birth plan allows you to compile them so you can discuss them later with a midwife, your gynecologist, or any other healthcare professional. It also helps to confront your wishes with what is truly achievable . The goal is to find the best possible balance between the two for a birth that reflects your image.

When should I start it?

There are no rules; you can start when you feel ready and have gathered enough elements. For example, you can start talking about it as soon as you... early prenatal care with your midwife. This appointment allows you to freely discuss all the questions you have regarding pregnancy monitoring, childbirth, and postpartum. It will be an opportunity to gather the initial information necessary to draft your birth plan or to enrich it.

This is not a mandatory document. You can just as well convey the most important information verbally upon your arrival at the maternity ward. If you have received personalized care, as is the case in a birth center or a technical platform, your midwife will be well aware of your choices. You can also rely on her for D-Day if you wish, without having to prepare one.

How to write a birth plan?

To prepare it, do not hesitate to seek advice from your midwife, your doula, or the mothers in your circle. Also, find out about the maternity ward where you wish to give birth. Depending on its policies and facilities, you will immediately know what is possible or not to request.

In terms of form, it is recommended to submit a

An example of a birth plan

There are many templates available online that you can draw inspiration from. However, avoid reproducing them exactly: your childbirth is unique and particularly intimate, so it is important that it reflects your personality :).

Here is a framework idea with examples of topics to discuss. You can select the most important ones and add to this list as needed:

The work

• Would you like someone from your circle of friends or family to be with you during labor and in the delivery room? (Partner, parent, friend)

• Do you have any preferences regarding the ambiance? Music, dim lighting, etc.

• Do you prefer continuous or intermittent monitoring so you can move around?

• Do you agree to have the work accelerated if necessary (rupture of the membranes, oxytocin injection, etc.)?

• Which methods do you prefer to better manage pain (massages, acupuncture, use of a ball, the ability to walk, take a shower or bath, etc.)?

• Do you accept epidural ? Some maternity wards offer the option of outpatient epidural, which is less dosed and allows the mother to stay mobile.

• Do you have any indications regarding vaginal touch and its frequency?

Childbirth

• In which position would you like to give birth?

• Do you agree to have an episiotomy performed if necessary, or do you prefer to avoid it despite a possible tear of the perineum?

• Do you accept the presence of students if the hospital hosts them?

• Do you have any specific requests regarding the delivery of the placenta? Would you like to see it?

Welcoming the newborn

• At what time do you prefer the umbilical cord clamping to be performed (after 1 minute, when the heartbeat stops)?

• Does your partner want to cut the cord?

• Do you want skin-to-skin contact with your baby immediately after birth? For how long?

• Would you like to share any information regarding your baby's care?

• What are your preferences for the first bath?

• Do you want to breastfeed your baby , choose mixed feeding, or feed him with a bottle?

Can a birth plan be made for a cesarean section?

The birth plan is not only for mothers wishing a natural birth. It concerns all pregnant women, regardless of the type of delivery planned, even in the case of a scheduled cesarean section.

Mothers who wish to give birth vaginally can also add a section about cesarean section in their birth plan in case it becomes necessary during labor.

Here are some examples and clarifications to add to a birth plan with a cesarean section:

• Do you want your partner or someone from your circle to be present in the operating room if the hospital allows it?

• Would you like the operating room to be lowered when your baby is born so you can see him/her?

• Do you want your baby to be placed skin-to-skin immediately after birth?

• If this is not possible for you, would you like it to be handed to your partner for skin-to-skin contact?

• Would you like your baby to be breastfed immediately after birth if the circumstances allow?

In our article "", we tell you everything about childbirth by cesarean. Being better informed, you will be prepared for this possibility.

When should the birth plan be given?

If there is no deadline, it is recommended to submit it closer to the end of pregnancy. This allows you to thoroughly consider your decision. Make sure to leave some time after submitting the project to discuss it again with the medical team before delivery. Once completed, you can send it to your midwife or doctor so that it can be added to your medical record.

Print multiple copies so you can give one on-site to the members of the medical team. Also give one copy to your companion.

Whatever happens, don't worry. this writing can be modified at any time , including during work if you feel the need.

Will my wishes regarding childbirth be respected?

The birth plan has no legal value , it is more of a trust agreement between you and the medical team. Once your project is submitted, some of your requests may be questioned for the following reasons:

• If the hospital or facility where you wish to give birth does not have the necessary equipment.

• If your requests pose risks to your health or that of your baby.

• Depending on the emergencies and unforeseen events that may occur on the day of delivery.

The birth plan is therefore not a guarantee of a perfect delivery, but it is valuable for helping you prepare as best as possible. We hope these tips have been helpful in allowing you to approach this magical moment of birth with more confidence. Wishing a good arrival to your little adventurer!