Do you need one?

The answer is a resounding “YES!”

A birth plan is a written description of what you want us to do while your baby is being born and after he or she arrives. You should discuss it with your partner and physician. Your personal pregnancy coach is an excellent resource in putting your plan together.

Your birth plan should include any history that you want us to know about, such as complications you’ve had during pregnancy, any difficult births, or the previous loss of a child.

Personal issues should also be included. These could be privacy concerns, fears about being in a hospital or receiving medical treatments. You may want to tell us your religious or cultural beliefs, if they will play a role in your baby’s birth. Also include any special needs you may have, such as impaired hearing or vision.

The plan should tell us who you want in the room while your baby is being born and what role you want him or her to play. Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord? Who do you want to hold your baby first?

Your medical wishes are extremely important.  Do you want pain medication or do you want a natural birth? What type of medication do you want? Will you want an epidural?

Not every birth goes according to plan, so some flexibility should be included.

This is also a good time to think about your newborn’s care. Will you breast or bottle feed your newborn?  If you have a boy, will he be circumcised?