Birth Plans: How to Plan a Birth…Not Just Write a Birth Plan!

Writing a birth plan is not something you do as an afterthought in the last month of your pregnancy, just like writing a thesis paper isn’t something you start in the last month of graduate school. Your birth plan is the culmination of all the preparation you’ve done throughout your pregnancy. That being said, here are some guidelines as to how to go about planning your birth (and writing a birth plan!)

Learn everything you can about the birth process, birth options, and birth practices in your area

Learn about epidurals and cesareans, even if you think you want an unmedicated birth. Learn about homebirth midwives, even if you’re sure you want to give birth in the hospital.
Take a (good) childbirth preparation course. There are online courses available that give good information, but are impersonal and are not specific to your area. (Giving birth in Lafayette, Louisiana is probably a lot different from giving birth in Lafayette, Indiana!) Hospital courses are good, but usually pretty basic. Independent courses are usually better. They teach a more well-rounded view of normal birth, options, and interventions. Even better, find a course taught by someone who actively attends births in your area (doula, L&D nurse, etc.) They can give you more relevant information about the current practices at your chosen birth place.
Talk to your doctor/midwife about their policies and common practices. You can also schedule a tour of your birth place and talk to the staff about their practices.

Think about what you want for your birth

How do you feel about medications and routine interventions? Do you have any specific preferences that may go against policies or common practices? What if complications arise? Who will be your support team? (Husband, Mom, Sister, Doula?) What will their roles be? (Birth support, caring for older children/pets, etc?) Write a LIST (not a paragraph) of your preferences.
Use your list as a guide to speak to your care provider about your birth
Find out how they feel about each item. If they are uncomfortable with something, see if you can work out a compromise. The goal is to come up with a game plan that you are both comfortable with (assuming that everything goes well), and that is flexible (in case of complications).

Type out a brief intro and the list of preferences that you and your doctor have agreed upon

Ask him/her to sign it. Print several copies on brightly colored paper to give to your birth support team and nurses.
Remember, birth plan is a list of PREFERENCES to be used as a GUIDE to help you achieve the birth you want. It does not replace good preparation or open communication with your care provider. Nor does it protect you from unwanted procedures and interventions. It is simply a tool that helps you effectively communicate your preferences.