By Brittany Berens, DO
Obstetrics & Gynecology, OB Hospitalist Program at Blanchard Valley Hospital

Preparing for childbirth can feel like an enormous task. A written birth plan can help the birthing person organize their thoughts. If you or your loved one is considering writing a birth plan for an upcoming delivery, what should you know?  

A birth plan is the birthing person’s written set of preferences and wishes. This is not a requirement prior to delivery. However, writing a birth plan can help the birthing person collect their thoughts and communicate with their partner, family, and birthing team. A birth plan typically involves preferences regarding labor, delivery and postpartum care while in the hospital setting. There are many online tools to help draft a birth plan. Patients should pick one from a reputable source that best fits their preferences. Prior to arrival at the hospital, it is important to take the time to compare and consider various options regarding care.  

Birth plans can be short and simple or very long and detailed. They include aspects of care during labor such as a desire to move freely, eating and drinking, IV placement, IV fluids and pain management options. They also include preferences at the time of birth, such as skin-to-skin contact with the infant and delayed cord clamping. There are often options regarding the care of the infant after birth, including breast or bottle feeding and circumcision. They also can include personal details. A birth plan can specify which visitors are allowed during labor and after delivery. This can also be a place to discreetly disclose any history of trauma and if the birthing person has any specific triggers they want to avoid.  

Once the birth plan is completed, it is important that the birthing person discusses this plan with their obstetric care provider. Many patients are reassured to find out that their plan aligns closely with the standard care provided. This is also an excellent opportunity to discuss any portions of the birth plan that may not coincide with routine care.  

Labor and delivery are exciting times. They can also be very unpredictable. It is helpful for patients to write a birth plan to organize their preferences. It is important, however, to remain flexible, accepting that it may be necessary to make changes to the birth plan. When this happens, your birthing team will discuss this with you. Your obstetrics provider will explain the risks and benefits of any treatments or procedures and why they are recommending them. Their goal is to provide the safest possible birthing experience for every patient and their baby while also providing compassionate and respectful care.  

If you or a loved one are pregnant, consider writing a birth plan. Resources are available online from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Nurse-Midwives. 

Communication is key! Your obstetrics provider and your hospital birth team will be eager to review this plan with you.