Your Birth Plan is Your Care Plan
There is a huge misconception regarding birth plans. If you’re someone who finds them “useless”, this one is for you.
I always ask my clients if they’ve created or have an interest in creating a birth plan; and while most of them understand the value, occasionally someone will hit me with, “no, birth is unpredictable, so I don’t see the point.” Indeed, birth is not a predictable experience (especially with the overuse of medical intervention), but that is exactly what makes a birth plan so useful. A birth plan is not a list of demands to your care team, but instead a tool that you can use to think through your options and facilitate discussions with them before entering the birth space. Let’s call it a care plan instead.
(For some, writing down their birth goals or birth vision is their way of manifesting their ideal birthing experience. Ever heard of a vision board? Same concept.)
The Sooner You Begin, The Better…
I once believed that birth plans (care plans) should be created toward the end of a pregnancy until I considered two things: 1) all babies aren’t born full-term, 2) your care team and birthing location have a huge impact on the birth experience itself. Now, I believe that it’s best to begin as soon as possible. Even prior to conception.
To begin, ask yourself the following:
What are my beliefs/fears surrounding birth?
What does my prenatal care look like? (This will help you decide if you’d like an OB, Midwife, or both. Do your research!)
What type of birth do I want?
Where is my ideal birth location? (Hospital? Home? Birth Center?)
What is the atmosphere like? (Dimmed lighting, diffuser, music)
Will I hire a doula? (Whispers, yes!)
Who else do I want in my birthing space?
Do these people make me feel safe and supported?
Do I want to catch my baby?
Do I want my birth photographed and/or filmed?
(If you’ve already selected a provider and birthing location and haven’t considered any of this, all is not lost.)
After The Courses and Research
Once you’ve attended a childbirth education course (shameless plug), you can move onto the specifics: induction methods, pain relief, comfort measures, nourishment, newborn procedures, postpartum planning, etc.
You may begin to ask yourself the following:
Has my overall vision changed?
Do I understand my rights as a birthing person?
Do I feel that I am informed enough to make the best decisions for myself and my baby?
What induction methods am I most comfortable with?
What methods of pain relief am I most comfortable with?
Which pain relief options/interventions are a hard no for me?
Do I want routine IV fluids?
Will I keep my baby intact or circumcise?
If my baby is born asleep, do I wish to see and hold my baby?
If I don’t survive my birth, what are my wishes for the care of my child(ren)?
Would I like to keep my placenta?
In case of a cesarean birth, who will be my support person in the OR?
Do I want to delay newborn procedures until after I’ve bonded with my baby?
Do I want my baby vaccinated at the hospital or at the pediatrician’s office?
What does my support system look like postpartum?
Who will I call if I need lactation support?
Do I have a meal train set up?
Who will help with household chores so that I can rest and recover?
* This is not an exhaustive list *
Creating a birth plan should not be stressful. Seeing your vision written out on paper can help you sort out your thoughts and alleviate some anxiety.
When Do I Discuss My Vision With My Care Team?
As early as the first visit which you can use as a consultation. During your search for a healthcare provider and/or doula, it is helpful to have an idea of the birth experience you’re striving for. Because birth plans are modifiable, you can make changes as often as you’d like.
What if My Birth Goes Differently Than What I Envisioned?
Remember that the purpose of documenting your needs/wishes isn’t to dictate the outcome of your birth, but a method to communicate to your care team how you and your baby should be cared for. I strongly encourage creating multiple plans- “ideal” birth plan, induction plan, cesarean, postpartum, and even an in case of emergency plan for the birthing parent and baby. Investing this time ahead of entering the birth space can minimize the amount of decisions you are making on the spot and can ensure that the decisions you are making are informed (remember I mentioned taking a childbirth class, first?) Additionally, in my experiences as a mom and doula, when we feel safe, respected by our care team and actively participate in our births we often have more positive feelings about our birth, even when things deviate from or expectations. It’s also normal to experience some grief, despite our best efforts, that’s human. Your doula can help you debrief postpartum and refer you to additional resources as needed to aid in your healing process.
Did You Know?
Surrogates, adoptive parents, and parents of angel babies (those who knew beforehand that their babies would be born asleep) can also benefit from creating a birth/care plan (AND doula support)??
Final notes:
Keep your plan straight to the point. If it’s too wordy, it’s likely that your busy care team won’t read it in full.
Refrain from stating “…unless there is an emergency”. Our medical system is broken and these words are often used to coerce birthing parents into unnecessary interventions.
Keep it organized!
Create multiple plans (cesarean, induction, ICE) and do your best to limit them to one page each!
Print out several copies so that you have enough for yourself and your care team.
To my black and brown siblings,
You are worthy of kindness, respect, and compassionate care. Remember that you employ your care team. It is your right to seek care elsewhere when necessary. Never feel guilty for advocating for yourself; do so unapologetically. Your body. Your baby- stop asking permission.
With Love,
B.LáDoula
Updated: March 8th, 2025