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Having a plan for when you give birth is a great way to put your mind at ease, checking one worry off your list. But, what should you consider when writing one? We explore this question, here…
A pregnancy is time of great joy, but it can
also be incredibly stressful. It requires lots of planning to be done and
decisions to be made.
One way to settle feelings of stress is to
create a birthing plan. It’s important these discussions are had in advance as
there are time limits for negligence claims which can
add unnecessary pressure for new parents. Knowing what to expect will give you
guidance for anything goes wrong.
In this article, we’ll take you through the six
things you need to consider when creating your plan. Take a look…
What is a Birthing Plan?
A birthing plan is a written outline of your
preferences during your labour and delivery. This includes details such as who
you would like with you during labour, whether you want medication, and even
what kind of music you would like to listen to during labour.
Putting your plan into writing is a really
good way of ensuring that there are no misunderstandings regarding your wishes
once you go into labour. Some options involved in birthing plans can carry an
inherent risk, therefore they need to be discussed with a professional.
What Do I
Need to Consider When Making a Birthing Plan?
Your Philosophy
Whatever kind of birth you decide on, it’s
important that you’re able to communicate not just your wishes, but the reasons
behind your decisions to everybody involved. Having a written plan can provide
context for everyone involved.
For example, if you wish to give birth without
pain medication because you want the birth to be as natural as possible, this
is essential information to be included in your birthing plan. Don’t worry, you
can change your mind during labour if you feel changes are needed, depending on
the circumstances.
Your Environment
The idea of childbirth can be extremely
stressful, and you may find that you are feeling overwhelmed at times leading
up to it. To ease your mind, it’s vital that you plan ahead and think about
your ideal birthing environment.
Planning ahead and knowing what to expect will help relax anxious
thoughts. Some factors to consider during labour can include where you want to
give birth. For example, at a hospital perhaps in a birthing pool.
You could also consider limiting the number of people in the birthing
room to keep you feeling as comfortable as possible. Your birthing plan should
also state who you would like to be present with you for the birth, for
example, a partner or parent.
Stipulating this in your birthing plan is
important for keeping you relaxed (and may discourage your mother-in-law from
muscling in on the action, armed with a video recorder).
Your Coping
Skills
When it comes to labour and delivery, most people will employ some coping activities such as breathing exercises, positioning, and use of water. Finding a coping activity can make a real difference during the birth.
Including calming activities in your birthing
plan can inform those supporting you during the birth on what helps you keep
calm.
Fetal Monitoring
These days, many hospitals and birthing centres use electronic means for fetal monitoring, which some may not be comfortable with. If you would prefer a non-electronic method of monitoring, such as a fetoscope or stethoscope, its essential that you make the medical professionals aware of this and to include it on your birthing plan.
You may also want to stipulate the level of
monitoring you wish to have, i.e. constant or intermittent. You should consult
with a professional if you have any concerns about fetal monitoring.
Your
Birthing Rights
Whilst writing your birthing plan, it’s also
important to consider your birthing
rights. Most importantly, you should know that you have the right to bodily
autonomy and self-determination whilst giving birth.
Although you might think your doctor knows
best – and they often do – you also have the right to refuse any treatment or
surgeries. Historically, many women have not been given this right, and
emergency circumstances have led to doctors performing unwanted surgical
manoeuvers to make the birthing process easier, without consent. Although this
improves the birthing of the child, it leaves many women feeling uncomfortable,
and may lead to more difficult healing post-birth, as well as PTSD.
Knowing your rights before giving birth, and
perhaps stipulating these in your plan, can help these situations to be
avoided. It can help you to remain informed so that, if the birth doesn’t go as
planned and emergency measures must be taken, you know what you’re entitled to.
This can also help you to avoid any medical negligence claims later down the
line.
Welcoming Your Baby
Once you have thought about everything leading
up to giving birth you may want to think about the next steps for after your
baby has been born. For example, you may want to hold your baby immediately
after birth, or you may prefer that they are cleaned first.
You’ll also want to think about whether you intend to breastfeed
or bottle feed your baby. Prepare any questions you have for midwives ready so
you can leave the hospital feeling confident.
Finally, you may have the option of your baby sleeping
with you for the first night or sleeping in the hospital’s nursery. Making sure
that you have this information on your birthing plan will help to make sure
that the process is seamless and that your wishes are honoured without the need
for you to voice them, thus interrupting this very special moment between you and
your baby.
Birthing Plans
Can Help Settle Any Nerves…
Childbirth is a unique life changing
experience. Your birthing plan is your blueprint which will help you to dictate
a number of different factors which, combined, make up the entire experience. It’s
important your wishes are heard to give you a sense of control on what can be a
daunting thought.
Discuss your birthing plan with your midwife
or medical professional beforehand to make sure that you’re all on the same
page is also wise. This will give your midwife a chance to advise on certain
parts of the procedure and allow you to tweak your birthing plan if necessary.
Please
be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only and
should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained medical
professional. Be sure to consult a doctor or health professional if you’re
seeking advice about giving birth. We are not liable for risks or issues
associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
·
Lucian Avieira: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/hospital-bed-hospital-room-6633778/
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https://unsplash.com/photos/ux53SGpRAHU
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Christian Bowen: https://unsplash.com/photos/I0ItPtIsVEE
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it’s not deemed compulsory, we respectfully ask that you consider crediting the
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