Four Birth Plan Myths

Myth 1:

No One Will Read My Birth Plan

With the limited time OBs have for patient interaction, many women understandably feel that their birth plan won't be read. While you're OB may not have the time, your delivery nurse probably will. She will be your advocate throughout the birth process and the more information she has, the better; and who knows? It may be a slow night and your OB may have the time to take in every detail.

Myth 2:

If I Write It Down, I'm Stuck With It

Every labor is different and no Mom can predict her feelings when the day finally arrives. Even if you've been in labor before and think you know what to expect, complications can quickly take you down an unexpected path. No one expects you to know exactly what you'll want in advance, and no one is going to criticize you for changing directions. So make a plan, but feel free to depart from it at any time.

Myth 3:

Birth Plans Are a Hassle for Nurses and Doctors

Wrong. Birth plans give your care providers a useful source of information about you. Think of the birth as a partnership - the care provider and hospital will give you a booklet detailing what you can expect from them. Your birth plan lets them know what they can expect from you.

Myth 4:

My Delivery Will Go According to Plan

A birth plan can quickly become a source of disappointment if you view it as a step-by-step account of what will happen. With the limitless variables involved, the only thing you can be sure of is that something about your birth will surprise you. So give up the idea that the experience will exactly follow the plan. Rather, view the birth plan as your starting point, and know that during the process you will get more information and develop your plan accordingly.

What is a Birth Plan?

  • A "Birth Plan" is simply a written collection of your thoughts and preferences for the birth experience.

  • Writing a birth plan is a great exercise. It forces both of you to examine your thoughts and feelings about birth. you may make changes as you gather opinions and information, but it requires you to think through all the details and to make informed choices.

  • Once you are actually in labor, you may find communication difficult. The birth plan can help guide and facilitate your conversations.

  • During your labor, nurses and doctors may change shifts. The birth plan gives them some background even if they've never met you before.

  • You can include the following in either narrative or bullet list form, but remember that a quick list is a bit easier for care providers to read in a hurry:
    • Your medical history
    • Feelings about pain medication
    • Who you'd like present for the birth
    • Where and how you'd like to labor (positions, walking, etc)
    • Feelings about interventions - AROM, pitocin, etc.
    • Your plans for feeding
    • Your selected pediatrician