Your birth plan
A birth plan is a simple one-page document that outlines your preferences for the birth of your child. As you develop your birth plan, here are some questions to ask yourself and discuss with your partner.
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Who will deliver your baby? Do you receive your prenatal care from an obstetrician or midwife? As mentioned above, be sure to include their name and a backup choice.
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Where will you deliver your baby? Do you want to deliver in a hospital, in a birthing center, or in your home? Have you toured the facility where you plan to give birth? Do you have everything in place for a home birth?
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Who do you want to be present? Just you and your partner? Will you have a doula? Will there be children/siblings present?
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Do you want a delayed cord clamping if possible? Do you want to save the cord blood? Does your partner wish to cut the cord himself?
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Do you want skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?
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Do you plan to breastfeed?
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Do you want mobility, or do you wish to stay in bed?
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What activities or positions do you plan to use (walking, standing, squatting, hands and knees)?
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Do you prefer a certain position to give birth?
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What will you do for pain relief (massage, hot and cold packs, different positions, focal points, music, breathing exercises, shower or tub, medication)? Does the birthing facility offer these options?
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How do you feel about fetal monitoring?
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How do you plan to stay hydrated (sips of drinks, ice chips, IV)?
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Do you want to take pain medications, or not? Do you have a preference for certain pain medications?
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Would you be willing to have an episiotomy? Or, are there certain measures you want to use to avoid one?
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What are your preferences for your baby’s care (when to feed, where to sleep)?
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Do you want a routine IV, a heparin/saline block, or neither?
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Do you want to wear your own clothing?
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For home and birth center births, what are your plans for hospital transport in case of emergency?
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If you need a cesarean, do you have any special requests?