During pregnancy, we are preparing with all the necessary things for the day in which our baby is finally born: her clothes, the place where she will sleep, the things she will need, the hospital bag, and so on.
But there is also something important that is recommended to do to all pregnant women: A birth plan We tell you what it is and how to make it.
What is a birth plan?
As the name says, a birth plan is the document in which you establish or plan how you would like your birth to be. It works as a kind of guide so that the medical staff knows your choices and / or preferences for the moment your baby is born.
The birth plan recommends that all pregnant women do so, but it is something completely optional that mothers can give to those who attend or assist in their delivery, and that will be personalized to the needs of each woman.
In it, they can be included your wishes about performing certain medical interventions and the type of delivery you want to have, but even if they are written on it, you can state that you want to change your mind, when it is time for delivery.
The purpose or intention of the birth plan, in addition to being a document in which you clearly specify your preferences, is that be informed in advance, so that you can decide responsibly.
How to make your birth plan
It is recommended prepare it between weeks 28 and 32 of pregnancy, so that you have enough time to plan it with peace of mind, consciously choose and be able to have all the information about childbirth, as well as consult with your doctor any questions that may arise.
You are probably wondering what is included in the birth plan, or if it is limited only to the possible medical interventions that are proposed or necessary when the time comes for your baby to be born.
But in the delivery plan, not only your choice about the procedures to be performed is manifested, but also a list of personal preferences that will help you have the birth you want as:
- The choice of clothes you will wear: if it is the hospital gown or nightgown or if you wear your own clothes for the time of delivery.
- If you want to have a particular setting to make you feel more comfortable, like choose and put your own music, to help you relax and prepare for the arrival of your baby.
- Indicate who do you want to be with you during the delivery.
As for the medical, in the birth plan you must write down and specify preferences about each procedure, for example:
- Pain management If you want to use anesthesia or not, as well as the type of anesthesia if you choose yes.
- The type of monitoring. You can specify how you want the baby's heartbeat to be monitored: if it is continuous or if it is intermittent (every 20-30 minutes and which allows freedom of movement).
- The use of support material for childbirth, such as the expansion ball, cushions or dilation bathtub.
- If you want to have freedom of movement and also to choose the position that is most comfortable for you.
- The performance or not of the episiotomy.
- The waiting time for the cut of the cord or if you want your companion to be the one who makes the cut.
- Skin-to-skin contact immediately after your baby is born.
- The immediate onset of breastfeeding.
Once finished, you can deliver it to your gynecologist days before your estimated date of delivery, or even take it to the hospital the same day you are admitted, so that the medical staff is aware of what you want.
Remember that The birth plan is a guide for those who assist you to know your preferencesHowever, it is not something rigid and you always have the right to change your mind if you wish, to have a satisfactory experience.
Photos | iStock
In Babies and more | Guide to make your own Birth Plan (part one), The Birth Plan: that document that should be considered sacred and looks like WC paper
