Why It's a Good Idea to Write a Birth Plan (Even if you Don't Use It)

Now let's get one thing straight. We shouldn't call them birth plans. They can be called birth visions, birth wishes, birth frameworks, you get the point. The  idea is that you know your options for a safe and healthy birth and you are informed in all of the decisions you might have to take to get there. It means preparing your body, home, relationship, mind, and soul for a very arduous journey. It means making sure you know your options so that when things go according to "plan" you can react, and when they deviate from plan you can also react. I say react and not act, because you are listening to your baby and your body through the both process. 

No plan is ever foolproof. That’s why we hear about plan B, and plan C and so on. Another reason why we should create our birth plans with variations in mind. Minor and major changes to the plan can happen, so being open to that is the best thing you can do for yourself. Being flexible enough to roll with the cards you are dealt will help you adjust and move forward. I push education of all options so that when a birth plan has not manifested itself perfectly, we can adapt.

I think it's a great idea to write birth plans. (I think it's also a great idea to make prenatal plans, and postpartum plans too - but more on that another time.) I have broken down a few reasons why I think it’s a good idea to write a birth plan. Even if you don’t take it with you to your birth locale, even if you don’t follow through with it, even if you change your mind on half of the decisions. 

Create an Open Discussion
Maintenance and strengthening of current relationships will allow for a solid foundation for your growing family. By verbalizing thoughts and emotions it will allow everyone involved in your life to be aware of your birth and parenting wishes and allow them to support you, and you to support them. Talking to your partner about the birth, and your changing roles in the family will help define clear expectations and realities for everyone. 
​

---

Educate Yourself
You must learn the options for birth, the complications that can arise, the timeline of a normal labour, and other things before making a plan. Knowing what is going to happen to your body will be a most helpful tool to making the right decisions and actions to have your baby the way you want to have him. A doula is a great support for this process. She will give you the tools you need to create your birth plan and help you along the way to adjust. ​​

---

Learn How to be a Parent
By learning as much as you can about certain situations and decisions, then making informed decisions, you are being the best parent you can be. Your pregnancy and baby’s birth will be the first time you are able to affect the environment for your child and your family. Being a conscious parent for these moments will transfer skills you will need for your next moments as a parent.

---

Informed Consent
The Oxford Dictionary defines informed consent as, “permission granted in full knowledge of the possible consequences, typically that which is given by a patient to a doctor for treatment with knowledge of the possible risks and benefits.”For birth, a mother must receive proper information about any intervention or care provided so that she is able to properly make a decision for her situation. It must be her decision and she must not be coerced by any medical staff. 
Make sure that if you are not receiving proper information that you stop and ask questions. If those questions do not satisfy you, ask more questions and seek information elsewhere. 

---

Take Control
Now, you’ve learned all you can about birth and informed consent. You have created a sound network and empowered your inner parent, now to take action. Advocating for your rights is important. It can be as simple as asking questions to your healthcare provider at the next checkup. Keep note of questions throughout the time between visits and if you haven’t come to find the answers on your own, ask away! (Doulas love answering lots of questions like this too - without giving medical advice). ​

Now take note, pregnancy is usually the first real encounter a healthy woman has with the healthcare system in her lifetime. It is daunting and sometimes tough to navigate. Do not be discouraged if you find it all to be too much. With a doula, the proper education, and a great healthcare team, you can be well on your way to obtaining optimum care. ​

---

1.  Canadian Medical Protective Association - CMPA Good Practices Guide