Birth and delivery are a joyous experience for the whole family. But just like any other medical procedure, you have the right to choose different factors of the process, including where to give birth, whether to use pain management methods, mood of the environment, among other key preferences.
A birth plan outlines these preferences for labour and delivery to ensure your wishes are granted from when you go into labour until after birth. Our downloadable and printable birth plan template contains a checklist of all the important components to include when planning for your birth. The best time to start crafting your birth plan is pregnancy week 34 but wherever you’re along your pregnancy journey, it’s never too early.
Fill it out and make several copies to share with your doctor and partner.
What Next After Creating Your Birth Plan
After you’ve created your birth plan with our template, ensure you go over the details with your doctor on the next antenatal appointment. Your doctor will tell you what’s realistic within the facility you’ve chosen. Some hospitals may not allow certain requests, and it’s better to know early and adjust your expectations.
Print out several copies as well and give your healthcare provider, nurse midwife, your partner, doula, or any other persons who will be in the delivery room each a copy. This ensures that you have someone else rooting for your rights if you’re not in a position to. Remember that your options may change based on your medical condition. If this happens, your doctors will should inform you or your partner of the changes and seek informed consent.