Let’s Clear Up This Misconception About Birth Plans
- Mar 2, 2023
- 4 min read
Written by: Brittany Martin, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
There is a massive misconception regarding the need for birth plans/visions. If you’re one of those people who think they are “useless,” this one is for you.
I always ask my clients if they’ve created, or have an interest in creating, a birth plan, and while most of them understand the value, occasionally, someone will hit me with, “no, birth is unpredictable, so I don’t see the point.” Indeed, birth is not a predictable nor linear experience (especially with the overuse of medical intervention), but that is precisely what makes a birth plan so valuable. A birth plan is not a list of demands to your care team but a tool that allows the birthing person or parent(s) to think through their options and facilitate discussions with their care team before entering the birth space.
For some, writing down their birth goals or vision is their way of manifesting their ideal birthing experience. Ever heard of a vision board? Same concept.
*Note: “Birth Plan” and “Birth Vision” will be used interchangeably throughout this text. *
The Sooner You Begin, The Better
In the past, I believed it was best to create a birth plan closer to the end of pregnancy until I considered two things: 1) all babies aren’t born full-term, and 2) your care team and birthing location have a significant impact on the birth process itself. That said, begin as soon as possible, even before conception.
To begin, ask yourself the following:
What are my beliefs surrounding birth?
What are my fears surrounding birth?
How does my prenatal care look? (This will help you decide if you’d like an OB, Midwife, or both. Do your research!)
Where is my ideal birth location? (Hospital? Home? Birth Center?)
How does the atmosphere feel?
Do I want a land birth? Waterbirth?
Will I hire a doula? (Whispers, yes!)
Who else do I want in my birthing space?
Do these people make me feel safe and supported?
Do I want to catch my baby?
I want my birth photographed or filmed?
(If you’ve already selected a provider and birthing location and haven’t considered any of this, all is not lost.)
After The Courses and Research
Once you’ve attended a childbirth education course, you can move onto the specifics: induction methods, pain relief, comfort measures, nourishment, newborn procedures, etc.
You may begin to ask yourself the following:
Has my overall vision changed?
Do I understand my rights as a birthing person?
Do I feel informed enough to make the best decisions for myself and my baby?
What induction methods am I most comfortable with?
What methods of pain relief am I most comfortable with?
Which pain relief options and procedures are a hard no for me?
What position will I push in?
If my baby is born asleep, do I wish to see and hold my baby?
If I don’t survive my birth, what are my wishes for the care of my child(ren)?
Would I like to keep my placenta?
In case of a cesarean birth, who will be my support person?
Do I want to delay newborn procedures until I’ve bonded with my baby?
Do I want my baby vaccinated at the hospital or the pediatrician’s office?
*This is not an exhaustive list *
Creating a birth plan should be relatively easy. Seeing your vision written on paper can help you sort out your thoughts and alleviate some anxiety. Remember, your birth plan shouldn’t be too lengthy the more concise, the better. If you need additional help, I am glad to assist!
When Do I Discuss My Vision with My Care Team?
Begin discussing your vision with your care team as soon as you’d like. While building your birth team, having an idea of the birth experience you’re striving for is helpful. Because birth plans are modifiable, you can make changes as often as you need.
Remember to print out several copies to have enough for yourself and your care team.
What if My Birth Goes Differently Than What I Envisioned?
In my experience, my clients’ sense of fulfillment, success, and empowerment often stems from the prep work they did to ensure they made the best decisions for themselves and their babies.
A thorough birth plan will include “ideals” and “special circumstances.” For example, if one envisions a vaginal birth but needs to, or later opts to have a cesarean, their birth plan already states their wishes/preferences: “in the event of a cesarean, I’d like…”
Too many of us myself included have gone into the birthing space blindly and ill-prepared. A birth plan is sometimes the first step to actively participating in your birth.
Again, a birth plan is not a list of demands to your care team. However, it helps in preparing for the journey into parenthood. In the birthing space, it serves as a reminder of what makes you feel most comfortable, safe, and addresses your preferences for your baby's care.
Surrogates, adoptive parents, and parents of angel babies (those who knew beforehand that their babies would be born asleep) can also benefit from creating a birth plan.
To my black and brown siblings,
You are worthy of kindness, respect, and quality care. Remember that you employ your care team. It is your right to seek care elsewhere when necessary. Never feel guilty for advocating for yourself; do so unapologetically. Your body, your baby ‒ stop asking permission.
Brittany Martin, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Brittany is a mom, full-spectrum doula, lactation counselor and placenta encapsulation specialist. Her life experiences are what began her journey doing this sacred and healing work. In the U.S., black women/birthing folks and their babies are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes than white women because of racism. Brittany's role as a doula allows her to support, educate and empower black birthing folks throughout their reproductive journeys which has been proven to improve birth outcomes. Brittany believes that this is her life's work and her vision continues to expand as she evolves through self-discovery and life experience.
