A birth plan outlines your wishes for labor and birth. It helps your healthcare providers know what you want and expect. But be aware that labor is a series of changing conditions, and your birth plan may need to change at the last minute. Work with your healthcare provider to create a plan that leaves room for the unexpected.
Birth preparation classes can help you think about what to include in your birth plan. When making your plan, ask yourself:
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What type of room will I give birth in?
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Do I want to be able to walk around during labor and choose labor positions?
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What types of comfort measures do I want? Massage, acupressure, birth balls, or music?
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Who do I want for my support people? What will their roles be? Who will be with me in the delivery room?
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What are my choices for managing pain during labor and birth? How will medicines for pain affect my baby and my labor?
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Do I want continuous fetal monitoring?
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What types of medicines and IV fluids will I allow to assist me with labor?
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What types of procedures or medicines (if any) will I allow to speed up the labor process?
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What type of care and length of hospital stay will my health plan cover?
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What choices would I consider should unexpected circumstances develop?
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If I had a cesarean in the past, is VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) a choice?
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Do I want immediate contact with my baby after birth with no separation?
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How do I want to feed my baby? Breastfeeding only, or will I allow some formula?
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Do I want to delay any medicines or vaccines right after my baby is born?