A birth plan is a way to communicate your desires for your birth, whether that be for medications, no drugs or anything in between.
Getting to the hospital too soon can cause you to be subjected to additional interventions and risk. But how do you decide to stay at home or go to the hospital? Or even when to leave the hospital?
A breastfeeding plan is an extension of a birth plan to help you get breastfeeding off on the right foot.
Writing a birth plan to help you express your wishes and concerns for your labor and birth is a great idea. This helps you let your doctors, nurses and midwives know how best to help you in labor and the immediate postpartum. It can include information on pain management in labor including epidural anesthesia, the immediate postpartum as well as baby care.
Information on how to convey your ideas and beliefs about birth in a non-threatening way, from your About.com Guide.
You've planned for the birth, now let's see what comes next. Information on hospital procedures and testing for newborns. From APGARs on...
Some hints on thinking about your birth plan and some samples.
Ideas on getting what you want.
"Many mothers, midwives and obstetricians today favor a written birth plan as a vital tool in fostering the safest and most fulfilling birth experience for the family."
Some questions to ask yourself before making a birth plan.
While a birth plan includes how you want to comfort yourself in labor and information on proposals, including breastfeeding might save you some headaches in the hospital. Have you thought that far ahead?
Design your birth plan with a point and click method. Many hospitals use this form.
