Not looking for a doula but have questions about your birth plan?

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You may want to focus your support on writing a birth plan without hiring a doula for several reasons.

In today’s climate, many hospitals have strict Covid-19 rules and restrict the number of people allowed with you at your baby' birth. If you are only allowed one support person at your side during your baby’s birth, that person will be solely responsible for communicating your wishes, which is a big responsibility! My services will allow you both to feel calm and confident when talking to your providers.

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You may be having a scheduled birth, either by induction or cesarean delivery and just to know what to expect.  In both of these cases, having a birth plan will help immensely. Knowing the procedures for both, what you can say yes or no to, and what you would like to advocate for will ease any fears you may have before you are in labor.

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A doula might be out of reach due to financial concerns, or perhaps you just know that in-person doula support isn’t for you. However, you may find creating a birth plan overwhelming and you just need some help working through the options. I completely understand and firmly believe that everyone should make decisions that are right for them and their family.  Pregnancy and birth is a journey unique to the individual, and I will gladly support you in whatever way you need. 

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​Regardless of your situation, having a birth plan is important, and I'm happy to walk you through all of the options you will have to consider. 

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It's ok if you don't know where to start. 

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Writing a birth plan is one of the steps in pregnancy that many people put off for different reasons. It’s hard to know where to start. Do an internet search for “birth plan” and you’ll find hundreds of different options, all with different layouts, colors, and styles. Once you start looking at them, you’ll even see different choices on each of them. The anxiety over picking which plan and what to put on it is enough to make anyone just walk away from it. 

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As a parent myself, I truly did not understand the value of birth plans when I had my children. I thought I could just figure it out at the moment and did not 'get' that I was able to decline or ask for more time when interventions and choices came up. I was unaware that some providers, most definitely not all, but some, had their own agendas and thoughts about how the birth of my baby should play out.  Because of this, I didn't create any plans, preferences, or intentions. While both of my children and I emerged from our births healthy, they absolutely felt guided by others and not by my husband and myself.

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I understand that you have so many things to think about, and so many decisions to make, and the last thing you want to do is sit down and make big choices for yourself and your baby without truly understanding them. My birth plan guidance will make this process simple so you can go back to connecting with your baby before they arrive.

 

What birth plan guidance includes:

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• During our session, we will work through an editable version of a visual birth plan that I helped to design.

• We will talk about each and every option on that plan, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

• If you need more resources so that you can research any option in more detail, I will provide non-biased, evidence-based sources for you to check out on your own time.

• I will share with both you and your partner ways to communicate your choices to your providers, as well as what questions to ask if they suggest something other than what you wrote on your plan.

• At the end of the session, you will have a completed or nearly completed birth plan so that you can walk into your labor and birth with confidence.

• After our meeting, you'll be able to share your preferences with anyone who will be at your birth and check this task off of your to-do list!

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It’s normal to have questions regarding birth plans.  

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Do I really need a birth plan?

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This is a polarizing question in the birth world, and you will likely get different answers from different birth keepers. However, in my opinion, the answer is most definitely yes. As the saying goes, "the power of the birth plan is not with the plan itself. The power is becoming educated about all of your choices." I also like to tell all of my clients that if you don't know your choices, you don't have any. It’s important to keep in mind that this plan is actually a guide to your preferences. Writing out your intentions and your idea of a perfect birth will allow you to understand anything that may come up and how you feel about those interventions or procedures before you are in labor and at your most vulnerable. I talk to all of my clients about how to find the balance between sticking to your plan, going with the flow, and following your baby’s lead. 

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Can’t I just wing it and make decisions as they come up in labor?

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It’s very difficult to make rational decisions while in labor. As you move into the active phase, the logical thinking part of your brain will shut off as you allow your emotional, instinctual brain to take over- it’s a coping mechanism that allows you to handle the sensations of labor.  It’s incredibly difficult to think through and make informed decisions that are right for you and your baby. It’s much easier to have most choices decided so that when you are in labor, you can do just that and only that. 

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Why should I make a birth plan when I can just talk to my provider throughout my pregnancy?

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While it’s a really good idea to talk to your provider about your birth intentions throughout your pregnancy, it’s important to remember that if you are birthing in a hospital, it’s likely that you won’t have met the provider that is attending your birth. Also, you’ll need to provide the nurses with your birth plan, since they will be the ones spending the most time with you. 

If you are birthing at a center or at home, giving everyone who is present a copy of your preferences will ensure that everyone is supporting you in the ways you need. In addition, in the case of a transfer to the hospital, you can advocate for continuity of care and won’t have to spend additional time answering questions while in labor. 

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Ready?  Let’s go!

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I would be thrilled to walk you through your birth plan.  If you are ready to complete this milestone in your pregnancy, click here to book your session.  You may also reach me at 619-729-6601 if you have more questions or want to talk before scheduling.