5 Goals for a Successful Birth Plan
by Andy Mayer
Are you stuck writing a plan or wondering if you should do it or not? Have you heard these comments before?
“Why bother it will all go out the window on the day”
“What is the point, things go wrong and you can’t stop them happening”
“The professionals don’t care they will do whatever they want anyway”
“Just wing it”
Birth plans cause so much consternation for new parents. The main reasons are usually
- they don’t actually know what they want
- feel a plan might challenge their caregivers
- have no idea how to write one
- have been told it is a waste of time
- they are scared of birth and afraid to take responsibility
Like anything in life, if you know where you want to go or what you want to achieve a list or a plan can help you get there and keep on track. Not clarifying goals often leads to doubts and questions and focussing on the negatives that hold you back.It can also lead to disappointment because your needs were not voiced.Let’s say you really want your partner to “cut the cord” if you didn’t write it in a plan there is a possibility
- your care giver doesn’t allow for it and you won’t know or get to negotiate
- your caregiver doesn’t ask and cuts it before you have the chance
- you forget to ask
There are many examples I can provide to avoid disappointment but ultimately you can start right now listing the things that are important to you to get started.
KISS- Keep It Simple and Straightforward..
draw 4 columns on a piece of paper and 5 Rows.
Column 1 is – 5 things you want for birth
Column 2 is – the actions you can take yo make it happen
Column 3 is – 5 things you Do Not want for birth
Column 4 is – the actions you can take to prevent these things in column 3
|
WANT list 5 things |
Action | DO NOT WANT list 5 things |
Action |
| be calm | practise breathing exercises,attend specialised classes to learn skills,read books on remaining calm | episiotomy | use a training device, massage, ask caregiver, learn positions for birth |
| bond with baby immediately | aim for a drug free birthadvise the hospitalremain together for the first 2 hrs after birth | be induced | learn about other methods, speak to caregiver, understand induction |
| drug free | c section | find out if I need one, learn how to progress labour | |
| partner assistance | pain | ||
| healthy baby | exercise, eat well, learn relaxation skills | bossy staff |
This goal setting exercise will enable you to write a one page basic birth plan.
A birth plan is NOT set in stone, it is set in sand and is flexible and can change as needed . It is a guide for you to be able to negotiate your needs and understand your care givers methods. It can provide you with peace of mind that you are setting yourself up towards your baby’s birth
Now you can write the things you want into a birth plan and discuss this with your caregivers. It is a win win situation for all of you.
What would the world become if no body planned because they thought it was not worth it? Go on put a little bit of effort into planning your baby’s birth and notice how much satisfaction comes from it.
My year 12 English teacher told me NEVER ASSUME always back it up! So go ahead and start planning. Could be the best 5 minutes you spend all year.
Click here if you want a birth plan template for 0.99 cents
xoxo