Birth plan: key steps to prepare it well
The birth plan is a document in which the pregnant woman expresses her preferences, desires and needs regarding the birth of her baby. Although it is not a binding contract, it helps the medical team to know your expectations and promote a more respected, safe and personalized birth experience. Preparing it in advance is key to experiencing the birth with greater peace of mind and empowerment.
What is a birth plan and why is it important?
The birth plan is a communication tool between the pregnant woman (and her partner, if there is one) and the health personnel. It allows you to record relevant aspects such as:
- Pain management preferences.
- Positions for labor.
- Accompaniment during the process.
- Medical interventions that you want to avoid or accept.
- Newborn care after birth.
The Spanish Ministry of Health recommends it as a way to promote women's autonomy in the birth process. Although the reality of childbirth may require adjustments, having this document offers a clear and consensual framework of reference.
Developing a couple's birth plan can strengthen communication and mutual support.
When to start preparing it?
Ideally, you should start writing your birth plan between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy, although you can adapt it to the end. By now, most women have had time to educate themselves, attend childbirth classes, and talk to their midwife or gynecologist.
Including the companion from the beginning is recommended, since many decisions can also affect their role during birth.
Key steps to prepare your birth plan
Here's a step-by-step guide to building a mindful and helpful birth plan:
1. Get informed by reliable sources
Take time to read about the birth process and the options available. Sources such as World Health Organization or the Asociación Española de Pediatría are excellent starting points. You can also consult with your midwife about the usual practices of the hospital or birth center where you will give birth.
2. Reflect on your preferences
Think about how you'd like to go through labor: Would you like to move freely? Do you prefer dim lighting? Do you want someone to accompany you? What analgesia options are you interested in? This is not an exam, but a process of self-knowledge. There are no "right" decisions, only those that align with your values and expectations.
3. Talk to your health care provider
Share your ideas with the midwife or gynecologist. They can guide you on what's feasible within the clinical setting in which you'll be giving birth, and suggest adjustments if there are medical risks. This conversation not only refines the plan, but also fosters a bond of trust with the care team.
4. Write it clearly and practically
The document should be no more than one or two pages long. Use short sentences, ordered by thematic blocks: labor, birth, immediate postpartum, breastfeeding, etc. There are templates available on many official websites or parenting associations that can help you structure it better.
"A birth plan is not about controlling what will happen, but about having a say in what matters to you."
Key things you can include in your plan
While content may vary, here are some of the topics that are commonly addressed:
- Desire to avoid certain interventions (such as routine episiotomy).
- Choice of companion(s) during delivery.
- Preferred type of analgesia (epidural, natural methods, etc.).
- Posture for the expulsive.
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact.
- Exclusive breastfeeding from birth.
- No unnecessary separation from the baby.
Remember that everything can be modified during childbirth, depending on what you want or the evolution of the process. The most important thing is to maintain a flexible attitude and feel heard.
What to do with your birth plan once ready?
Once you've prepared it, print out several copies and keep them in your hospital bag. Give one copy at prenatal visits, another on the day of admission and keep one you. You can also upload it digitally if the hospital allows it. Remember to mention it to the staff on duty, as sometimes it is not checked automatically.
Carrying several copies of the birth plan makes it easier for all professionals to be informed.
This content is not a substitute for medical advice