The big day is getting closer. Although there’s no way to guarantee everything will go exactly as planned, having a birth plan in place can help ensure everyone knows your preferences for labor and birth. Here are some items to include in your birth plan:
Contact Information
- Your doctor's name and phone number
- Name of your hospital or birth facility, including city
- Names and phone numbers of your support people
Atmosphere
- Music
- Lighting
- Room noise
- Camera or video
- A list of people you would like in the room
During Labor
- Your position (lying in bed, walking, squatting, standing)
- Birthing tools (ball, stool, chair)
- Warm bath or shower
- Pain relief (epidural, pain meds, massage)
- Episiotomy preferences
- C-section preferences (who will be with you in delivery)
After the Birth
- Umbilical cord (who cuts the cord, saving cord blood)
- Placenta (what to do with it)
- Holding the baby after delivery
- Circumcision
- Feeding (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding)
- Baby's location (your room, nursery)