When you go into labor, you might not feel like answering a lot of questions or waiting on your preferences for comfort to be fulfilled. It’s smart to develop a birth plan prior to your labor day to communicate your preferences to those involved in your delivery. A birth plan is a document that shares your preferences with your family and patient care team. Creating a plan ahead of time can provide peace of mind leading up to your special day and during your stay in the delivery room. Remember who, what, how, and where when developing your birth plan.
WHO: Visitors & Care Team
Who will be in the delivery room when it comes time for you to deliver? Specifying who you want ahead of time can let everyone involved know where to be at the right time.
- Do you want a doula? A doula is a labor support companion that advocates for the mother to give her a safe and empowering experience.
- Will there be children present? Decide when you want siblings or other young relatives to be in your delivery room.
- Who is part of your patient care team? Make sure you know who will be helping you through labor and after delivery. You may want to request a particular specialist.